USDA Helps In Duck River Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts benefiting Tennessee’s Duck River and sustainable farming are among 92 projects to receive new funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Projects supporting conservation in Tennessee will receive more than $66 million of the total $1.5 billion awarded throughout the country through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

The Duck River Watershed Society was awarded $20 million to support stream restoration in the Duck River, which is among the most diverse freshwater rivers in North America. In addition to serving as a popular site for outdoor recreation, the river is the sole source of water for at least 250,000 Middle Tennessee residents.

Agricenter International, a Shelby County-based nonprofit focusing on agricultural research and environmental conservation, will steward almost $25 million to support the Middle Tennessee Field and Forest Partnership.

The project aims to broaden engagement of producers and landowners to address resource and habitat concerns for wildlife and water quality in Tennessee’s Duck River Watershed and Western Highland Rim, according to a USDA award summary.