Press Room

In an era of Covid-19 — not to mention the anxiety that comes from lay offs, home schooling, and generally being cooped up at home — what are the things we need to consider as we think about our paddling adventures these days?

ACA Tennessee gathered regional paddling thought leaders on April 1 for an informal conversation appropriate for **all levels** of paddling enthusiasts! Watch the recorded event on Facebook.

Speakers:
Andrea White, ACA Tennessee State Director
Hunter Branstetter, ACA Tennessee Deputy Director
Jessie Beckett, TSRA Vice President
Scott Fisher, NOLI
and special guest, Robin Pope, Chairman of the ACA Board

TSRA has decided to postpone Rendezvous this year, originally scheduled for April 1-5. Yep, you read that right: postpone. We’re hoping not to cancel the event completely but delay it until the fall. We have no details to share with you just yet, but we are researching possible dates, locations (possibly in the Ocoee/Hiwassee area) and plans for a fall Rendezvous. So hang onto your river booty for a later silent auction.

We’ve been in touch with our amazing hosts at Camp Nakanawa, and they agree this is the right decision. We hope to descend upon them next spring at Rendezvous 2021.

So what to do with all those days off you requested April 1-5? Let’s paddle anyway. If you’re not already on TSRA Paddler Chat on Facebook, now is the time to join. There will very likely be some informal (not officially organized by TSRA, so the risk is your own) trips you can join. Plan to do shuttle from the back of a pickup truck, though, in the spirit of social distancing.

Now a word about refunds: If you’re already registered, we will offer you a 100% refund. However, because Rendezvous is TSRA’s biggest fundraiser and this delay will significantly zap our operating budget, we are throwing out a few other options, should you feel inclined to support TSRA anyway. Click here to see those options and let us know.

Every time you lead a trip at Rendezvous you will be entered into a raffle.The prize is a free weekend at David's cabin. pretty awesome place perched on a cliff on the Cumberland Plateau. Contact David for requirements and more details. 

Check this out for more Rendezvous information.

Three TSRA-trained kayakers were on the Toccoa River in Georgia at just the right time to help a wader stranded in high water after a dam release. Thank you to Tom Christensen, Michael King and Ellen Omohundro for sharing this success story. And thank you to the instructors and paddlers who help TSRA spread the culture of safety on the water. Read the full story: Toccoa Rescue Sept 2019.pdf.

In this program Mark interviews TSRA President Gary Weatherford. We learn a little bit about the history of the Scenic Rivers Act, and a lot about the various programs and activities of TSRA.

Listen to the podcast here.

To: Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission

Regarding: Proposed Commercial Paddlecraft Regulations

On behalf of private boaters and citizens across the state, the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association would like to submit public comment to the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission about the proposed regulations for commercial operations of non-motorized watercraft. The Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts from upper east Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club from Chattanooga have also signed on to these comments.

First, we are very appreciative that TWRA opened up the process to include input from various stakeholders in the community. We believe it is a much better proposal as a result of the collaboration. Our further comments are intended to continue this effort to encourage development of good public policy for Tennessee's waterways, citizens and businesses.

1. Commercial Launch fees seem excessive. . .

Read the entire letter here: TSRA APEs TVCC Public Comments Regarding Commercial Paddlecraft Regulations.pdf

We, the undersigned organizations representing hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans, write to strongly encourage you to veto SB686/HB571, the “Primacy and Reclamation Act of Tennessee.” This legislation weakens oversight of coal mining in our state and threatens the health and safety of our communities, water resources, and the environment...

Read the entire letter: Primacy and Reclamation Act of Tennessee April 2018.pdf