Since opening our office in 2001 we have:
•Developed an educational program for area schools
•Made presentations about the river and the watershed to school and community groups
•Hosted “Ask The Expert” Panel Discussions
•Co-sponsored Native Plant Workshops
•Co-sponsored the Annual Little River Round Up
•Acquired a educational multi-media kiosk that travels to area businesses throughout Blount County
•Assisted local, state and federal agencies and other groups working to protect the Little River
•Hosted an annual canoe trip along the river for area government & business leaders
•Participated in the National RiverSmart media campaign
•Participated in a stream bank planting project along Alcoa & Maryville’s Greenway
•Hosted the annual Little River Awareness Day

Our History

The Little River Watershed Association (LRWA) was formed in 1998 to bring together people with common interests to the river--those who
• live by the river
• enjoy the river for recreation and scenic beauty
• treasure the river’s rich historical value
• depend on the river for their livelihood
• study and teach about the river
• and make decisions that impact the river.

January, 2003

Our Purpose

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its surrounding cities are a source of beauty, relaxation, and recreation for thousands each year. One of the many highlights of this region, the Little River, attracts campers, fishermen, and canoers alike. This waterway, beginning in the Clingman’s Dome area of the national park and traveling through the cities of Townsend, Maryville, Alcoa, and Rockford, flows into the Tennessee River. The river exhibits a diverse aquatic population, housing a variety of fish and insects including some endangered species such as the dustytail darter fish. The biological uniqueness of the Little River attracts fishermen and scientists as well as simple onlookers.

These waters and their surroundings also provide resources such as energy and drinking water for private landowners, farmers, businesses and industry. So, while residents and visitors enjoy the Little River for its recreational purposes (swimming, fishing, kayaking, etc.), they also rely on the watershed--the area drained by the river and its tributaries--as an ecological and economical resource. Some signs of degradation in the river caused by development, poor agricultural practices, and failing septic tanks in the watershed have been observed in recent years. The importance of the Little River watershed is such that analysis and elimination of potential problems is essential for the maintenance of the economic, biological, and scenic value of the area.
The Little River watershed drains 380 square miles including most of Blount County as well as portions of Sevier and Knox counties in eastern Tennessee, an area visited by 1,600,000 tourists annually. Two hundred thousand of these visitors make overnight stays in popular tourist areas such as Townsend. In addition to tourism, the watershed is the home for and supports most of the business and industrial economy of Blount County, Tennessee.

A source of drinking water for 85,000 residents as well as visitors, the Little River has recently been classified as a “threatened stream” by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. The classification change is a result of deteriorating water quality primarily in the lower area of the stream.

The river is a vital life support system and we recognize that the entire community benefits if the Little River remains healthy. We also acknowledge that local residents have the greatest direct impact on the river especially downstream. We, the people of the area, are the primary source of problems as well as solutions for the Little River's future.

Our Staff and Board

The LRWA is a volunteer citizen’s organization open to anyone sharing the aims of the organization. The Association receives technical assistance from the Little River Water Quality Forum, area Universities, TDEC, municipalities and counties, and TVA.

Currently staffed by one full-time worker, and with help from an active board and dedicated volunteers, the Little River Watershed Association offices are located at 1004 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, Tennessee 37804