Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee has announced the appointment of several individuals to the Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership. This initiative, established through Executive Order 108, is part of Tennessee’s ongoing efforts to balance economic development with environmental conservation and water resource management, ensuring the sustainability of the state’s watersheds.
The Duck River, noted for its biodiversity and as a crucial water source for many Tennesseans, is the focus of this initiative. Governor Lee expressed confidence in the appointed members, highlighting their expertise in making strategic recommendations and overseeing conservation efforts.
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The appointees include:
– Commissioner David W. Salyers, Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation
– Deputy Commissioner Andy Holt, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
– Jimmy West, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development
– Josh Campbell, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
– Amanda Turk, Tennessee Valley Authority
– Valerie McCormack, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
– Dan Elbert, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
– Doug Murphy, Duck River Development Agency
– Senator Joey Hensley, appointed by Lt. Governor McNally
– Representative Pat Marsh, appointed by Speaker Sexton
– Justin Murdock, Water Research Center, Tennessee Technological University
– Randall Braker, Duck River Utility Commission
– Jonathan Hardin, Columbia Power & Water System
– Sheila Butt, Mayor, Maury County
– Chris White, Planning & Zoning, Bedford County
– Mark Thurman, The Nature Conservancy
– Grace Stranch, Harpeth Conservancy
– Horace Tipton, TN Wildlife Federation
– George Nolan, Southern Environmental Law Center
The partnership’s responsibilities include developing watershed management recommendations, advising on policies for sustainable water use, and identifying opportunities for regional water system improvements, drought resilience, and habitat conservation. The group will also engage with local communities and organizations to ensure widespread involvement in these efforts.
Furthermore, the executive order mandates the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, alongside the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, to identify additional priority watersheds, assist municipalities in wastewater treatment optimization, and support urban stormwater management with technical and financial resources.
For more information on Executive Order 108, visit the [official website](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/t.e2ma.net/click/m9qf8h/asphbycf/21ztgw__;!!PRtDf9A!rCDvsLLuJivJOP6AwXZSq3vVMU8QHChMGNIApr25frABYzmwnti1JWZB0Yo2BLmBVMS9_ntC0-yS7y-4xQg$).
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