FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Harpeth River is a valuable resource to Middle Tennessee.

Not only does the river help provide water to the City of Franklin, but it also helps give residents and visitors to the area an unforgettable way to experience nature.

River enthusiast Michael Townsand can attest to the Harpeth's value as a source of fun and pleasure. He told News 2 that he fishes as a hobby and tries to enjoy it daily.

"[It's] very peaceful, [I find] time to unwind after work," Townsand said. "It's a lot of fun to be able to go down there. You see families down here with the kids all the time, and people float in the river."

According to the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, the Harpeth River spans nearly 125 miles and runs from Eagleville into the Cumberland River near Ashland City. In 2012, a low head dam was removed, which made the Harpeth the second longest free-flowing river in Middle Tennessee.

Dorie Bolze serves as President and Founder of the Harpeth Conservancy — formerly called the Harpeth River Watershed Association. The organization's mission is to restore and protect clean water and healthy river ecosystems across Tennessee. Bolze was there when the low head dam was removed.

The City of Franklin said the dam impounded water and restricted the movement of fish. Overall, the city said the project cost $870,000 in all, with $350,000 in federal grants to several organizations — including the Harpeth River Watershed Association.

Franklin City Administrator Eric Stucky had just started his term as city administrator when the dam was removed in 2012.

"[We are] proud that it's done what we hoped it would do," Stucky said. "We have a very high-quality, high-functioning drinking water treatment plant just a short distance from here and it's able to draw the water we need. We have permits that protect the river. This helps with aquatic life and the overall quality of our river overall. It's really been a success story and we're proud of it."

With organizations like the Harpeth Conservancy working to keep the river flowing for decades to come, there's a bright future ahead for the waterway. You can follow this link to learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Harpeth Conservancy.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/on-tour-middle-tn/harpeth-river/