These three picturesque rivers provide habitat for 19 species of rare fish and the world's most remarkable collection of embattled freshwater mussels. The Clinch Valley also harbors more than 400 other rare animal and plant species. Few areas of the United States can boast such ecological richness.
Few areas have so much to lose.
While determined to protect these rare species, the Clinch Valley Program is all about partnering with local communities. Conservation in the Clinch Valley Don Gowan opened The Nature Conservancy's Abingdon, Virginia office in January of 1990. Clinch Valley Ecotours Learn about conservation programs throughout the Clinch Valley as you enjoy excursions in the mountains and on the rivers.