Watershed Restoration and Protection

As part of Appalachian RC&D Council’s commitment to conserving our regions natural resources, our Watershed Restoration work focuses on improving water quality in our regional watersheds, improving agricultural management of water resources, and increasing the economic viability of our region through environmental tourism on our rivers, creeks and streams.


Through a multipronged approach we work on both large and small scales to impact our regional water quality. From securing funding and gathering partners to repair streams, streambanks and reduce pollution in our regions waterways to small-scale, hands-on workshops for individual landowners to learn about streambank repair, we are working to improve our regions water quality, 1 linear foot of stream at a time.


Along with work directly with landowners, local governments, environmental consulting firms and others, we also work directly with farmers. Our work with farmers includes education on best management practices that reduce agricultural run-off, increase the filterative ability of working lands, and provides resources for potential cost-share funding on implementing such practices.

All of this work culminates with cleaner watersheds that draw in visitors far and wide to enjoy kayaking, fly fishing, or many other forms of recreation on our rivers and streams. Conservation and stewardship of our region’s watershed increases the quality of life for residents and is an economic generator for our region.

Streambank Repair opportunities 2025

Opportunity #1 – For conservation-minded farmland owners in the Holston, Watauga or Nolichucky River systems who would like assistance restoring degraded streams on their property and payment for an easement.  Ideal candidates are property owners who have at least 3,500 and even 5,000 feet or more of streams (and feeder creeks) on their land that are straightened, actively eroding and lacking streamside vegetation.  A site with these characteristics might qualify for Tennessee’s Stream Mitigation Fund that will pay 100% of the costs of restoring these waterways and potentially also pay for fencing and a well with watering tanks for livestock.  A permanent conservation easement of 50 feet on both sides of the restored streams will be required and the landowner will get paid for the value of that conservation easement.

Email Andy – andy@arcd.org

Opportunity #2 – For farmers of any size adjacent specifically to the Nolichucky River who need assistance stabilizing and replanting your river and creek banks damaged during Hurricane Helene. ARC&D is working with the University of Tennessee Institute for Agriculture, Tennessee Department of Agriculture – Forestry, Natural Resources Conservation Service and other partners to install erosion control fabric and plant trees, shrubs and grasses that will protect your streams from high flow events and restore streamside habitat.  (A conservation easement is not required for this assistance.)  This work is being paid for by the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund and Tennessee Valley Authority. Projects will be underway late fall and winter.

Email Sami- sami@arcd.org

 

Join the newly established Tennessee Stream Team

Looking for an outdoor conservation volunteer commitment, that also gives back for flood recovery? ARCD and partners are building a dedicated team of 10 – 15 committed volunteers who want to play a significant role in stabilizing barren and eroding rivers and streambanks along the Nolichucky left behind by Hurricane Helene.

 

  • Volunteers can getting in the dirt, digging holes, kneeling, doing minor hand grading, planting trees and live stakes and spreading mulch, straw and grass seed.
  • Work days will take place once per month for the next year (and possibly longer) as part of our post-Helene river recovery efforts.  
  • ARCD and our partners will offer training, tools and equipment, and all logistics.
  • ARCD will make sure you are covered by adequate insurance, feed you well, reimburse your travel costs, provide recreational and social opportunities, and furnish you with branded Tennessee Stream Team t-shirts!

 This is a perfect volunteer opportunity for active people who are available to commit invest 8 – 12 hours per month.  

Email Sami for your interest, and we’ll invite you to the first training kick off session.

sami@arcd.org – 423-427-3649

CURRENT PROJECT: Nolichucky River, multiple counties

Nolichucky riverbank restoration, and its main tributaries. 

Read above for active programs for landowners.

This Project Partners with:

Tennessee Valley Authority

Supporting community conservation on agriculture lands.

Governor's Fund for Response and Recovery

Funds to support farm recovery and rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.

East Tennessee River Restoration Collaborative

Supporting long term resiliency for the Nolichucky and French Broad watersheds

University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

Providing technical assistance to landowners affected by Hurricane Helene and training our TN Stream Team

PAST PROJECT: Gap Creek, Washington County

Gap Greek – more info forthcoming

This Project Partnered with:

Brushy Fork Environmental Consulting

Dedicated to smart solutions in our home base on Mountain City and in Northeast Tennessee and the high country of North Carolina.

PAST PROJECT: Roan Creek, Johnson County

Roan Creek landowners engaged in rebuilding, re-grading, re-planting, or re-fencing streambanks with Brushy Fork Environmental Consulting.

This Project Partnered with:

Land Trust for Tennessee

Conservation easements protect water quality

Brushy Fork Environmental Consulting

Dedicated to smart solutions in our home base on Mountain City and in Northeast Tennessee and the high country of North Carolina.