2020 Annual Edition

2020 Board of Directors A Letter from Our President Sally Barr, President In 2009, I was asked to run leaking pits at the Gallatin Fossil Plant Jessie Beckett, Vice President TSRA’s and School. I marked a huge win in the protection of Vincent Finamore, Secretary was completely unaware of the huge our waterways. task ahead of me. I vividly remember The TSRA family lost long time Deborah Gilbertson, Treasurer my first visit to a board meeting to member, kayak instructor and good Melissa Boaz share how the school was shaping up. friend Craig Burr in 2019. Those of us Daniel Boone I found myself surrounded by amazing who knew Craig will never forget this man people who were carrying on the long of few words and will always remember David Cole history of addressing environmental his ability to instruct and guide someone Vinson Dill issues, leading conservation efforts and down the river with the simplest of Jon Doliana, Sr. volunteering many hours to instruct in directions. You knew you were in good Katherine Fulk skills and rescue techniques. hands when you paddled with Craig. Little did I know I was embarking on such I am excited about working with Stacee Irwin a rewarding personal venture. the 2020 Board of Directors, TSRA Steve Morris I find myself, again, in a situation in members, volunteers and sponsors Ginger Royster which I have agreed to take on a huge to keep TSRA moving forward and task. But this time, I am aware of the work maintaining our mission to preserve, Donnie Safer ahead of me. I am grateful to have the protect and restore the scenic, free- John Schneider guidance and support of past President flowing rivers of . To borrow a Patty Shultz Gary Weatherford and contributions of quote from the TSRA website, “May we Kevin Stitt the involved and hardworking TSRA enjoy the friendships we form around the Board of Directors. issues that unite us, the rivers we enjoy Scott Strausbaugh 2019 was full of TSRA successes and the sport that keeps us young!” Gary Weatherford involving Rendezvous, our whitewater ~Sally Barr Charlie Wilkerson and recreational kayak and canoe classes, an impressive access build on James “Woody” Woodall the Harpeth River, the launch of Jack Lyle’s River Kids, certification of new instructors and the Lost Loon Triathlon to name a few. Thanks to the hard working team at the Southern Environmental Law Center, a settlement agreement by TVA to remove the ash from the

TABLE OF CONTENTS ACA IT Certification Recognition...... 6 Calendar of Events & Roll School...... 2 TennGreen & Lost Loon Triathlon...... 7 Whitewater Canoe and Kayak School...... 3 Victory for Clean Water...... 8 2020 Rendezvous...... 3 2019 Membership Drive...... 8 Whitewater Safety & Recreational Paddling...... 4 In Memoriam Craig Burr & Kroger Rewards...... 9 Williamson County Access Build...... 5 ACA/TN Club Pow Wow...... 10-11 Community Shares & Team River Runner...... 5 2019 Review in Pictures...... 11 Jack Lyle’s River Kids...... 6 2020 Save the Date...... 12

Get Ready to Roll! 2020 Rendezvous 2020 TSRA Want to learn how We’re looking forward to another great Calendar of Events to roll your boat, or Rendezvous on the Cumberland Plateau on April 1-5, looking to practice 2020 at Camp Nakanawa, near Crossville, Tennessee. Feb. 19 – Mar. 25 Roll School and perfect your Rendezvous proceeds have allowed TSRA to hold Apr. 1 - 5 2020 Rendezvous roll technique? Join paddler and instructor classes to improve water safety May 9 Intro to TSRA at Roll School TSRA Whitewater Canoe across Tennessee. Other accomplishments funded in in February and part by Rendezvous proceeds: A $5,000 donation to May 16 Tons of Fun - Intro to March. After several and Kayak School help acquire the Lone Star Tract on the Cumberland May 30 Intro to Rivers years at Tennessee State University, we held the Plateau to protect the watershed of Daddys Creek/ For over 50 years, TSRA has shared its love June 6 Tons of Fun - Intro to Kayaking 2019 roll school at Vanderbilt University’s Recreation Obed River and the headwaters of Fall Creek at Ozone and Wellness Center. The change was a popular one, for scenic rivers and paddling by hosting Canoe and Falls. Participation in a lawsuit against the Tennessee June 13 – 14 Rescue for Rec Boaters with students citing ease of access and the helpful Kayak School at one of Tennessee’s scenic treasures, Valley Authority (TVA) June 26 – 28 Canoe and Kayak School Vanderbilt staff as just a few benefits of the new the Hiwassee River. It’s almost a tradition now, TSRA that resulted in an instructors and support boaters congregating annually July 10 – 12 Basic River Rescue location. We’re pleased to be back at Vanderbilt for agreement that TVA will 2020 Roll School on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to on the river to pass along their passion of river and dig up millions of tons July 24 – 26 Swiftwater Rescue 8:30 p.m., February 19 through March 25. sport. Beginner whitewater canoe and kayak paddlers of coal ash from leaking Aug. 8 – 9 Rescue for Rec Boaters At Roll School, students receive personal up to advanced paddlers ages 12 and up are welcome pits at its Gallatin Fossil instruction and support from experienced instructors to join us June 26-28 at the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic Plant. New river access Sept. 12 CRC Race in a comfortable, non-threatening environment. River State Park in Delano for this year’s school. structures in the Big Sept. 13 Lost Loon Triathlon Mastering a roll makes or kayaking easier Although students work in classes organized South Fork at the Station according to similar skill levels, sharing a common Dec. TBD REI Gift Wrap and more fun. If your canoe or kayak is clean and Camp Creek and on outfitted to roll, we’ll teach you the techniques for campground provides an opportunity to meet and swap Mill Creek by Lebanon Dec. 5 Annual Meeting/Holiday Party rolling it. If you already have a roll, our clinic is great stories with other paddlers and instructors. Instruction Road in Nashville near includes on and off-river lessons covering orientation TSRA Board Meeting Dates for sharpening your skills before the spring paddling the confluence with the season. Like other TSRA schools and events, Roll and logistics; terminology and river signals; stroke Cumberland River. Jan. 23 July 23 School is also a great place to meet other area work, self and assisted rescue; fundamentals of river The weather ultimately determines the extent Feb. 27 Aug. 27 paddlers, trade tips and make friends. We welcome features; whitewater practice such as eddy turns, of the activities at Rendezvous, but there will be Mar. 26 Sept. 24 paddlers of all ages at Roll School, though students ferries and surfing; assessing current environmental paddling, hiking, biking, games, music and more. Our Apr. 23 Oct. 22 under 12 must have a parent or guardian present. conditions; and paddling group dynamics. Classes plateau locals always make the best of the weather May 28 Nov. 19 may begin on Parksville Lake to work on self and and water levels to organize the paddling trips. From June 25 Dec. 10 We hope to see you at the pool! assisted rescue techniques and advance to the the beautiful lake for gentle to Class IV Hiwassee River or the Ocoee River, depending upon whitewater, you can find water fun for your skill level. skill level. Registration includes two nights camping, The silent and live auctions will once again offer great a hearty meal Saturday evening and two full days of deals and lots of laughter. instruction. Stay all four nights for the complete Rendezvous experience, or register for a Saturday- only pass to enjoy the auctions and a full day of paddling or other activities. Your early registration includes accommodations in the camp’s rustic cabins (camping space is also available) and all weekend activities (meal plan is an additional cost). The silent auction begins Friday evening and a live auction on Saturday evening offers ample opportunity to go home with gear, handcrafted items, art and more, all while supporting TSRA’s mission. Early registration is open January 2 through March 16. To learn more and register visit paddletsra.org.

Whitewater Safety Recreational Paddling Williamson County Access Build Courses Classes What do you get when you combine 5 days, 92 volunteers, 416 work hours, lots of TSRA’s Whitewater Basic River Rescue and Many of us know someone who purchased a lumber, over 40 tons of riprap and record high Swiftwater Rescue classes have served our paddling recreational kayak “to see if they like it,” and it turns temperatures? In September 2019, TSRA community for many years. Our whitewater rescue out they do! But now what? TSRA’s recreational combined these elements for a new access instructors are an impressive bunch. In 2019, they paddling classes help students gain paddling skills structure along the Harpeth River at Williamson taught over 300 and learn how to keep themselves and their paddling County’s Franklin Recreation Complex off first responders buddies safe while they enjoy the water. Every year, Fulton Greer Road. through their we hear from paddlers who have applied the skills In addition to the hard work of our training program they learned in a TSRA class to help other paddlers fabulous volunteers, this access was made and are looking out of a potentially sticky situation. In 2020, TSRA is possible by a community grant from REI and forward to again offering courses that not only teach safety skills a grant from the American Canoe Association another stellar for recreational paddlers, but that also help students (ACA) and L.L.Bean. Rogers Group and CMC year in 2020. be part of the paddling community, meet cool paddling Steel donated materials for the build, and Brentwood Rental & Sales Basic River companions and learn how to let the water do the provided a discount on the jackhammer rental. REI Brentwood brought the Rescue will be work. REI tent, lounge chairs for breaks, snacks, ice and swag for volunteers. held July 11-12 This year we are planning two Intro to Kayaking on the Hiwassee classes suitable for beginner or first-time paddlers. River. This Katherine Fulk will be the lead instructor for Rescue course teaches a variety of rescue skills needed in for Rec Boaters, where students can learn rescue Thank you for supporting our schools, a whitewater environment. Students learn the basics skills on both lakes and Class I rivers. Mike Tossing conservation programs, Rendezvous and the Lost of swimming with and without a , throwing and will set boaters up for success as they move from Loon Triathlon. We appreciate your generosity, enjoy catching a rope, wading in current, and using simple paddling flat water to Class I rivers in Intro to Rivers. your fellowship and hope to see you on the river! mechanical advantage systems. Students also get Finally, Geoff Luckett will teach beginner paddlers to to practice boat-based rescues in a realistic yet safely enjoy kayak fishing on gentle rivers in TSRA’s As we start a new year, we give thanks to the TSRA continues controlled whitewater scenario. It’s worth a lot to be first ever Intro To Kayak Fishing class. These ACA- many people who contribute to the success of our to support a local able to learn boat-over-boat techniques, T-rescues, certified instructors are experts at teaching students organization. Your gifts and talents allow TSRA to chapter of Team bow rescues and deep water re-entry when the water solid paddling and safety skills, and they do it with broaden our community outreach efforts to protect River Runner. Team is churning but consequences are low and help is enthusiasm and good humor that is irresistible. Tennessee’s scenic rivers and train others how to River Runner is a readily available. TSRA’s recreational paddling classes are also a great paddle safely. We especially thank those who give national non-profit Swiftwater Rescue will be held July 25-26 on way to involve entire families in the paddling fun. So, to TSRA through direct donations, workplace giving organization that the Ocoee River. This course is designed to teach please join us at a class this summer, or invite a friend campaigns, foundations, donor-advised funds, provides veterans swiftwater rescue techniques where limited personnel to join us! community grants, social networks and volunteer and their families an and/or safety gear are available. We cover rescue service programs. Thank you Community Shares, the opportunity to find skills and techniques for dealing with situations Village Fund, HCA and the HCA Foundation, AT&T, health and healing that carry greater risks for both victim and rescuer Kroger, United Way, American Canoe Association, through adaptive paddle sports. Chapters organize such as strainers, entrapments and pins. Teaching L.L.Bean, TWRA and REI for your charitable gifts and pool sessions and paddling trips for veterans and scenarios provide an opportunity for participants support. their families, providing all equipment, instruction, to practice their skills both individually and within a TSRA has been a member of Community transportation, and food and lodging for participants team. Students also learn a variety of rescue vest Shares Tennessee for over 29 years in the and volunteers. We welcome vets of any age with any applications. This class involves a lot of swimming, Environmental Protection category. Over 30 member disability and family members of all ages to participate. but no boat is required. organizations work together to address social, We need help to grow the chapter’s small These classes sell out nearly every year, so we economic and environmental issues in our state. fleet of boats, with the greatest need for and encourage early registration. Watch for a registration Please consider becoming a workplace giving recreational . Team River Runner is a great announcement at paddletsra.org or follow TSRA on partner or donate to Community Shares by visiting way to give something meaningful to those who Facebook. communitysharestn.org. Does your employer have a have given so much for us, so if you can support the matching gift program, volunteer service or community chapter through volunteering or a donation, please service program? email [email protected]. youth. The Jack Lyle Fund paid for kayak rentals, Daddys Creek Middle and Piney Creek. The tract TSRA Celebrates River snacks, equipment, and other expenses for getting TSRA Donation to includes a section of river frontage on Daddys Creek the kids on the water. In addition, the Fund covered and the headwaters of Fall Creek at Ozone Falls. Kids Success CPR/first aid certification for volunteers, plus online Extend and Enhance the Because much of the Lone Star property has been child protection training and background checks. impacted by timber harvest and mineral extraction, this In 2019, TSRA launched “Jack Lyle’s River Cumberland Trail acquisition is imperative to protect the water quality Kids,” a program designed to introduce disadvantaged of these streams inner-city youth to the joys of kayaking. More than In November 2019, the TSRA Board of and watersheds. 20 TSRA volunteers stepped up to help make the Directors approved a $5,000 donation to TennGreen TSRA is pleased inaugural year a success. Over the summer, we for purchase of the Lone Star tract on the Cumberland to contribute to introduced 19 teenagers and young counselors to Plateau. These 6,650 acres will ultimately become a this project. We recreational kayaking. At our first event, at Couchville significant addition to Cumberland Trail State Park, thank all the Lake, some teenagers said they were afraid of the providing the opportunity to reconnect a key segment TSRA supporters water, but by the end of the day, they were flipping of the Cumberland Trail, restore a critical wildlife who ultimately their kayaks and practicing self-rescues just for fun. corridor and protect nearby rivers and streams. Lone make important On the Stones River, we played water football and Star has over 22 miles of freshwater streams that flow conservation had relay races. The teenagers left tired but eager for into three separate watersheds: Daddys Creek Lower, donations such as this one possible. more. On the Harpeth, they loved seeing turtles and Photo by Alan Cressler hunting for periwinkle shells. The Hiwassee amped up the action, with kids laughing and spinning in funyaks. Want to get in on the fun in 2020? Volunteer: You’ll River Kids is made possible by the Jack Lyle receive free training and huge satisfaction! For details, TSRA is honored to continue the Lost Loon Memorial Fund, which began with a legacy from Jack email [email protected]. Lost Loon tradition founded by Willy Stern in 2004. Since its Lyle, a longtime TSRA member and past president Donate: We welcome any amount. Please inception, this event has raised over $136,000 for who died in 2018. To create the program, TSRA make checks payable to TSRA Jack Lyle Fund, and Triathlon conservation organizations. We also give special partnered with Sierra Club’s Inspiring Connections mail to TSRA, P.O. Box 159041, Nashville, Tennessee thanks to our founding families, friendly volunteers and Outdoors (ICO) Nashville, a fellow nonprofit group 37215-9041. You can also donate on the TSRA web How much fun can you dedicated partners that make this event possible every with success in conducting safe outdoor events for site. Thank you! have cycling, paddling year. Thank you to long-time Lost Loon supporters: and trail running or Bobbie’s Dairy Dip, Kroger, Moondog Web Design, Papa John’s Mt. Juliet, Publix, Tennessee Paddler, Evans,” said Larry Ausley, an ACA ITE from Cary, walking? Join us and Vanderbilt Outdoor Recreation, Vanderbilt LifeFlight, NC. “Mike and I did a lot of great work together and find out at the Lost Loon Annoucing Mike Tossing, Long Hunter State Park, Friends of Long Hunter with Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association to build Triathlon, TSRA’s fall State Park and our new supporter, REI. All Lost Loon kayaking instructor development into Tennessee fundraiser, on September Certified ACA Instructor proceeds benefit TSRA conservation projects. programs.” 13, 2020 at Long Hunter Trainer TSRA is thrilled to have a local Instructor State Park. Outdoor Trainer to train and certify kayaking instructors. events are always full of fun surprises and the Congratulations to Mike Tossing for certifying as The instructors Mike certifies will be vital to TSRA’s Lost Loon Triathlon showcases festive triathletes an American Canoe Association (ACA) Essentials of commitment to providing hands-on paddling skills and every year. A wedding party, King Tut and super River Kayaking Instructor Trainer. Mike’s certification safety training for ’s recreational heroes of all ages were a few of the guests at the is the culmination of years of hard work including paddlers. 2019 Lost Loon. planning, co-teaching and leading instructor How is Lost Loon unique? Our family-friendly certification courses. event does not time racers. Awards are based on Mike was already an ACA-certified Level other fun criteria selected by a secret panel of Lost 3 River Kayaking instructor, and has been a lead Loon volunteers. This event is perfect for not-so- instructor for TSRA’s Rescue for Rec Boaters for 3 serious triathletes of all ages and generations. The years. Now, Mike is qualified to train and certify Level full course (if you choose to complete it) is nine miles How do you sign up? Join the email list at 1 Introduction to Kayaking and Level 2 Essentials of biking on a paved road, two miles tandem canoeing lostloons.com and like our Facebook page, The Lost River Kayaking instructors, provide those instructors on Couchville Lake and two miles running or walking Loon Triathlon, for registration updates during the required updates and to deliver ACA’s Paddlesports on a path around the lake. Time and distance are up year. An enthusiastic mix of teams, volunteers and Safety Facilitator certification and endorsement. to you and costumes are optional. Lost Loon is a great partners make this event special and unique every “I was honored to serve as Mike’s final way to introduce children and adults to outdoor sports year. Be a part of the Loonieness. We look forward to mentoring Instructor Trainer Educator (ITE) following and triathlons. You may even get a few pointers from seeing you on September 13, 2020! Mike’s initial work with ACA Instructor Trainer David some of our TSRA volunteers on the waterfront. Who knew Craig was such a philosopher, living like Gary Weatherford, TSRA President, he paddled, one wet rock at a time. commented, “The settlement is a prime example of In Memoriam: Craig Burr Victory for Clean Water in Kayaker, raft guide, photographer, husband the difference we can make as citizen advocates and father, Craig Burr quietly did it all. We’ll miss you, to protect our state’s waterways, but there is more Craig Burr, long time Coal Ash Lawsuit Against Craig. work to be done. We intend to continue to hold TVA TSRA member and past TVA responsible as it pursues the appropriate actions Vice President, died on needed to safely remove this pollution, and we hope August 21, 2019 at his that others will join us as citizen watchdogs.” home in Chattanooga In light of the settlement in the state case, following a hard fought in September 2019, TSRA and TCWN requested battle with cancer with his dismissal of a petition before the Supreme Court of devoted wife Lanette by his the United States that asked the Court to consider side. Craig was a skilled whether the federal Clean Water Act applies to kayaker and a raft guide groundwater pollutants like those in Gallatin. Because on the Ocoee. For many the settlement in the state case accomplishes the years, he was always on primary goals we hoped to achieve in the federal hand to instruct paddlers at TSRA Canoe and Kayak case, TSRA and TCWN decided to stop pursuing the School, Roll School and to assist at swiftwater rescue clinics. A June 2019 settlement agreement regarding federal action. In early November 2019, the Supreme David Cole and Gary Weatherford, TSRA the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA’s) violation of Court heard argument in a separate case raising the Board members, shared some memories of paddling state clean water regulations at its Gallatin Fossil same legal question. with Craig. Plant is a clear victory for clean water in Tennessee. TSRA thanks SELC for representing TSRA and One morning, David and several other paddlers TVA agreed to dig up millions of tons of coal ash TCWN in these cases and for generously and tirelessly 2019 Membership Drive met for breakfast, and when the meal was over from leaking pits at its Gallatin Fossil Plant as part working on behalf of clean water in Tennessee. We also someone asked, “What should we paddle today?” In 2019, TSRA conducted our second end-of- of a pair of settlements entered into with TSRA, the thank TSRA members and everyone who participates After debating their options for an hour, someone said, year membership drive. For a limited time, we gave Tennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN) and the in the TSRA events that help fund our conservation “Craig’s going to paddle White Oak Creek. Anyone new and renewing members the option of expanded State of Tennessee’s Department of Environment efforts. want to do that?” That’s all it took. Forty minutes membership levels with an additional donation. The and Conservation (TDEC). TCWN and TSRA were later, they found Craig leaning against the guardrail, $100 Star membership included a TSRA water bottle represented by the Southern Environmental Law peacefully staring up into the trees, already dressed and a $15 voucher for any 2020 TSRA event or class. Center (SELC) as interveners in the state case. for the river. If he’d been a bit taller and wearing a The $200 3-Star membership included a TSRA water Under the settlement, TVA is required to dig up cowboy hat instead of a helmet, he could have been bottle, limited edition TSRA cap and a $40 voucher for the majority of the coal ash it stores in the leaking Butch Cassidy waiting for the “Wild Bunch” gang to any 2020 TSRA event or class. These members were manmade, unlined pits at Gallatin (approximately 12 show up. The look on his face suggested that he knew also able to identify how they would like their extra million cubic yards of ash). Based on the settlement TSRA is a Kroger all along that this was where the group would end up. donation to be used, such as for river access builds, terms, this ash will be removed and either recycled or Community But all he said was, “Who’s running shuttle?” Craig the general fund or the Jack Lyle Memorial Fund. placed into a permitted landfill. TVA must submit their Rewards partner. was the king of one-liners. 2019 also marked TSRA’s first year to offer removal plan to the State by September 30, 2020. Kroger gives back $2,500,000 annually to Middle Gary recalls his first descent on the Middle student memberships The settlement also requires TVA to address Tennessee nonprofits, and TSRA can be part of that Ocoee. At one point, they were tucked into an eddy with $10 annual dues contamination from a second, smaller storage facility if you register with Kroger. Once you’ve enrolled and above a rapid that you can’t see the bottom of from the and a four-hour volunteer on-site at Gallatin, which contains about 2 million cubic selected Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association as top. Gary asked Craig, “What do we do here?” Craig requirement. We hope yards of coal ash. TVA has five years to develop a plan your organization, just use your Kroger Plus Card or must have noticed that Gary was doing just fine so far, this membership level and demonstrate it can correct groundwater pollution Kroger Alt ID when you shop, and TSRA will receive because he shouted back over his shoulder, “I don’t will help us attract the in this area of the power plant. TDEC will then select a percentage of your spending. Thank you for your remember!” as he peeled out and headed on down next generation of TSRA a remedy to address impacts from coal ash, such generous support of TSRA! river. Another one of his great one-liners. Following members and leaders. as any remaining groundwater pollution. The public Craig’s lead, Gary was fine. Thanks again to will be invited to provide feedback on the specifics of David remembers his first trip down Craig’s the Star members and TVA’s plan to correct on-site contamination at Gallatin favorite stream, Yellow Creek. It’s a twisty, steep, 3-Star members who from both storage facilities. TSRA and TCWN will also boulder-strewn creek. On surveying a tortuous and gave a little more and continue to monitor implementation of the settlement gnarly rapid, with a little nervous quaver in his voice, can flaunt their TSRA throughout the course of the excavation and future David asked Craig, “How do we run this?” Craig limited edition gear with coal ash cleanup at the facility. pointed downstream and said, “See that wet rock on pride! the right? Be sure you go left of it, and you’ll be fine.” Looking For Members impounded lakes were not previously available for 3. Designating the Nolichucky as a Wild and ACA, American paddling. Some have, however, expressed concern Scenic River that state parks may see private boaters as revenue A functional coalition of grassroots support is Whitewater and sources rather than as constituents. advocating for the establishment of the Nolichucky TDEC is willing to work with paddling as a Wild and Scenic River under the 1968 Wild and Tennessee Paddling organizations to help bring ACA-certified instructors to Scenic Rivers Act. help with state park programing by teaching classes Designating the Nolichucky as a federally Clubs Partner on Policy and providing instruction. The clubs are trying to make protected Wild and Scenic River would permanently ACA certified instructors more available to state parks protect eight miles of the Nolichucky River to forever Initiative for instructional opportunities that will offer income for remain wild, free and unimpeded by any future dam In October 2019 paddling leaders in Tennessee the instructors and training for the paddling community proposals. This would require support from both made history. Led by Andrea White, former TSRA at large. Tennessee and North Carolina legislators. Board Member and ACA Tennessee State Director, 2. TWRA Proposed Rulemaking and You can help this initiative by adding your the five largest paddling clubs in Outfitter Fees personal endorsement to the #NoliWildandScenic Tennessee came together on the There is a current moratorium movement. By going to NoliWildandScenic.org and banks of the Nolichucky River on Tennessee Wildlife clicking TAKE ACTION, you can contact your local for a historic meeting to better Resources Agency (TWRA ) congressional representative and both of Tennessee’s align on key policy issues that outfitter fees until July 2021. senators. They will receive an email asking them to affect paddlers in the state of State universities and outfitters carry a bill and support Wild and Scenic designation Tennessee. operating under permit from for the Nolichucky. There was an all star cast at Cherokee National Forest or Moving forward, all five paddling clubs have this first time collaboration! Three TDEC are exempted from these high hopes that more collaboration will result in club presidents attended along regulations and excluded from more effective outreach on key policy issues that with other board members from all any fees. affect paddlers throughout the state. If you have five clubs. Additionally, paddlers In the coming further questions, or would like to be more involved benefitted from the national season, 2020, outfitters will in any of our efforts, please contact Andrea White, leadership of ACA Public Policy need to apply for a TWRA permit ACA Tennessee State Director, at tnstatedirector@ Chief, Brett Mayer, and American and submit quarterly reports americancanoe.net. Whitewater National Stewardship to the TWRA on the number PADDLE h PROTECT h PRESERVE Director, Kevin Colburn, as well of vessels (canoes, kayaks, as Jack Henderson from the paddle boards or tubes) in River Management Society. ACA their fleet, their put-in/take-out Tennessee State Director Andrea location information, as well as White was also supported by ACA the number of vessels they are Tennessee Deputy State Director putting on any given waterway Hunter Branstetter. in a day. The data collection will “As far as we can tell, this is inform TWRA rule making .to the first time all of these paddling determine a new outfitter fee leaders have come together on structure that will go into effect behalf of Tennessee paddlers in the 2021 season. and Tennessee waterways,” said There are no White. “There was an electric formal proposed regulations of sense of what we might be able the private boating community, to accomplish working together.” but in public testimony to the So what are the issues in play? Joint Committee on Government Operations at 1. Paddling in Tennessee State Parks the state legislature, the TWRA indicated private The Tennessee Department of Environment and regulation might be necessary in the future. Paddlers Conservation (TDEC) has implemented an impounded can take a proactive stance by contacting their lake usage fee for people bringing their own paddlecraft TWRA Commissioner to tout the benefits of outdoor to certain state parks. Although these fees may at first recreation to Governor Lee’s Rural Tourism initiative glance seem like a negative development, paddlers and to highlight that floating public waterways should actually enjoy a net gain in access because these not require additional regulation or fees. NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID NASHVILLE TN PERMIT NO 2249 Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association, Inc. P.O. Box 159041 Nashville, TN 37215-9041

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SAVE THE DATE !

April 1 - 5 Rendezvous September 13 Lost Loon Triathlon

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