Out of the devastation came an opportunity to reconnect – with each other, with the river, and with the future we want to build. The Nolichucky Recovery Initiative is our chance to shape that future together.
– Austin Finch, Economic Development Director Unicoi County Economic and Community Development
Plan Purpose
In September 2024, the Nolichucky River and the surrounding community of Erwin, Tennessee, experienced devastating flooding from Hurricane Helene. The Nolichucky Recovery Initiative will combine a number of separate recovery efforts and outline a comprehensive and unified vision to restore the river corridor while enhancing outdoor opportunities—ranging from river-based activities like rafting, kayaking, tubing, and fishing to the development of riverfront parks, greenways, and trails. This community driven plan aims to expand public access and gathering spaces, support local economic development, provide recreation opportunities for families and children, and strengthen collaboration among a diverse network of stakeholders.
Led by Unicoi County Economic and Community Development, the plan recognizes the Nolichucky River as a significant natural asset that supports and strengthens the broader outdoor recreation economy locally and regionally. It emphasizes environmental restoration, improved quality of life for residents, and strategic investment in public infrastructure that will allow Unicoi County citizens and visitors to enjoy the river in a variety of ways. Together, these efforts aim to support long-term community recovery and growth.
By pairing environmental stewardship with strategic recreation development, this plan provides a clear, actionable roadmap to ensure the long-term health and economic viability of the Nolichucky River corridor.
Existing Conditions Post Flood
Goals
Analysis: Conduct a thorough assessment of the study area to evaluate significant opportunities and constraints for river restoration and future outdoor recreation infrastructure development.
Gaps: Identify new, compelling, visionary projects to enhance quality of life, promote the outdoor economy, and drive public and private investment.
Experience: Integrate strategies that restore and preserve the river corridor while promoting a safe and accessible river experience for people of all ages and abilities through improved access and additional amenities.
Community: Engage stakeholders, government and community leaders, and the public to encourage collaborative efforts and promote a shared vision that encourages stewardship and advocacy for protection of and access to the natural environment.
Process
1.
Project Coordination and Direction Setting
Facilitate a direction-setting meeting with key project partners on the steering committee to discuss opportunities and challenges and the overall project vision. Develop a dedicated project website to serve as an information hub throughout the planning process and launch an online community survey to encourage public engagement. Coordinate regularly scheduled meetings with the Nolichucky Blueway Advisory group to ensure continuous collaboration.
2.
Discovery and Analysis
Complete a preliminary analysis by reviewing existing conditions pre- and post-flood and conducting a comprehensive field analysis. Conduct interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders, government officials, and community leaders to understand concerns, listen to insights, and gather valuable perspectives that will shape the plan’s development.
3.
Draft Plan Development
Guided by the steering committee, advisory group, stakeholders, and community input, develop a framework that highlights analysis findings and outlines preliminary recommendations for expanding and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities in the river corridor.
4.
Final Plan Development
Develop the Nolichucky Recovery Initiative featuring visual site plans, schematics, and perspective illustrations that support recommendations, prioritized implementation strategies, estimates of probable costs, and an outline of potential funding sources. Facilitate final reviews to ensure the plan meets the community’s needs and secure formal adoption by local governing bodies.
Providing a clear, actionable roadmap to ensure the long-term health and economic viability of the Nolichucky River corridor.
