MEDIA ADVISORY
WHO:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Tennessee Valley Authority
Conservation Fisheries, Inc.
WHAT: 15 tons of rock will be hauled to riverside by dumptruck, then hand carried by the partners into the Elk River to create habitat and spawning area for the federally endangered boulder darter. After the rock is in place, a new group of captive-reared boulder darters will be released into the Elk River. The goal is to expand the population and range of this endangered fish that will help restore the health of the entire ecosystem.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 14, 2001
11:00 a.m. Media Briefing -- boulder placement -- Boulder darter release
WHERE: Hamilton Mill near Dellrose, Tennessee. See written directions below.
WHY: To create additional habitat for the endangered boulder darter, then release 200 tagged captive-reared boulder darters in the new habitat.
DIRECTIONS:
From Nashville: Travel south on I-65 to Exit 6 (Highway 273 Exit). This exit is known for the “big chicken.” Travel east on Highway 273 through the Towns of Bryson and Dellrose. After passing Cheatham Road on your right be looking for a stake with flagging which marks the access point for Hamilton Mill. If you pass Short Creek Road on your right, you have gone too far.
From Huntsville: Travel north on I-65 to Exit 6 (Highway 273 Exit) and then follow the directions above.
From Chattanooga: Travel north on I-24 towards Monteagle. At Monteagle, take U.S. Highway 41 (15) to U.S. Highway 64. Travel west on Highway 64 (15) through Fayetteville to Highway 273. Travel south of 273. You will pass Bugtussle Road and Short Creek Road on your right. After passing Short Creek Road, be watching for flagging at the beginning of a short stretch of guardrail; this will mark the access point for the Hamilton Mill site. If you travel into Dellrose or you reach I-65, you have gone too far.
MEDIA CONTACTS: TOM MACKENZIE (404) 679-7291
Please visit the following websites for updates on this emerging story: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Cookeville, TN, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Valley Authority, Conservation Fisheries, Inc.