Right now, we’re on a collision course. The Duck River is our lifeblood, but poorly planned growth will suck the river dry. The good news is, we can change course and wisely manage our water to protect the river, our economy, and quality of life.
Flowing 269 miles through seven counties in Middle Tennessee, the Duck River is the most biodiverse river in North America. It is home to 22 aquatic snail species, 56 mussel species, and 151 fish species. Many species in the Duck are federally listed as endangered or threatened, including a few whose only remaining viable populations are found in the river.
Protecting the Duck River means protecting clean water, cultural legacy, and one of the planet’s most exceptional freshwater ecosystems.
Harpeth Conservancy is working with Duck River communities, partner and government organizations to secure protections for the Duck River and improve the regulatory/permitting process. In February 2025, our CEO, Grace Stranch, was named to Governor Bill Lee’s Duck River Planning Partnership following Executive Order 108, signed to preserve the Duck River.
Interested in learning more? Email Marie at mariecampbell@harpethriver.org.
Keep reading for a timeline of what’s going on with the Duck!
In 2015, American Rivers named the State Scenic Harpeth River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers, highlighting major threats to water quality and public health: sewage pollution and excessive water withdrawals.
Guided by the leadership of Harpeth Conservancy, the national attention galvanized state and local decision-makers with large community support to tighten state-required permits on both sewer discharges and water withdrawals to improve water quality, especially during the critical summer low-flow season when recreational use is highest.
State-of-the-art technology to remove nutrient pollution was included in the City of Franklin’s expanded sewer plant, the largest by far on the Harpeth River, which has cut the phosphorus pollution by over half in the following years.
Being listed as one of the Most Endangered Rivers in 2015 was critical in uniting the community to protect this valuable resource!
In April 2024, American Rivers named the Duck River to its annual list of Most Endangered Rivers. The Duck River is one of the top three most biodiverse rivers in the world. Used locally for drinking water, agriculture, and large-scale manufacturing processes, demand for water from the Duck is rapidly outpacing what the river can sustainably provide. Overconsumption of the Duck River’s water threatens its invaluable fish and wildlife and its long-term use by local communities. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation must protect this incredible waterway by developing a comprehensive watershed plan and funding much-needed scientific studies to understand the flow needs of the river and ensure its long-term health.
For 50 years, the public interest organization American Rivers (AR) has been a national leader protecting and restoring rivers throughout the U.S.
Each year, American Rivers releases its list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® (MER), spotlighting ten rivers where human health and safety are at risk. The report "amplifies the voices of local partners and spotlights decisions that will determine the fates of the rivers."
Local groups across the U.S. nominate rivers for inclusion on the MER list, and AR selects rivers based on three criteria:
Harpeth Conservancy, Southern Environmental Law Center, and Tennessee Wildlife Federation nominated the Duck River as part of an on-going campaign to protect the river, now and for future generations.
Tennessee’s environmental agency, the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) has a series of proposed and expanded water withdrawals (by drinking water utilities) from one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world—the Duck River—which flows through Middle Tennessee. These withdrawals will pull water from parts of the river designated as scenic and Exceptional Tennessee waters, and they add up to an estimated 35% increase in one of the fastest growing areas of the state... but the Duck isn’t getting any bigger!
We want to see a long-term, science-driven plan for this area that can both protect the Duck while also ensuring safe, reliable drinking water for local communities as they plan for growth.
Last month, Harpeth Conservancy (HC) provided our analysis on the first of seven draft water withdrawals proposed by TDEC for the upper Duck River. In those comments, we thanked TDEC for coordinating utilities’ withdrawals along the river, but we also pointed out that state permits shouldn’t let communities take too much water without having to prove that the river, endangered species, and downstream communities will also have enough clean water.
HC supports the agency’s decision to require water withdrawal permits and to set limits during low-flow conditions—but we believe these steps don’t yet go far enough. The permits must be strengthened.
The Duck River supports over 650 aquatic species: 151 fish, 56 freshwater mussels, 22 aquatic snails, and at least 225 types of aquatic insects, crustaceans, and worms. Mussels like the Birdwing Pearlymussel, Cumberland Monkeyface, and Duck River Dartersnapper are more than fascinating—they’re critical water filters that help clean our water.
The current permits don’t fully account for how the Duck River naturally drops into low-flow conditions during the summer. These permits would allow year-round withdrawals—even when flow is at its most vulnerable. 150 miles of the Duck are critical habitat for federally protected species. TDEC must consider seasonal and climate impacts when issuing permits.
Permits can’t authorize degradation caused by withdrawing water without stepping through some important hoops, including evaluation of alternatives and the balance between development and ecological integrity.
Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 108 to elevate water resource protection in Tennessee. The order emphasizes the Duck River's most biodiverse status and importance as a drinking water source and outlines future budget initiatives and the creation of a planning partnership.
The Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership was launched to coordinate comprehensive water resource strategies. The Partnership will:
In the fall of 2024, John Guider, an acclaimed Nashville photographer and environmental advocate, completed a monumental canoe journey, traveling 265 miles of Tennessee's Duck River — the most biodiverse river in North America. His journey aimed to raise awareness about the Duck River’s environmental crisis, worsened by drought conditions, and to document its unparalleled beauty through his award-winning photography.
Partnering with Harpeth Conservancy and Nashville PBS (WNPT), and produced by Archaea, Guider’s trip is the subject of a feature-length documentary, Down the Duck.
Wetlands: Changing the Narrative highlights the vital role wetlands play in supporting communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods. This initiative showcases the efforts of hunters, anglers, ranchers, and small family farmers who depend on healthy wetlands and are actively working to protect them. This series, launching in Tennessee, will explore how individuals are making a lasting impact through stewardship, science, engineering, and dedication. Through their stories, we aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for wetlands and the essential role they play in preserving our natural heritage.
National Association of Wetland Managers (NAWM): For over 40 years, the National Association of Wetland Managers has been dedicated to protecting and restoring the nation’s wetlands through science-based policy, education, and collaboration. NAWM works with federal, state, and tribal agencies, conservation groups, and local communities to advance wetland management, ensuring these critical ecosystems remain healthy and resilient. Through research, training, and advocacy, NAWM empowers decision-makers and practitioners to safeguard wetlands for future generations.
The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) is asking for public comments on a series of proposed and expanded water withdrawals (by drinking water utilities) from one of the most biodiverse rivers in the world—the Duck River—which flows through Middle Tennessee.
Freshwater mussel pearls have held a unique place in the region’s heritage, shaping industries and traditions while leaving an indelible mark on the state’s landscapes and waterways. But how are the mussels that produce these gems the true gems of the rivers?
American Rivers named the Harpeth River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2015 today, highlighting the threat sewage pollution and excessive water withdrawals pose to clean water and public health.
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