Biodiversity in the Clinch
The Clinch River originates in Tazewell County where the headwaters flow from freshwater cave springs traveling southwest through the counties of Russell, Wise and Scott before joining the Powell River and entering Tennessee. At this juncture, the Clinch-Powell flows into the Tennessee River just west of Knoxville, then continues westward to the Ohio River, onto the Mississippi River and finally emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Clinch River is part of the Southern Rivers in Virginia as opposed to the rivers in the northern, middle and eastern parts of the Commonwealth that flow to the Chesapeake Bay. The Clinch River and its tributaries measure a total of 1,773 miles, according to The Clinch River: A World Class Treasure.
Historical accounts describe the travels of early explorers who found their way to the Clinch River to utilize this water resource throughout their journey in the region. Legend tells how the Clinch River got its name when an Irish explorer tried to cross the river after heavy rains, but fell into the water and cried, “Clinch me,” which apparently meant, “Save me,” according to Indian Creek: A Local and National Treasure. One of the most notable explorers to float the Clinch, Daniel Boone at one time lived near Castlewood in Russell County.
Today, the Clinch River is labeled by The Nature Conservancy as a biodiversity hotspot because of the variety of rare and endangered species found in the water. According to The Nature Conservancy, the Clinch River is home to 29 types of rare freshwater mussels and 19 species of fish. A variety of animals live along the riverbanks, including birds and mammals as well as rare plants that grow there.
The Clinch River is part of the Southern Rivers in Virginia as opposed to the rivers in the northern, middle and eastern parts of the Commonwealth that flow to the Chesapeake Bay. The Clinch River and its tributaries measure a total of 1,773 miles, according to The Clinch River: A World Class Treasure.
Historical accounts describe the travels of early explorers who found their way to the Clinch River to utilize this water resource throughout their journey in the region. Legend tells how the Clinch River got its name when an Irish explorer tried to cross the river after heavy rains, but fell into the water and cried, “Clinch me,” which apparently meant, “Save me,” according to Indian Creek: A Local and National Treasure. One of the most notable explorers to float the Clinch, Daniel Boone at one time lived near Castlewood in Russell County.
Today, the Clinch River is labeled by The Nature Conservancy as a biodiversity hotspot because of the variety of rare and endangered species found in the water. According to The Nature Conservancy, the Clinch River is home to 29 types of rare freshwater mussels and 19 species of fish. A variety of animals live along the riverbanks, including birds and mammals as well as rare plants that grow there.
The Clinch River Valley Initiative
The Clinch River Valley Initiative (CRVI) is a collaborative effort in Southwest Virginia, focusing on the Clinch River Valley—one of the most biodiverse river systems in North America. Working at a watershed scale with many local partners, this grassroots effort has developed significant momentum with applicability for communities in Appalachia and beyond.
Utilizing a consensus-based approach, project partners have developed goals for connecting downtown revitalization, outdoor recreation, water quality, entrepreneurship, and environmental education along the Clinch River, and are taking action to realize the prioritized goals. The project connects to cultural and natural heritage efforts including Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway, ‘Round the Mountain, Crooked Road, and other artisan networks and local efforts. Finally, the effort builds upon the unique cultural and ecological assets of the Clinch River to create new possibilities in the communities along the Clinch, particularly around environmental education, economic development, and entrepreneurship.
Utilizing a consensus-based approach, project partners have developed goals for connecting downtown revitalization, outdoor recreation, water quality, entrepreneurship, and environmental education along the Clinch River, and are taking action to realize the prioritized goals. The project connects to cultural and natural heritage efforts including Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway, ‘Round the Mountain, Crooked Road, and other artisan networks and local efforts. Finally, the effort builds upon the unique cultural and ecological assets of the Clinch River to create new possibilities in the communities along the Clinch, particularly around environmental education, economic development, and entrepreneurship.
Clinch River Valley Initiative Vision
“By 2020, the Clinch River Valley will be a global destination based on its unique biodiversity, natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor opportunities. This collaboration will bring measurable economic, environmental, and social benefits to the region’s communities while protecting the Clinch’s globally rare species."
Teach the Clinch was supported and made possible by funding from the Virginia Environmental Endowment.