Tennessee River pipeline study among Duck River advisory group’s recommendations

An advisory group appointed by Gov. Bill Lee has released its first set of recommendations for conservation of the Duck River. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

An advisory group tasked with identifying ways to balance conservation and water needs on a treasured Tennessee river issued its first recommendations to Gov. Bill Lee on Nov. 20, a year after Lee issued an executive order prioritizing the river’s protection.

The 269-mile Duck River is known for its biodiversity, hosting the largest variety of living organisms of any freshwater river in North America. But the scenic river is also under increasing pressure as Middle Tennessee’s population growth ratchets up demand for water and drought conditions lead to low flows.

The proposed measures include implementing drought prepar