Columbia Dam Debate Heats Up as Supporters and Opponents Rally

Issue #449

May 27, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Weather - Cloudy, afternoon thunderstorms w/ high of 76 & low of 63

📰 Columbia Dam Debate Heats Up as Supporters and Opponents Rally

📌 May 31: Celebrate Tennessee’s 229th Birthday

🐆 New Leopard Forest Exhibit Opens June 20 at Nashville Zoo

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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Columbia Dam Debate Heats Up as Supporters and Opponents Rally

Momentum continues to build for the revitalization of the long-paused Columbia Dam project, even as a new grassroots group emerges to promote alternative water solutions for Maury County.

Last week, Columbia Dam Now—the organization advocating for the dam’s return as a long-term water supply option—hosted a meeting at the Maury County Water System to share updates. The group recently finalized its nonprofit status and presented the project earlier this month to congressional leaders in Washington, D.C.

Over the past two months, Columbia Dam Now has traveled across Tennessee to rally support, particularly from local governments and utility boards. Resolutions endorsing further exploration of the project have already been passed by the Maury County Commission, Columbia City Council, and several other regional entities.

Supporters believe a feasibility study is the crucial next step, allowing engineers and scientists to evaluate whether restarting the project is viable. Environmental concerns, especially those involving the Duck River’s endangered aquatic species and biodiversity, remain central to the discussion. Geological factors—specifically whether the proposed reservoir could retain water in the area's karst terrain—are also under consideration.

The project's backers are now seeking funding for the feasibility study, possibly through federal appropriations, as they argue that modern needs, new technology, and changing circumstances warrant a fresh look at the halted project.

At the same time, opposition to the revived dam project is growing. A newly formed group, Don't Dam the Duck, released a statement this week raising concerns and advocating for faster, more practical water solutions.

The group disputes many of the claims made by Columbia Dam Now and has begun publishing counterpoints to educate the public. Their release includes the following breakdown:

MYTH: There will be a big, beautiful reservoir for recreation (and of course for water storage).
FACT: The reservoir will be significantly drawn down each winter, so that the 12,600-acre artificial lake will become about 4,300 acres surrounded by 8,000 acres of mudflats.

MYTH: TVA already acquired 90% of the land needed for the artificial lake that will be formed.
FACT: Only 46% of the land required has been purchased. Only 50% of the roads and bridges were moved. There are 14,900 acres of land from Maury and Marshall counties that will still be needed. The people who own these lands, houses, and businesses would once again be forced to sell at below market prices for the dam.

MYTH: The dam will hold water.
FACT: Maury Co is full of sinkholes, caves and karst topography. The reservoir is planned to be right in the middle of the highest concentration of sinkholes and karst topography. This is a bathtub with the drain open. TVA knew this, and this was part of the reason they abandoned the project. Newer, advanced technology detects even more sinkholes and caves than what was known about in 1983.

MYTH: The Duck River is 270 miles long and the dam will only affect a small portion of the river.
FACT: 54 miles upstream and 25 miles downstream will be affected. This has an extremely detrimental effect on the Scenic River designation and on the Endangered aquatic species found in the Duck River (and also animal and plant species on the lands that would be flooded).

Don’t Dam the Duck plans to publish weekly informational articles in their Facebook group, citing scientific and governmental research to support their opposition. The group argues that the original reasons for halting the dam in 1983 remain relevant today, and that the community would benefit more from quicker, less invasive solutions to its water challenges.

May 31: Celebrate Tennessee’s 229th Birthday

To celebrate Tennessee’s 229th Birthday one day early, the Tennessee State Library & Archives, the Tennessee State Museum, and Bicentennial Mall State Park are hosting free, family-friendly events as part of the 2025 Statehood Day Celebration on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

“Statehood Day at the Library & Archives provides a unique opportunity for visitors to view Tennessee’s three original constitutions,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “These documents remain the foundation of our modern form of government, and they are only on display once a year at this celebration. We encourage all to join us for a day filled with enjoyable activities.” 

Statehood Day Celebration events at the Tennessee State Library & Archives begin at 10:00 a.m. Tennessee’s three priceless original constitutions will be presented, displayed, and guarded by members of the Highway Patrol’s Honor Guard during the opening ceremony at 11:00 a.m. The Library & Archives will also host living history interpreters and other family-friendly activities throughout the day, and food trucks will be stationed nearby. Behind-the-scenes tours, including stops at the robotic retrieval system and blast freezer, begin at 11:30 a.m. Tour space is limited, and reservations may be made on the day of the event. The day concludes at 2:00 p.m.  

“The staff at the Library & Archives, the State Museum, and Bicentennial Mall State Park have done an incredible job planning a tremendous celebration for our 229th birthday,” said Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist Jamie Ritter. “We hope families from across Tennessee join us for a fun, educational, and historic celebration on the Bicentennial Mall State Park Campus.”

The Tennessee State Museum will open at 10:00 a.m. to the public and offer highlight tours, Storytime with reigning Miss Tennessee Carley Vogel, period games on the front lawn, and a cupcake celebration. Highlight Tours will be provided at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Vogel will read in the Children’s Gallery at 10:30 a.m. The cupcake celebration, which will include Vogel reading the Tennessee State poem, “Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee” by Commander William Porter Lawrence, will begin at noon in the Museum’s Grand Hall. 

“The state’s commitment to its history takes center stage here at the foot of Capitol Hill, with Bicentennial Mall, the Library & Archives, and State Museum all connected on one campus,” said Ashley Howell, executive director of the Tennessee State Museum. “If you’re interested in Tennessee history, come see us. Tennessee Statehood Day is our annual opportunity to showcase that commitment and the valuable partnership between our three institutions. We look forward to having everyone join us.”

Park rangers will also offer a guided tour of the Bicentennial State Park at 10:00 a.m. 

To commemorate the day, pick up your “Passport to Tennessee History.” Stop by the Tennessee State Library & Archives, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Visitor’s Center at Bicentennial Mall State Park. Get your book stamped at all locations to receive 10 percent off at the Bicentennial Mall and Tennessee State Museum gift shops.

New Leopard Forest Exhibit Opens June 20 at Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo is unveiling its most immersive exhibit yet—Leopard Forest—with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on June 20. This brand-new habitat features four new species and marks the return of the Zoo’s beloved giraffes.

The star of the exhibit is the critically endangered Amur leopard, the rarest big cat in the world. Guests can experience a unique overhead bridge where leopards travel right above the walkways, offering an up-close look at these elusive animals. The exhibit also features towering trees, relocated from other parts of the Zoo, to create an authentic forest environment.

Visitors can explore the exhibit through elevated walkways with multiple viewing spots, geometric steel sculptures by artist Matt Hill, and a winding mosaic donor wall created by Rhoda Kahler. Interpretive signs throughout highlight conservation and ecotourism with the message: “Living in Balance.”

If you’re looking for a wild new adventure this summer, Leopard Forest is a must-see!

Upcoming Local Events

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Tuesday, May 27th

Wednesday, May 28th

Thursday, May 29th

Friday, May 30th

Saturday, May 31st

*More events coming soon!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

June 5-8: CMA Fest
June 7-8: Nashville Comicon
June 7-8: Great Tennessee Air Show
June 21: Experience Spring Hill, The Event

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, May 27th

Justen Harden, Puckett's, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Open Mic, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Wednesday, May 28th

Matt Marinchick, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, May 29th

Radio Farm, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00-9:00 PM
Second Chance Bluegrass, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday, May 30th

TBA, The Spot Burgers & Beer, 5:00-8:00 PM
Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
The Nature Project, Buck & Board, 6:00-9:00 PM
Ryan Keeler, Gracie Italian Eatery, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Grinder’s Switch, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Herrick, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Rhiannon: The Stevie Nicks Experience, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
No Fun Intended, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, May 31st

Martin Lane, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
TBA, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Los San Petricios, McCreary’s Irish Pun 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Vinyl 4, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Troy Castelland, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Broke By Monday, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Zone Status, The Boondox, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

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