Threats to the Little Tennsessee

The Little Tennessee and Cullasaja rivers are facing a serious threat. The Macon County (NC) Board of Commissioners has two ordinance changes under consideration that affect river quality.

1. A change allowing outside fill in the floodplain up to 25% (and more with a no adverse impact study). The current ordinance allows no outside fill in our floodplains.
2. A change allowing recreational vehicle (tiny house) parks/developments in the water supply watersheds that drain into these rivers.

As river lovers, you understand the potential results from these actions – polluted, silted rivers prone to damaging floods.

The Board of Commissioners stated they will vote on the ordinance changes at their January 14, 2025, meeting. It has become clear that three of the five commissioners support the changes.

The Water Quality Advisory Committee (WQAC) of scientists and engineers produced reports on both the fill and RV issue (linked below). I am a member of the committee, but I’m contacting you as an individual as we were not charged with advocacy. Summaries at the start of each report (linked below) explain the damaging impact of these changes.

I’ve kept the details short, but will add a few articles from a local paper (linked below). While public comment and planning board meetings have been well attended by opponents to the changes, overwhelming public opposition feels like our last hope.

Is there anything Carolina Canoe Club can do to help us protect these rivers? Would you share our social media? Will you share our petition on Change.org? Any assistance you can offer would be appreciated. Please feel free to contact me for more information.

Carolyn Porter
cporternc@gmail.com

WQAC Floodplain Report
WQAC Watershed Report

Local News Reports

Water Quality Advisory Committee releases new report
New report details potential impacts of ordinance revisions