Unfortunately, about one-third of the Harpeth River watershed is located in one of the fastest growing regions in the country. The cumulative effects of rapid development, certain agricultural activities, poorly functioning sewage systems, and other pressures mean that almost 30% of the Harpeth river system is not meeting state water quality standards. The primary threat to water quality in the watershed is from sedimentation. Development is the primary cause of sedimentation that is coming from poor erosion control on the many construction sites and high stormwater flow volumes that scour the banks and cause streambank erosion. Rooftops and parking lots not only send rain to nearby storm drains that overwhelm the creeks, but pavement also prevents rain from soaking into the ground so that wells and creeks are drying up in the summer.

The HRWA’s efforts include working on better development design and land use planning, more effective erosion control, encouraging infiltration stormwater management design, improving stream buffers, and similar on-the-ground and long-term solutions that everyone from a homeowner to a planning commissioner can implement. We have initiated a stream restoration program with an almost $50,000 state government grant of federal funds from the Environmental Protection Agency in order to improve stream health.

The HRWA is using the watershed approach to address the challenges facing the Harpeth. Our Science and Policy Committee members are chemists, river computer model experts, biologists, engineers, and conservation policy specialists. We have conducted several field projects to get a more detailed understanding of the threats and priorities in the Harpeth. Trained volunteers have conducted a visual stream habitat assessment study, a two-year study of sedimentation around the watershed in collaboration with the Cumberland River Compact, a new study on streambank erosion, and two studies of the level of dissolved oxygen in the main stem of the Harpeth.

Our approach involves seeking to understand all perspectives and working collaboratively with a wide range of interests to yield long lasting and practical results. Though we are not confrontational in style, we actively confront problems. The HRWA has made a priority of building trust and developing local relationships in order to work together.

The Harpeth river watershed offers an opportunity to restore and maintain a biologically diverse aquatic system in the heart of one of the fastest growing regions of the U.S. To achieve this long-term goal, the HRWA relies on the support of generous individuals and corporations to provide core funding that then leverages private and government grants, putting money to work in our river.

One opportunity for supporting our efforts is joining the Harpeth River Stewardship Council. Launched this fall, the Council is comprised of people and corporations who donate $1,000 or more per year for a commitment of three years to the HRWA. Our goal with the Council is to raise $250,000. These funds will support core scientific and technical staff, give flexibility to program work, as well as leverage $400,000 in grants secured so far through 2004. For more information, contact the Executive Director, Dorie Bolze at (615) 790-9767.