About Us
A Brief History…
In 1998, citizen watershed groups from across Tennessee met to address clean water issues and discuss the future of the watershed movement in the state. These watershed representatives agreed that a statewide organization was needed that would provide leadership on critical clean water issues and also offer capacity building and technical assistance for effective watershed associations. While numerous organizations had been successful in protecting individual waterbodies or advocating for better clean water policies, the need was recognized for greater communication, networking, and coordination for stronger protection of our state’s waters. Based on these needs, TCWN was formed.
Our Statement of Principles…
We believe that water is the common thread that ties all life together. We believe that maintaining clean water protects the health of our families and provides numerous recreational opportunities while sustaining plants, animals, and aquatic life. We believe that Tennessee's waters are among our most precious natural resources. Since these resources continue to be polluted by toxic and other pollutants from industry, sewage plants, runoff, and other sources, critical aquatic ecosystems will continue to be lost or degraded, and the health of our children and our ecosystems remain threatened. TCWN will work to protect the water resources of Tennessee.
Our Goals…
- To advocate for strong policies and programs that result in more effective protection and restoration of Tennessee waters; and
- To build the capacity of citizen watershed associations and leaders to be effective advocates for their local watersheds.
- To achieve these goals and ensure meaningful and engaged participation in the protection and restoration of our state’s waters, TCWN works statewide to:
- Educate organizations, decision-makers, and the public about important water resource issues Build support among organizations, decision-makers, and the public for creating and upholding strong clean water policies Provide technical support, education, and assistance to newly forming and existing citizen groups working to protect and restore local watersheds Provide vehicles for networking between organizations and individuals, in order to answer tough questions, get advice, and gather needed to support to ensure the protection and restoration of Tennessee’s waters