Clinch and Powell River Watersheds Focus Area

Draining parts of 2 states, the Clinch and Powell Rivers watershed above Norris Lake harbors more than 35 federally listed threatened and endangered species, the majority of which are freshwater fishes and mussels, and designated critical habitat for more than 5 species. The watershed also hosts multiple fisheries species of conservation concern and priority migratory bird species (see Service Trust Resources section). The area is globally significant and was included in an area designated in 1988 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as the Southern Appalachian Man and the Biosphere Reserve. Our goal is to protect and recover these species and maintain and restore the habitats upon which they depend. In accordance with the Imperiled Aquatic Species Conservation Strategy for the Upper Tennessee River Basin (Service 2014), our next steps towards this goal are to propagate and release listed fish and mussel species; ensure water quality protections are in place through the review of federally funded and permitted activities; and evaluate the exposure and toxicological effects of contaminant stressors in water and sediment. We will partner with conservation organizations, municipalities, and landowners to implement stream restoration and riparian buffer projects in the watershed. Indian Creek Watershed – The federally listed purple bean (Villosa perpurpurea), rough rabbitsfoot (Quadrula cylindrica strigillata), and tan riffleshell (Epioblasma florentina walkeri) are found in Indian Creek. After a tanker truck spill in 1998 killed populations of these species in the mainstem Clinch River and a catastrophic sedimentation event during construction of a gas pipeline in 2006 affected Indian Creek populations, Indian Creek became the focus of restoration efforts. This watershed discharges to the upper reaches of the Clinch River and affects mainstem water quality. We will evaluate the exposure and toxicological effects of contaminant stressors in water and sediment and pursue available partnership opportunities for riparian protection, streambank stabilization, research, and other recovery activities to benefit listed aquatic species. Copper Creek Watershed – In Copper Creek there are more than 10 federally listed mussels and fishes, and critical habitat has been designated for some of these species. This watershed discharges to the Clinch River and affects mainstem water quality. Many listed species propagation and release efforts have taken place, such as those for the federally listed threatened yellowfin madtom (Noturus flavipinnis). Although threats from agriculture are high, many partners are working in the drainage to address the problems. The PFW Program has longstanding involvement in the drainage and has funded several projects, including stream restoration, riparian buffers, and fish barrier removal. We will restore fish passage, protect and restore streambanks, and conduct outreach activities to inform the community about other impacts to federally listed species and aquatic communities. Powell River Watershed at River Mile 116.5 to River Mile 175.0 – There are more than 20 federally listed threatened and endangered aquatic species in this portion of the Powell River watershed, and species demonstrate a high degree of endemism. The watershed contains significant karst resources, including the only known populations of the federally listed endangered Lee County cave isopod (Lirceus usdagalun). Threats from coal mining and natural gas drilling, which are economically and politically difficult to address, may render listed aquatic species vulnerable to extirpation and extinction. We will continue research and recovery efforts by reviewing projects and permits in accordance with the ESA and by participating in technical advisory teams. We will assist conservation partners in enhancing implementation of best management practices (BMPs) related to livestock operations via various cost share programs and in land protection to expand the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage’s (VDCR-DNH) The Cedars Natural Area Preserve.