The Nature Conservancy aims to remove Perry’s Mill Dam, a large (15’ tall, 220’ wide) dam blocking the mainstem channel of the Little River. The removal would restore riverine habitat to more natural conditions. Currently, there is a nearly a mile of impounded stream, removing the dam will support reconnect the stream to a river network of nearly 500 linear miles, and improve public access by removing a significant obstacle to public safety hazard. The dam would be deconstructed by an experienced crew of river restoration engineers. While stabilizing and restoring the natural stream channel and banks, this project will create safer recreation opportunities for the local community. The dam is located next to a public river access that is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority and managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The access is heavily used but often neglected, and this project would also support overall access to the stream, improving access to amenities such as parking, hiking trails, and picnic areas in addition to removing the hazardous dam.

Photo Credit: Tony Sullivan