Exciting $546,800 Project Aims to Restore Beaver Creek in Knoxville, Enhancing Recreational Opportunities and Water Quality

Exciting Changes Coming to Beaver Creek in Knoxville, Tennessee

In a delightful turn of events for residents who adore the outdoors, Knoxville, Tennessee, is making waves—quite literally! Over half a million dollars is being dedicated to an exciting project aimed at stabilizing the creek bank of Beaver Creek and removing the aging Coward Mill Dam. This is great news for anyone who enjoys kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water.

A Natural Gem

Beaver Creek stretches an impressive 86 square miles across Knox County, making it the largest river system in the area. With so much beauty to offer, it’s no wonder the creek holds a special place in the hearts of locals. One of those locals, Charlie Austin, can’t help but reminisce about his childhood experiences at the creek, where he was likely splashing around at the tender age of two. “I actually played in Beaver Creek at two years old,” Austin shared. Fast forward to 2016, and he was back at it again with friends, taking to the water on kayaks. However, things took a turn when they encountered obstacles along the way.

“We came out here, got on our kayaks and we floated about 20 ft downstream and ran into our first debris jam,” he recalled. Although it was a challenge, Austin wasn’t deterred. Now, as the president of the Beaver Creek Kayak Club, he’s passionate about making Beaver Creek a safe and enjoyable space for everyone. “We’ve got a slogan: clear, clean and care for Beaver Creek, and that’s the key.”

Ongoing Efforts

With the wonderful support of Knox County, Austin has seen some progress. Currently, there are 12 miles of Beaver Creek that are clear and ready for recreation. The latest initiative is focused on removing the Coward Mill Dam, a move that aims to enhance not only the recreational aspect of the creek but also the overall water quality and flood risk management.

Cathy Olsen, the Knox County Engineering and Public Works Operations Director, emphasized the importance of this project. “Beaver Creek is… the largest river system in Knox County and it’s the only one that’s not managed for flood control,” she explained. The old dam structure is a concern, particularly during heavy rainstorms when the risk of flooding increases. “We’ve obviously learned from experiences up in East Tennessee and North Carolina that water pressure can be really strong and can destroy structures that aren’t built to withstand it,” she added.

Funding the Future

The Knox County Commission has taken significant steps to fund this project; they approved a grant contract from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) for $546,800, with Knox County also contributing $136,700. Olsen mentioned that this initiative aligns with mandates from TDEC and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make water systems across the nation “fishable and swimmable.” It’s all part of a larger movement to restore waterways to their natural beauty and function.

The Path Ahead

Austin’s vision doesn’t stop here. He’s excited about the potential for Beaver Creek as a connected water trail that stretches a total of 44 miles. “That eventual goal will take some time, and it’s a lot of hard work clearing these debris jams, but we’re well underway,” he said, grateful for the county’s support.

Looking ahead, Olsen confirmed that Knox County has already put out bids for consultants and plans to finalize design drawings in the next five to six months. The hopes are to start dismantling the Coward Mill Dam late next year. With this positive momentum, the future looks bright for Beaver Creek, and it’s sure to become an even bigger treasure for the community.