LTWA in the News
Sewage leak on Little Tennessee Greenway will likely continue with spring rains
Baird Cove development affecting Crawford Branch
N.C. keeps an eye on Rabun water plans
Rabun commissioners approve water treatment plant purchase
Rabun to operate water/sewer facility upstream
Twice failed MMS sewer line permitted to continue as planned
Four options considered for the new road
Area streams have a friend in Bill McLarney
Stewartia hike: 'In search of the rare and beautiful'
Planning board considers effects of storm water runoff
Fundraiser focused on support and preservation of the Little Tennessee
New Feature! We are now accepting donations online. Join or renew your membership to LTWA here:
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Little Tennessee Watershed Association Programs
The mission of the Little Tennessee Watershed Association is to protect and restore the water quality and habitat of the Little Tennessee River and its tributaries upstream of the Fontana Reservoir. We work to achieve our mission through three main programs: Biomonitoring, Education and Advocacy, and Restoration.
Biomonitoring:
photo by Bob Scott
The biomonitoring program has been in place for 18 years and was begun by founding member Dr. William McLarney, a local aquatic biologist. The body of data collected by this program has been influential in many important decisions, and it is believed to be the largest collection of biomonitoring data for any similar sized watershed in the world. Since its inception, this program has involved over 2,000 volunteers, many of which return each year be a part of this important work. A few have even gone on to pursue careers in conservation, so this program has proven to be a valuable teaching tool as well as a catalyst for change in the community.
Stream Restoration:
Another aspect of our program work is restoration. LTWA has been partnering with the Macon Soil and Water District and local landowners to complete voluntary restoration and revetment projects for over ten years. In this time, this program has restored over 3.4 miles of eroding streambank, planted 10.3 miles of riparian buffer, and fenced livestock out of 4.6 miles of local streams. Currently, we are working with the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee (LTLT) to complete a wetland restoration project next spring.
Education:
A demonstration of stream erosion.
The third major focus of our program work involves education and advocacy. As issues arise in the watershed that have the potential to negatively impact water quality or habitat, LTWA works to keep the public aware and informed of these changes so that they are empowered to become involved. We also try to engage local decision makers in this process so that they too can make well-informed decisions. Likewise, we take every opportunity to provide information at local festivals, visit with school groups and talk with local civic organizations about our program work and the importance of environmental protection.