Located within the Upper Tennessee River Basin, the Virginia portion of the Clinch River originates near the Town of Tazewell and flows approximately 135 miles, reaching portions of Tazewell, Russell, Wise, and Scott counties, before eventually crossing the Tennessee state line.

Many of our projects are focused in the upper Clinch River watershed, which is well known for its global biodiversity significance, containing the most species of rare and endangered freshwater fish and mussels worldwide.

This incredible diversity of aquatic species includes 12 freshwater mussel species federally and state listed as endangered. An additional three state listed threatened and endangered mussels are present in this watershed, including the Slippershell mussel (Alasmidonta viridis), and the Tennessee heelsplitter (Lasmigona holstonia). There is one federally listed threatened fish, the Yellowfin madtom (Noturus flavipinnis), and two state listed threatened and endangered fish, the Tennessee dace (Chrosomus tennesseensis) and Sickle darter (Percina williamsi). The upper Clinch River watershed is also a priority area for the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) with known habitat and occurrences in the watershed.

Big thanks to all of our project partners:

Town of Tazewell, Upper Tennessee River Roundtable, Virginia DEQ, Tazewell Soil & Water Conservation District, Partners For Fish and Wildlife