Greetings, River Neighbors!
If it’s the Southeast, you know the weather is extremely variable, including rainfall. First: a lake-level update.
We have a mixed bag again this year with reservoir levels. Rainfall this spring has varied by location, and much of the Tennessee Valley has begun to fall below normal rainfall in the last 30 days. Areas around the northeast portion of the Valley including the South Holston, Cherokee, and Norris tributaries are falling behind the fill schedule and normal elevations for this time of year. These areas will need above-normal rainfall to put them back on track to be full by our target date of the summer pool, June 1. Other tributary reservoirs in east Tennessee and north Georgia are on track with their fill schedule and forecast to be at summer pool levels by June 1 if they continue to see near-normal rainfall. Main river reservoirs are either already at the summer pool range or are forecast to be at the summer pool in the next week or two.
(Keep up with the latest data by downloading our Lake Info app!)
As summer approaches and the kids are getting out of school, you have miles of trails, acres of public land and dozens of campsites in the Valley to enjoy for Memorial Day weekend or later in the summer. Start here on our Recreation landing page, and you’ll find whatever you need to plan your trip.
June 3 is National Trails Day, and here at TVA we consider June to be our own Trails Month. There are land trails and water trails—whatever kind you prefer—and options from a leisurely stroll to a challenging uphill climb. And if you need some time outdoors after that long winter, we have opportunities for you to volunteer with us on cleanup or doing trail maintenance.
We’re happy to see you enjoying public lands. But please let me remind you to follow safety recommendations—Memorial Day weekend can be hazardous for boaters. Be careful, and stay safe out there!
Tom Barnett
Acting VP, TVA River & Resources Stewardship |
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At TVA, June Is Trails Month – All Month Long
TVA trails total more than 180 miles on public land. They are there for you to hike, bike, walk, run or just stroll, and you can choose from different levels of difficulty. They’re fun to explore and great for exercise. Come visit!
TVA Trails
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TVA and the Appalachian Trail
The storied Appalachian National Scenic Trail touches TVA property in two spots: Fontana Dam and Watauga Dam. The history of the great A.T. is intertwined with TVA’s—and the trail continues to grow in popularity.
TVA and the Appalachian Trail
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TVA Turns 90 and We’re Offering Rare Tours
Have you always wanted to peek inside one of TVA’s mighty dams? In honor of TVA’s 90th birthday this month, we will offer the chance to tour several of them this summer.
TVA Turns 90
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Boating Safety 101
Memorial Day is the traditional start of recreation season on TVA lakes and lands. That means busy lakes. TVA encourages you to get out and enjoy your holiday on the water—safely!
Boating Safety 101 (tva.com)
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Be a Scientist for a Day – And Bring the Kids
The astonishing world of nature and its many species is getting more connected around the globe – and you can be part of it. Join us in documenting existing species and looking for new ones at a BioBlitz event! The first one is on May 19th.
You, Naturalist (tva.com)
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Helping the Bees and the Butterflies
Swaths of TVA land are being adapted to welcome our pollinator friends. You might notice a sign here or there to let you know what we’re doing to help these essential species.
Aiding Our Pollinator Friends (tva.com)
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Tennessee RiverLine
One of the best things about summer is visiting other river communities and exploring their water-based activities! Saturday, May 13th offers two opportunities. In Alabama, the Lake Guntersville Kick-Off to Summer hosts an outdoor expo and water event. Upriver, the Tennessee RiverLine & Hiwassee Blueway Partner Paddle is a free activity at the Cherokee Removal Memorial, Birchwood, TN. Participants must RSVP.
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Explore the Tennessee River Valley
Sometimes you have to postpone everything else and feed your spirit with some old-time music. Saturday, May 13, the Cocke County Bluegrass Festival will fill the air with 12 hours of soul-satisfying pickin’ and singin’. Traveling west? Don’t leave home before reading about the Walls Art Park in the lush woods of Humphreys County, Tennessee.
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Visit One of Our Clean Marinas
If you don’t own a houseboat, you probably never think about raw or improperly treated boat sewage, but you should. This sewage poses a serious threat to human health and the aquatic environment. TVA’s Tennessee Valley Clean Marina Program recognizes marina operators and owners who are voluntarily striving to protect the Valley’s water resources. Check them out!
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The Wayback Machine
Springtime brings the beauty and serenity of camping in the woods. Here, sunlight filters through the trees at Fenton campground, Land Between the Lakes, October 1969.
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Explore with the Tennessee River Valley MapGuide
Looking for new places to explore by foot, car or boat? Check out the Tennessee River Valley MapGuide.There are plenty of things to see and do close to home.
Got a question? Pick the PLIC
TVA’s Public Land Information Center (PLIC) is your single source for answers to questions about a variety of public land topics including recreational opportunities and shoreline permits. Call (800) 882-5263 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET or submit your question using the form found here.
Ongoing maintenance:
Keep up with road closings, bridge repairs, and all kinds of things here.
See past issues of River Neighbors here.
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