Little River Watershed 101, July 10th and 13th
You are invited to join TWRA, TDEC, TVA, UT and the Little River Watershed Association in the 25th annual IBI survey, a field survey that gives a broad picture of the health of the Little River. The “Index of Biological Integrity” is conducted yearly to quantitatively assess changes in the composition of biologic communities and to accurately reflect the ecological complexity of river systems.
Friends of the Little River who wants to learn more about the biodiversity of the river by participating in this hands-on survey are invited to rsvp for either of the following sampling dates:
July 10, 9:30am in Walland – meet at Coulter’s Bridge parking lot.
July 13, 9:30am in Townsend – meet at the lot just upstream of the handicap parking area next to the river.
As a participant you may put on waders and assist the biologists in collecting and identifying fishes and macroinvertibrates, or you may assist from the shore.
Did You Know?
**The main purpose of the IBI project is to collect baseline information on game and non-game fish and macroinvertebrate populations in the region. This baseline data is necessary to update and expand the Tennessee Aquatic Database System (TADS) and aid in the management of fisheries resources in the region.
**The Little River represents an important recreational resource for the state both in consumptive and non-consumptive uses. It supports an active tubing/rafting industry and is an important recreational resource for local residents and tourists alike. It is also the municipal water source of the cities of Alcoa and Maryville.
**Little River provides critical habitat for species of special concern and is home to over 50 species of fish (four listed federally). Additionally, its upper reach supports one of east Tennessee’s better warm water sport fisheries.
**Several rare or endangered species of fish inhabit Little River, and thus, the protection of the watershed is a high priority of managing agencies and local conservation groups.
Please RSVP to snaildarter@littleriverwatershed.org if you would like to attend one of these events. We will limit participation to the first 15 participants at each location.
http://www.littleriverwatershed.org/?page_id=2177
