The Tennessee Division of Natural Areas will celebrate the grand opening of a new boat access at Powell River Preserve State Natural Area on Sept. 24.
The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.
The project is the result of collaboration between the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), the Tennessee Division of Forestry, Claiborne County and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The access is an exciting addition to the Powell River Blueway and enhances the already impressive system of recreational waterways available in Tennessee.
The access will be able to accommodate canoes, kayaks and small boats. There is no ramp or launch for larger vessels. The public is encouraged to utilize the access on Sept. 24, which is National Public Lands Day, a nationwide day of service and recreation.
Lisa Huff, East Regional Stewardship Ecologist, TDEC; Claiborne County Mayor Jack C. Daniels; Bart Carter, Regional Fisheries Coordinator, Region IV, TWRA; and Steve Roark, Area Forester, Tennessee Division of Forestry are expected to be present at the opening.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
To get to the Powell River Preserve State Natural Area, go north of Tazewell on U.S. Hwy. 25E, turn right at the Powell River on River Road and the site is on the right side of the road.
TDEC celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, recognizing the merger of environmental programs from the Department of Health and Environment with the Department of Conservation in 1991. This combination marked an important milestone in state government, as TDEC employees have been working together to enhance the quality of life for citizens in Tennessee for the past quarter century.
