A Resilient Valley- Restoring the Tennessee River Valley Watershed from the Impact of Hurricane Helene
The impact of Hurricane Helene’s extreme flooding has disrupted communities and ecosystems across the upper region of the Tennessee Valley watershed. On November 4, 2024, TVA issued a press release detailing the staggering amount of water that fell between Thursday, Sept 25 and Sunday, Sept 30, 2024 in an area already saturated with rainfall. As the water has receded, the work has only begun for restoration of the watershed.
Restoration efforts after such a natural disaster are challenging but are necessary for rebuilding resilient environments and reducing future risks. To restore the health of the waterways, there are a number of steps requiring agencies, communities, and local help:
1. Clearing Debris
- Floods deposit large amounts of debris—trees, rocks, and human-made materials—that can obstruct water flow, increasing the risk of further flooding. Removing these obstructions helps stabilize the flow and reduce contamination risks.
2. Assessing Contamination Levels
- Floodwaters can carry contaminants from industrial sites, wastewater plants, and agricultural runoff, which then seep into rivers and lakes. Post-flood assessments determine the levels of pollutants and help to guide decontamination efforts, ensuring water is safe for both wildlife and human use.
3. Rebuilding Wetlands and Riparian Zones
- Wetlands and vegetated riverbanks (riparian zones) act as natural buffers, absorbing floodwaters and filtering pollutants. Replanting native vegetation and reconstructing these areas help protect the waterways, enhance biodiversity, and improve water quality.
4. Restoring River Channels and Banks
- Floods often erode riverbanks and alter channels, leading to instability. Restoring these areas, sometimes by adding natural reinforcements like rocks or plants, prevents further erosion and helps maintain the natural flow of water.
5. Monitoring Wildlife and Habitat Recovery
- Floods displace wildlife and damage habitats, so part of the restoration includes monitoring ecosystem health. Efforts to reintroduce displaced species and rebuild habitats contribute to the overall resilience of the area.
6. Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Successful restoration depends on collaboration among local communities, governments, and environmental organizations. Engaging these groups can lead to sustainable management and help spread awareness about conservation practices.
These restoration steps not only bring immediate relief but also build resilience for future natural disasters, promoting healthier waterways and surrounding ecosystems. Over the next 8-10 months, agencies including TVA have committed to taking the steps needed to sustain the health of this important watershed.
North Alabama is Making the Outdoors Accessible
We often get calls asking questions about access to outdoor attractions, trails, and public spaces for travelers that are wheelchair dependent or not physically able to navigate spaces that more able- bodied people can.
Alabama has made it a mission to not only increase accessibility, but to help people find scenic spots that are accessible.
Waterfalls are beautiful and often a reward at the end of a hike. North Alabama is known for its waterfalls, but how many of these sites can be accessed by people in wheelchairs or those who are not able to hike a long trail?
Follow Curb Free with Cory Lee as he visits seven wheelchair friendly locations in North Alabama. Cory is charting a course for wheelchair dependent traveling,
Or check out North Alabama’s list of waterfalls that are handicap accessible. The outdoors is not just limited to able bodied visitors. Use the ExploreTRV website to find discover new places that are “curb free.”
Norris Lake Project Celebrates 15 Years of Conservation Stewardship and Community Service
Dedicated volunteers helping ensure Tennessee River Valley recreation treasures are valued and protected in perpetuity
The Norris Lake Project, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and perpetual improvement of Norris Lake and its surrounding communities, proudly announces its 15th anniversary of service.
Since its founding in 2009, the Norris Lake Project (NLP) has been committed to safeguarding the natural beauty and enhancing recreational opportunities throughout the scenic Norris Lake, which is spread across 34,000 surface acres and surrounded by over 800 miles of shoreline.
Over the past decade and a half, NLP has removed more than a million pounds of trash from the sprawling reservoir, its shores and feeder streams.
Fortunately, and in no small part due to NLP’s enduring labors of ecological love, the year-to-year mass of man-made debris removed from the waters and surrounding lands of Norris Lake has been declining. NLP members plan to encourage that prideworthy trend by remaining steadfast in their mission of maintaining Norris Lake’s gleaming reputation as a picturesque multi-use gem of the Tennessee River Valley’s 9 Lakes Region for generations to come.
Initially formed to address litter concerns impacting tourism across the East Tennessee counties of Anderson, Union, Campbell, Claiborne and Grainger, the NLP has evolved into a multifaceted organization dedicated to environmental education, community engagement and a multitude of conservation initiatives.
In addition to organizing two large-scale clean-up events annually, the NLP facilitates student learning programs, maintains the Norris Area Trail System, and most recently has begun managing roadside cleanup efforts and improving interpretive features along the historic Norris Freeway, which was designated a National Scenic Byway in 2021.
“The dedicated volunteers of the Norris Lake Project have a rich history of investing their time and efforts to enhance our Norris Lake communities,” said Julie Graham, executive director for the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council. “Their hard work not only showcases the value of our recreational areas, but also ensures their preservation.”
On March 23, the NLP volunteers will embark on their annual 5 County Clean-up.
Through strategic partnerships and logistical coordination with local homeowner associations, student groups, civic organizations, Keep America Beautiful affiliates and marinas, the NLP’s day-long springtime beautification event is dedicated to putting a serious and immediate dent in unsightly, damaging and potentially dangerous garbage that’s accumulated in the watershed over the previous 12 months.
Operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Norris Lake Project is fueled purely by the dedication and commitment of its members and supporters. With no paid staff or board, the NLP relies on generous contributions from like-minded citizens and marina businesses, as well as Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority, which supports conservation and shoreline cleanup efforts throughout the great river basin by providing resources for trash bags, gloves, litter grabbers and dumpster rentals.
As the Volunteer State, Tennessee prides itself on collaborative engagement, cooperative commitment and community teamwork. The activities of the Norris Lake Project exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and serve as a beacon of leadership for preserving the scenic landscapes and invaluable aquatic habitats of East Tennessee and beyond.
“Participating in these efforts is not just about making the environment healthier, but also about fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for our natural heritage,” said Graham. “From the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps building Norris Dam during the Great Depression to the creation of our beloved parks, heritage sites and trails, community volunteers continue to uphold and protect these cherished spaces. Sustaining these treasures demands ongoing commitment and passion.”
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