The Little Tennessee Watershed Association (LTWA) was formed in 1993 as the result of a watershed conference organized by local citizens and the Town of Franklin, NC. Recognizing the unique biodiversity of the Little Tennessee River and the impact that rapid growth and development was beginning to have on habitat and aquatic life, local scientists, conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts came together to implement a strategy to improve water quality and habitat in the watershed.

Our Vision:

Our vision is that the water quality of the beautiful and biologically intact upper Little Tennessee River is protected and restored. Children and adults are able to swim and fish in its abundant waters, and our community and economy is sustained through its clean, plentiful and healthy condition. Our community and elected officials are aware of its multiple values and consistently work to protect and enhance them. We are an active member in a network of river organizations sharing community based science for the benefit of all, and in a landscape in which all river ecosystems retain their intact natural flows in their historic condition. Above all, through education, leadership and cooperative efforts that foster a strong ethic of stewardship and sustainability, we work to protect and restore the upper Little Tennessee watershed.

LTWA's Board of Directors

• Stacy Guffey, Chair
• Stephanie Laseter, Vice Chair

• Dick Heywood, Treasurer
• Sarah Weresuk, Secretary
• Kathy Tinsley
• Chad Boniface
• Ed Haight

• Dr. Don Dewhurst
• Vic Greene

Jenny Sanders, Executive Director

Jenny Sanders developed an interest in the natural world while vacationing with her family here, in the Little Tennessee River Watershed. Throughout her childhood, she spent each summer in Sky Valley, Georgia where she was able to take advantage of opportunities to go rafting on the Chattooga River and hiking around the Little Tennessee River Valley. These experiences helped to cultivate a love for the environment that is evident in her work now.

Sanders, a graduate of the University of Georgia, earned a B.A. in Political Science and an Environmental Ethics certificate in 2003. After graduation, she returned to live permanently in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Jenny and her husband, Jeremy live in Long Creek, South Carolina, a small farming community just over the state line from Georgia. They enjoy whitewater paddling, hiking, gardening and participating in activities with the Chattooga River Christian Fellowship.

Dr. Bill McLarney, Biomonitoring Program Director

Dr. William O. McLarney holds a PhD in fisheries from the University of Michigan but considers himself an aquatic conservation biologist. He has worked in aquatic ecology in the Great Lakes and Alaska and was a cofounder and director of aquaculture research for the New Alchemy Institute in Massachusetts.

He splits his year between Macon County, North Carolina where he has directed a biomonitoring study of the upper Little Tennessee watershed for over 20 years and the Talamanca region of Costa Rica where he founded the Asociacion ANAI, one of the most successful conservation and sustainable development organizations in the tropical world.

The Biomonitoring Program at the Little Tennessee Watershed Association is one of the most successful in north America and its success led to a North Carolina Governor’s Award for Water Conservationist of the Year in 1994, a River Heroes award for Dr. Mclarney from River Network in 2004 and a Roosevelt-Ashe Society Award for "Outstanding Scientist in Conservation" from WildSouth in 2009. Bill also has a terrestrial home and family in the Oak Grove Community.

Sharon Willard, Bookkeeper

Sharon Willard grew up on Middle Creek in the Otto area and graduated from Franklin High School in 1985. She has had several years experience in office work. Sharon started work for the Little Tennessee Watershed Association in October 2008 as Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant and is thrilled to be part of a team that works to preserve the area she loves.

Sharon and her husband Russ have been married 17 years and live in the Holly Springs area. They have two children, Brett 14 and Robyn 10. They enjoy kayaking, camping and hiking. They love the outdoors and feel blessed to live in such a beautiful area.