Duck River Lands on List of America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2024

Issue #061

18 Apr

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☁️ Columbia Weather - Cloudy with a high of 68

📰 Duck River Lands on List of America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2024

🤣 Have a Laugh at the Nashville Comedy Festival 🤣

🩸 Blood Drive at Towne Coffee on Friday

🚮 Saturday: The Great American Cleanup

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

April 18th

April 19th

April 20th

April 23rd

April 25th

April 26th

April 27th

Duck River Lands on List of America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2024

The Duck River has been designated as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2024 due to the threat of excessive water withdrawal. The Harpeth Conservancy reports that there are currently seven new permits in the process, which could potentially allow the withdrawal of 16 million gallons of water from the Duck River daily. Although the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has already issued three of these permits, there is still a window for appeals.

Known for its remarkable biodiversity, the Duck River is celebrated as the most biodiverse river in North America and ranks among the top three most biodiverse rivers globally. Grace Stranch, CEO of Harpeth Conservancy, highlights the significance of this biodiversity, emphasizing its role in maintaining water quality. The river not only serves as a recreational hub for approximately 150,000 visitors but also provides drinking water for around 250,000 individuals, representing half the population of Wyoming.

Stranch expresses concerns about potential repercussions if water levels decrease, particularly regarding mussel stranding, which could compromise water cleanliness. While the permits are still pending finalization, Stranch advocates for sensible conditions to be imposed, including measures to prevent water wastage and enhance conservation efforts during low-flow periods and droughts.

Jonathan Hardin, CEO and President of Columbia Power and Water Systems, assures that extensive research has been conducted to mitigate any adverse effects of water withdrawal on the Duck River. According to Hardin, ecological modeling indicates that withdrawals during drought conditions would only marginally impact the river's water levels, affirming the commitment to preserving the river's ecology.

The Harpeth Conservancy and other local groups are encouraging Tennessee residents to sign a petition to protect the Duck River.

Go here to learn more about America’s Endangered Rivers of 2024.

Have a Laugh at the Nashville Comedy Festival 🤣

The Nashville Comedy Festival is celebrating its 10th year! This is your chance to catch acts like Lewis Black, Shane Gillis, Stoned Cold Sober, Andrew Shulz, Ralph Barbosa, Ali Siddiq, Leanne Morgan, Tony Hinchcliffe, Gianmarco Soresi and many more.

Blood Drive at Towne Coffee on Friday

Towne Coffee is hosting a Blood Drive with Blood Assurance, a local organization. That means the blood that they collect stays local! Come out and support your community on Friday at Towne Coffee.

Saturday: The Great American Cleanup

Keep Maury Beautiful and Keep Spring Hill Clean present the Spring Hill Great American Cleanup.

Saturday, April 20th
8-10AM

Meet at the Spring Hill Senior Center
563 Maury Hill Street