Tennessee's Stream Gages are in danger!
Did you know?
Lack of State funding has resulted in fewer stream gages being monitored or maintained. We urge all TSRA members to contact the appropriate government agencies to voice concern and to demand that Tennessee's waterways continue to be monitored by effective and plentiful stream gages.
Why is it important that these stream gages remain operational?
Just look at some of the many reasons listed below:
1. Paddlers need access to information regarding water levels and which rivers are safe to paddle on.
2. Fishermen need information provided by the stream gages in order to know if it's safe or worthwhile to fish on certain waterways.
3. Scientific and/or other conservation groups may receive inaccurate information regarding the quality and quantity of water in various waterways if the stream gages are not properly monitored or maintained. Such information could lead to erroneous reports, environmental hazards, safety issues, and funding discrepancies.
How are the stream gages funded?
Tennessee receives funding for the stream gages through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). In turn, the US Geological Survey (USGS) matches the funding that TDEC provides. Right now, TDEC has chosen to cut its funding for 24 of Tennessee's stream gages. This means that USGS will also not be providing money for the maintenance or monitoring of these gages. The outcome of these funding cuts can only prove to be disastrous for Tennessee. Please join us in contacting the appropriate officials to voice your concerns regarding the lack of proposed funding for Tennessee's stream gages.
How can I learn about which Tennessee stream gages are most at risk?
Go to the USGS stream gages Website and click on "Tennessee" to discover the actual locations and number of threatened stream gages.
How can I voice my opinion and concerns regarding this Issue?
To voice your concerns and to urge that funding be continued to support the proper maintenance and even the addition of more stream gages, please contact the following officials:
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)
L&C Annex, 1st Floor
401 Church Street Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 532-0109
1. Jim Fyke, Commissioner at TDEC
Phone: (615) 532-0106
2. Paul Sloan, Deputy Commissioner at TDEC
Phone: (615) 532-0102
US Geological Survey (USGS)
640 Grassmere Park Drive, Suite100
Nashville, TN 37211
1. Scott Gain (USGS)
Phone: (615) 837-4701
2. Paul S. Hampson (USGS)
Phone: (615) 837-4753
You can also contact your Legislator in the General Assembly to voice your concerns and to urge that funding be restored. The links below will help you to locate your Tennessee representative in the House and appropriate members of the Senate.
House of Representatives
On this site, click on House → Members → Find Your Legislator. You can then find your representative by choosing your county or district. If prompted, choose your specific location on the county map. Your representative's contact information will then be displayed.
Go to House → Committees → Conservation and Environment. Then click on any of the commitee members to learn how to contact them.
Senate
On this site, click on Senate → Committees → Environment, Conservation, and Tourism. Then click on any of the committee members to learn how to contact them.
Phil Bredesen, Governor of Tennessee
Governor's Office
Tennessee State Capitol
Nashville, TN 37243-0001
Together, we can make a difference!
