TRV Stewardship Council

Early Native Americans respected the land, water, and forests with a reverence and respect that is inherent in geotourism principles. In the Tennessee River Valley, geotourism is at the heart of preserving and protecting the rich assets of the region. Today, geotourism thought leaders also know that sustainability and “sense of place” challenge leaders in vulnerable rural communities to vision in holistic ways that are not solely focused on short term economic gains.

Rural Challenges:
The TRV Stewardship Council is well versed on the struggle for rural communities to protect their cultural identities as the outward migration of young people leaves a vacuum of future vision and leadership. Data shows that the impact widens the economic gap between urban centers and rural centers. However, the southern Appalachians have experienced in-migration from retirees and individuals seeking scenic and/or recreation lifestyle amenities. The benefit of the in-migration is that property values increase without an increase demand on community services such as schools. But in-migration can also detract from the sense of place as newcomers repopulate small communities and bring new stories that can dilute the authenticity of that place’s heritage.

Opportunity Geotourism:
Recognizing the importance of preserving the identity of the region, the Council launched five cultural/heritage trip plans that were designed using Geotourism Principles: 3- Market Selectively or seek tourist segments with the best cost/benefit ratio, and 5- Insure Visitor Satisfaction by providing authentic experiences that will increase demand for the destination. Principle 3 is not mass marketing. It is attracting visitors who are most likely to appreciate the authenticity of place. The trip plans were launched at the TravelSouth International Showcase held in St. Louis. The three partners represented the geographic footprint of the ExploreTRV mapguide and were matched with writers and international tour guides who are interested in cultural or heritage experiences. The three day event provided an opportunity to educate the international community about the history and heritage of the Valley. The feedback from the attendees was positive and supported geotourism as an opportunity for rural communities who are willing to invest in preserving a “sense of place.”

In the distant past, the landscape of the Tennessee River Valley was a system of deep forested valleys, highland bogs, grasslands, prairies and savannas which provided a rich habitat for wildlife and native people. These grasslands also created an important ecosystem sustaining the watershed by filtering nutrients, wastes, and sediments. Imagine the early pioneer who saw this fertile soil as place to set down roots. As the land was homesteaded and eventually developed into urban areas, much of the native landscape disappeared. Only pockets remain around cities such as Huntsville that were once resplendent grasslands.
In the Tennessee River Valley, winter is an optimal time to see a “grassland” area at work. Each year, Sandhill Cranes descend on marshy areas across the region- Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge and Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge to feed on seeds, berries, cultivated grains, insects, and small mammals. The National Wildlife Refuge created by the formation of Kentucky Lake offers visitors a glimpse of the early natural landscape of southeastern grasslands. Overwintering waterfowl feed on native seeds, grains, and mudflats rich with nutrients. The winter’s quiet hum of foraging wildlife and rustling of dried grasses is in direct contrast to the nesting season when the songbirds arrive.
Today, groups such as the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Southeast Grasslands Imitative are playing important roles in restoring the health of native grasslands in the Tennessee River Valley. Their work not only improves the condition of existing grassland, but improves the overall river system that is providing drinking water and recreation for the Tennessee Valley communities. It cannot be said enough that this system is a region, and that each of the individual counties is linked by the river.