Harpeth Conservancy

The clean water protection program advances the regulatory and policy solutions necessary to protect and improve water quality in tennessee. This program works to establish scientifically based policy that improves water quality, including water withdrawal permits that leave sufficient flow for wildlife, nutrient pollution limits that restore natural water chemistry, and stormwater regulations that reduce erosion. We are actively pursuing and defending regulatory systems that protect the health of humans and wildlife by working with state agencies and local governments, organizing statewide coalitions, and building local citizen engagement. The effort to set limits on the amount of nutrient pollution entering the harpeth is the most advanced in the state, and we strive to make this a model for rivers throughout the southeastern us.

The outreach, education, & recreation program creates opportunities to foster awareness of issues affecting freshwater resources and appreciation for the incredible diversity of species found in the region. This program works with civic organizations, community groups, and individuals to build the local support and involvement necessary to achieve our mission of protecting rivers and clean water. Through educational events with local youth programs, awareness campaigns, and providing information on ways individuals can help, we hope to inspire personal activism and develop community leaders. We view recreation as an avenue to building strong environmental stewards, and work to promote access to rivers by developing blueways and partnering with local outfitters to demonstrate responsible use of our resources.