Governor appropriates funding for BluewaysTN
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Governor Bill Lee has appropriated over $2 million for the BluewaysTN project that involves 15 rivers including the Sequatchie River, making it more accessible for kayaking, canoing, fishing and enjoying the waterways.
“Tennessee’s outdoor heritage extends to our rivers, lakes, and streams. We are creating a blueway trail network to improve access to state waterways, boost rural economies, and welcome more Tennesseans and visitors to enjoy our beautiful waters,” stated Governor Bill Lee on the BluewaysTN website.
Last week, an informational meeting on BluewaysTN was held in Dunlap with Geoff Call with BluewaysTN and BluewaysTN Coordinator Jamison Sliger addressed those in attendance.
“The Sequatchie River has 116 navigable miles,” said Call, “working to provide better experiences for everyone as it relates to recreational travel along the rivers. This is a massive waterway, leading into the Tennessee River. There are areas where you can go a long way without an access point and we’d like to see them increase.”
Call said supporting the property owners of land along the rivers is another priority.
“We want those using these rivers to just keep them clean,” he explained.
Currently, 15 rivers are being studied by BluewaysTN, in all areas of the state, for data collection on conservation, access, and other needed information.
In Pikeville, Sliger said BluewaysTN funds should be available to add to ARC funding previously received, for an access at the Old Town Spring site, off East Valley Road, behind the Dr. James Ross House and Museum.
Pikeville has an access ramp further south of the Old Town Spring site, below the expansion bridge off State Route 30 east.
“Ideally, you’d want access at least every five to seven miles,” he explained. “Sometimes you go much further and boaters or paddlers need to be able to get out safely. Our focus on this is paddle crafts.”
Conversations continue with private land owners regarding access, Sliger said. Dams are obstacles in some areas.
“Landowner contacts (at possible access locations) have generally been positive,” Sliger stated. “We want to hear from everyone affected, including those who may not have a positive view. We want them to know that most people will follow good river etiquette, especially visitors from other areas.”
In Sequatchie, access points include at the Humpback Bridge west of the courthouse area on Old York Highway. Call said the site includes a paved launching point and is used frequently. Another site is in the Hudlow area just south of the city.
“We want to have safe, accessible launching points,” he continued. “Continuing education will help keep the river clean, and also help keep those on it safe.”
Sliger said there are approximately 380 access points along the 15 rivers in the study.
“We’re working to have an interactive website that includes mileage, locations of the access points, any possible hazards, whether the access points are open to the public, and other things people need to know. We plan to have it completed soon. We have a team mapping every mile of these rivers. Water quality is also being looked at as are American With Disabilities Act requirements. We want to get the best picture of what the public wants.”
Further meetings may take place, Sliger said. The website BluewaysTN.com has a general survey for comment, which it to be expanded later.
The goals of BluewaysTN is to provide enhanced access to launch sites along rivers, safer experiences, enhanced amenities, and conservation. Their ultimate goal is to protect waters and habitats for wildlife and future generations.
BluewaysTN hopes to promote economic growth through recreation generating billions annually and support job opportunities. The establishment of BluewaysTN will attract visitors that will support things like restaurants, shops, lodging and more. Communities located on the Sequatchie River will be able to share their character, history, and culture.
