What We Do
Why do we need a Conservancy?
It would be naive to assume that the Hatchie will always remain as it is without special attention and care. For example, certain practices that contribute to excessive sedimentation degrade the ecosystem by dramatically altering habitats for fishes, mussels, and additional invertebrates.
.Some of the challenges currently posed include:
Irresponsible logging along the river
Lack of regular water quality monitoring
A toxic waste site near the river
Rampant development that negatively impacts the Hatchie’s ecology and water quality
Much needed economic development in our area is underway and will also present us with some challenges, but through intention and cooperation, the long-term health of the Hatchie can be ensured for current and future generations.
The Hatchie River Conservancy was founded to conserve and sustain the natural integrity and the scenic beauty of the Hatchie State Scenic River and its watershed. We will accomplish this goal through three primary areas of work:
The conservation of lands and waters by means of technical assistance, responsible stewardship, and scientific study;
Communication and education to establish an informed citizenry that recognizes the value of biological diversity and appreciates the scenic beauty of nature found in the Hatchie watershed; and
Promotion of low impact outdoor recreational activities that include fishing, hunting, birding, paddling, photography, and wildlife watching.
Bob Ford
“The Hatchie River Board of Directors recognizes the Hatchie watershed as a working landscape, including industry, agriculture, and forestry. We believe strongly that by working together these economic drivers and the biological and scenic values of the Hatchie will be maintained and enhanced through active conservation efforts.”
History of the Conservancy
In November/December 2023, the Hatchie River Conservancy was officially registered as a not-for-profit business in Tennessee, then registered in Haywood County. A temporary, initial Board was founded to pass the by-laws, establish a charter, and elect a permanent Board of Directors. Filing is underway for 501©3 status.
Our Values
Bob Ford
The organization will be transparent in its projects and objectives.
Hatchie River Conservancy board and supporters are striving for inclusiveness of all those who live, work, visit, and enjoy the river and surrounding areas.
The Hatchie River Conservancy board is striving to be hyperlocal by including representation of all six Tennessee counties (through which the river flows) on the board.
2024 Goals
Murray Ragan
Create a Hatchie Conservation Corps, initially by recruiting two high school students from each of the six watershed counties to learn about the natural and cultural importance of the Hatchie Watershed, then serve as “ambassadors” to help engage visitors, the local community, businesses, and the public.
In launching the new Hatchie River Conservancy, we will develop and monitor an extensive communications campaign throughout 2024. The objective is to engage with those who live, work, and play in the Hatchie watershed; to share information about the biological and scenic values of the river; and to provide stories, blogs, news articles, project updates, and more.
Banner photo by Bob Raines