State and Local Officials and Environmentalist Pledge Their Commitment to the Obed

NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

Protecting Parks for future Generations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 31, 2000

CONTACT: Danielle Droitsch at 865-607-2438 or Marianne Wilson at 865-457-7775

STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS GATHER WITH ENVIRONMENTALISTS TO CELEBRATE PROTECTION OF OBED WILD AND SCENIC RIVER

Signing Of Pledge Is Significant in Highlighting How Conflict Between Protection Of River And Water Supply Needs Can Be Resolved

Where: The Obed Wild and Scenic River at Lilly Bridge 
When: Friday, March 31 at 1:00 p.m. EST (12:00 NOON CST) 
Who: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Milton Hamilton

Dodd Galbreath, TDEC Director of Policy
Melanie Catania, TDEC Policy Office
State Senator Lincoln Davis
Representative Raymond Walker, Representative for Cumberland County
John Robbins, Assistant to Representative John Mark Windle Morgan County
Tommy Kilby, Morgan County Executive
Brock Hill, Cumberland County Executive
Don Hall, Mayor of Wartburg
Doug Freels, Wartburg City Alderman
Joey Williams, Wartburg' City Alderman
Reed Detring, Superintendent of Obed Wild and Scenic River
Butch Mc Dade, Obed Interpretive Specialist
John Mayer, TWRA Assistant Regional Manager

In a ceremony held today, state and local officials, together with environmentalists, gathered to recognize designation of the Obed Wild and Scenic River as an Outstanding National Resource Water - the highest level of protection given under the Clean Water Act.

At the ceremony, attendees signed a proclamation pledging their continued efforts to protect the river and to signify its value as a natural resource (language of pledge below). In addition, local high school students conducted water quality monitoring in the river. The event was held as part of the Tennessee Paddle Festival for the Obed to be held at the Obed Wild and Scenic River April 7-9. (Please refer to the following website for more information: www.tennesseepaddle.com)

The ceremony, sponsored by the National Parks Conservation Association, was presided over by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Milton Hamilton, who remained intimately involved throughout last year's controversy over the designation.

The designation of the river was contested last year when the Obed Wild and Scenic River was identified as a possible future water supply source for Cumberland County. Already, the river was the subject of a controversial dam proposal that was later withdrawn.

As a result, the designation process stalled as environmentalists and public officials wrangled over how to ensure future water supply alternatives to Cumberland Plateau communities but also the preservation of the river. The end result was a compromise designation. This compromise allowed for designation of the river but with recognition that water supply issues for the Cumberland Plateau be resolved before full designation of the river. 

"The coming together of these state and public officials with environmentalists many of whom were at opposite ends of the table last year - demonstrate that environmental protection need not be pitted against the economic issues of local communities," said Danielle Droitsch, Associate Regional Director of NPCA.

"This compromise designation tells us that the emerging economics of the Cumberland Plateau recognize and appreciate the significance of preserving our natural and cultural resources," said Cumberland County Executive Brock Hill. "Economic growth and environmental stewardship can and must continue to work hand in hand."

The Outstanding National Resource Water designation is the highest protection afforded under the Clean Water Act. It prohibits new or expanded discharges into the river in order to protect the. River's water quality. "Tennessee's water is her greatest natural resource. We are proud the Obed Wild and Scenic River has been designated as one of this nation's Outstanding National Resource Waters," said Governor Don Sundquist.

"Having worked for over 3 to 5 years to provide lasting protection for the magnificent wild rivers and gorges of the Obed system, TCWP was overjoyed by the designation," said Lee Ann Russell of Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning, a group very involved throughout last year's discussions. "There is a lot of work yet to be accomplished to protect this national park, but we can do it with the help of the people who have come to love this unique wild river system."

"It is most fitting that the Obed Wild and Scenic River be designated an Outstanding National Resource Water as the Obed is a natural treasure of all our region," said Morgan County Executive Tommy Kilby, who also noted the river currently is a source of water supply to the region's residents.

Superintendent of the Obed Wild and Scenic River Reed Detring also applauded the designation. "The Obed Wild and Scenic River represents one of the most biologically diverse stream systems within the Cumberland Plateau and is arguably one of its most valuable natural resources. This new status will aid in our ongoing efforts to protect and preserve this national treasure for present and future generations. This is truly a legacy that we can all be proud of." Approximately 256,699 people visit the Obed Wild and Scenic River each year, to engage in outdoor activities. such as fishing, rock climbing, canoeing, whitewater fun, and many other experiences.

"Tennessee's current strength and rich history are built upon our natural resources. Through this designation, we have guaranteed that it will continue to support the natural and human communities that depend upon it," said Assistant to the Governor Justin P. Wilson.

This event signifies the importance of a collaborative process between public officials, environmentalists, and community members in deciding that the health of the Cumberland Plateau community and the Obed Wild and Scenic River be protected for generations to come.  

Commissioner Milton H. Hamilton signs the dedication pledge.

The pledge that was signed at the ceremony contained the following language: