The Duck River Conservancy
The Duck River Conservancy, formerly known as Hickman County for the Duck, is a committee of land owners who know the importance of being a good steward of the river and the importance of protecting the No. 1 most biodiverse river in North America.
​One of our principal activities is the support of public policy decisions that protect the unique biodiversity of the Duck River and its watershed. There are several national and statewide conservation groups who advocate on behalf of the Duck River, but the DRC is the ONLY organization whose sole mission is the preservation of the Duck River. ​
Research and Technology
"RaT", as we refer to it, is our Research and Technology Committee to promote scientific involvement and community education regarding the unique ecology of the Duck River. The Committee has facilitated the involvement of academic experts on mussel health, who will engage in studies to complement studies underway by TDEC and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The Committee is also engaged in efforts to get local high schools to incorporate hands-on river health activities into biology classes.
Our Accomplishments
Since our creation in 2024, the Duck River Conservancy has been an impactful advocate on behalf of the Duck River in numerous ways.
We were a leading voice in alerting the community to a proposed massive landfill near the confluence of the Piney and Duck Rivers. In the face of significant community opposition, the project was abandoned. We maintain a watchful eye for any similar proposals that threaten the health of the river.
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We opposed the request by Columbia Power and Water System ("CPWS") to increase its withdrawal of water to a total of 32 million gallons per day. We, along with several other organizations, appealed the grant of the permit to CPWS. The case was settled with CPWS agreeing to several new conditions, including monitoring and reporting of system leakage, development of an enforceable drought management plan, a conservation plan to reduce water consumption.
At our request, legislation has been introduced to designate the lower part of the Duck River and its major tributaries as Class II scenic rivers.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 108
We have been effective getting top policymakers to understand the value of the Duck River and the urgent need to protect the river against excessive withdrawals. The efforts of several groups including the DRC resulted in Governor Lee issuing an Executive Order establishing the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership ("DRWPP"). This panel includes legislators, local utility and local government representatives, relevant state and federal regulatory agencies, TVA, and conservation groups. The DRWPP is charged with developing a comprehensive plan to protect the river and identifying opportunities for water system regionalization. The Executive Order directs TDEC to undertake several measures to protect the Duck River, including development of a comprehensive Habitat Conservation Plan to protect threatened and endangered species in the Duck River watershed.
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Governor Lee's Executive Order directs TDEC to consider large scale engineering projects. This is widely understood to mean the construction of a pipeline from either the Tennessee River or the Cumberland River, which would provide an alternative source of water to the residents of the Duck River valley. DRC considers the development of such an alternative to be critical and urgent to protect the Duck River while also assuring the region has an adequate supply of water.
Governor Lee Appointed
Duck River Conservancy's Vice President, Danny Rochelle to the Duck River Development Agency
DRC Vice President, Danny Rochelle, a lifelong resident of Hickman County, has been appointed by Governor Lee to the Board of Directors of the Duck River Development Agency ("DRA"). The DRA was created by state law in 1965 as a comprehensive development agency for the regional that relies on the Duck River. The activities of DRA are funded by the utilities that withdraw water from the river. The DRA is a principal participant in the DRWPP described above.
We know Mr. Rochelle will bring a much-needed, conservation-minded perspective to the leadership of the DRA.
MEET OUR
BOARD MEMBERS
