4.5.10 Little Tennessee River Basin
4.5.10.1 River Basin Description
The Little Tennessee River Basin drains part of southwestern North Carolina in Graham, Macon,
Swain, Jackson, and Clay counties in the Blue Ridge physiographic province. The headwaters of
the Little Tennessee River are in northeastern Georgia, where it flows for seven miles before
entering North Carolina. The mainstem Little Tennessee River flows 125 miles through North
Carolina before entering Tennessee where it joins the Tennessee River. It is part of the
Tennessee/Ohio/Mississippi river system.
The basin covers 1,797 square miles in North Carolina and has 2,565 stream miles and 21,158
acres of impoundments. Major tributaries include the Cullasaja, Nantahala, Tuckasegee,
Oconaluftee, and Cheoah rivers. Impoundments include Fontana, Nantahala, Calderwood,
Cheoah, Santeetlah, Glenville, Bear Creek, Cedar Cliff, Wolf Creek, Tanasee Creek, Ela, Emory,
and Sequoyah. Land use in the basin is about 90% forested, 5% urban or developed, 3%
agricultural, and less than 1% each of grassland and wetland (MRLC 2011; Jin et al. 2013).
Land ownership in the basin is more than 50% publicly owned, with much of that lying within
the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest.
The Needmore Game Land (about 4,600 acres) is a recently acquired tract along the Little
Tennessee River in Macon and Swain counties and is managed by the NCWRC. The Qualla
Boundary Cherokee Indian Reservation covers portions of the Oconaluftee and Tuckasegee
watersheds. Much of the higher elevations are within the National Forest and National Park;
however, development on private holdings in higher elevations has increased in recent years.
Development is presently greatest in the valleys and along the major waterways.
The Little Tennessee River Basin encompasses all or portions of six counties and nine
municipalities. Sizeable municipalities in this basin include Bryson City, Franklin, Highlands, and
Sylva (Figure 4.5.10.1).
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Figure 4.5.10.1 Location of the Little Tennessee River Basin.
4.5.10.2 Aquatic Resource Conditions
There are more than 3,200 miles of freshwater streams in the basin that have been classified by
NCDWR for best uses (NCDWQ 2012c). Water quality is generally good for areas where data are
available; however, there are problems in parts of the basin (described below), and the lack of
data for nearly half the basin provides an unclear assessment of overall water quality. It is
important to note that all waters in the state are rated as impaired based on a state-wide fish
consumption advisory for mercury contamination. In addition to the best-use classifications,
NCDWR also monitors waters of the state to determine if they are supporting their use
classification(s) and assigned use-support ratings. These ratings are published in the most
recent 303(d) impaired waterbodies list (NCDWQ 2007b, 2012c).
The upper headwaters of the East Fork Tuckasegee and Nantahala rivers are designated ORW
and multiple higher elevation streams are designated HQW (NCDWR 2015a).There are ORW and
HQW Special Management Strategy Areas (SMSAs) in the basin for the Upper Nantahala River
Area (34,397 acres), Tuckaseegee River Area (7,255 acres), North Shore Fontana Lake Area
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(83,016 acres), Snowbird Creek (10,719 acres), Slickrock Creek (6,648 acres), Flat Creek (2,671
acres), and Oconaluftee River (586 acres) (NCDWR 2015c). These areas require site-specific
provisions to protect resource values (e.g., no new discharges or expansion of existing
discharges) (NCAC).
Table 4.5.10.1 provides information on water quality classifications and use support ratings in
the basin.
Table 4.5.10.1 Water quality classifications and use ratings in the Little Tennessee River Basin.
Percent
Percent
Freshwater
(Basin
Freshwater
(Basin
Classifications
Miles
Waters)
Acres
Waters)
Total Basin Waters
4,647
15,307
Classified Waters
3,217
69
HQW
442
10
1,389
9
ORW
302
7
756
5
Use Ratings
Percent
Percent
Freshwater
(Monitored
Freshwater
(Monitored
Miles
Waters)
Acres
Waters)
Total Monitored
2,503
14,171
Supporting
206
8
12,328
87
Impaired
29
1
171
1
Not Rated
16
>1
322
2
No Data
2,252
90
1,350
10
The basin contains some of the highest quality waters in the state, with many high elevation
trout streams supporting native Brook Trout. There are approximately 1,727 miles of NCDWR
designated trout waters (Tr) in the basin (NCDWR 2015a).
The 24 mile-long reach of the Little Tennessee River between Franklin and Fontana Reservoir
supports the greatest diversity and abundance of native aquatic species in the region. Strong
populations of Spotfin Chub, Sicklefin Redhorse, and many other priority species generally
thrive in the high quality habitat conditions. However, some historically abundant mussels,
including Appalachian Elktoe, have declined precipitously throughout the reach. Good habitat
conditions and native aquatic communities, including many priority species, also exist in the
lower Tuckasegee River.
4.5.10.3 Aquatic Species
There are 19 SGCN priority species in the basin: four crayfish species; nine freshwater fish
species; and six freshwater mussel species Appendix G provides a list of SGCN and other priority
species for which there are knowledge gaps or management concerns. Appendix H identifies
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SGCN associated with aquatic communities found in this river basin. Table 4.5.10.2 identifies
SGCN found in the Little Tennessee River Basin.
Table 4.5.10.2 SGCN in the Little Tennessee River Basin.
Taxa Group
CRAYFISH
FISH
MUSSEL
Scientific Name
Cambarus carolinus
Cambarus georgiae
Cambarus reburrus
Cambarus tuckasegee
Clinostomus sp.
Erimonax monachus
Etheostoma vulneratum
Moxostoma breviceps
Moxostoma carinatum
Moxostoma sp 2
Noturus flavus
Percina squamata
Salvelinus fontinalis
Alasmidonta raveneliana
Alasmidonta viridis
Elliptio dilatata
Pegias fabula
Pleurobema oviforme
Villosa iris
Common Name
Red Burrowing Crayfish
Little Tennessee Crayfish
French Broad River Crayfish
Tuckaseegee Stream Crayfish
Smoky Dace
Spotfin Chub
Wounded Darter
Smallmouth Redhorse
River Redhorse
Sicklefin Redhorse
Stonecat
Olive Darter
Brook Trout (native)
Appalachian Elktoe
Slippershell Mussel
Spike
Littlewing Pearlymussel
Tennessee Clubshell
Rainbow
Federal/State
Listing Status*
- /SC
- /SC
T/T
- /SC
- /T
- /E
- /SC
E/E
- /E
- /SC
E/E
- /E
- /SC
* See Section 4.5.3.
4.5.10.4 Threats Affecting Aquatic Species
The major problems affecting species and habitats in the Little Tennessee River Basin are
impoundments (dams) and their associated impacts, and excess erosion and stream
sedimentation. Of the entire 144 miles of the mainstem Little Tennessee River (in Georgia,
North Carolina, and Tennessee), only 47 miles in Georgia and North Carolina remain
unimpounded. Habitat alteration from impoundment, coldwater releases, and peaking flow
regulation from dams also substantially impair and limit native aquatic communities in the
upper Tuckasegee, Nantahala, and Cheoah river systems. Populations of aquatic animals are
also fragmented and isolated by dams and other barriers throughout the basin.
Potentially high-quality habitats are further degraded from nonpoint source pollution, primarily
from erosion and sedimentation from disturbance related to development and agriculture.
Water and habitat quality upstream from Lake Emory at Franklin (upper Little Tennessee River,
Cullasaja River, Cartoogechaye Creek, and tributaries) varies considerably (LTLT 2011; NCDWQ
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2012c for further information). Instream habitat conditions in the upper Little Tennessee River
are impaired by excessive sedimentation. Habitat for sensitive aquatic species within this reach
is presently marginal to totally lacking.
Portions of the Cullasaja River and Cartoogechaye Creek are presently in relatively good shape.
While some tributaries in this area contribute significantly, substantial amounts of sediment
result from bank erosion along the upper Little Tennessee mainstem. Erosion and
sedimentation are also problems in the Tuckasegee River watershed, especially in the larger
tributaries between Cullowhee and Bryson City (Savannah and Scott creeks).
Invasive, nonnative species are a potential problem. The Yellowfin Shiner has apparently been
introduced to the upper Little Tennessee River and is expanding downstream from Franklin.
Other nonnative fish species (e.g., Flat Bullhead, Bluehead Chub, and Yellow Perch) also inhabit
portions of the basin. The Asian Clam is established in the Little Tennessee and Tuckasegee
rivers. Chinese Mystery Snails have been found in Cowee Creek and Little Tennessee River. The
Rusty Crayfish was previously thought to be established in the basin (Cooper 2005; Simmons and Fraley
2010), but recent molecular studies have identified these nonnatives as Kentucky River Crayfish
(Kessler et al. in press). Zebra Mussels are not yet known to be established in North Carolina waters,
but are known to exist in the Tellico Reservoir (Little Tennessee River) downstream in
Tennessee.
Nonnative vegetation can also negatively impact native aquatic animal communities. This
includes both nonnative aquatic and riparian plant species and nonnative plant pathogens that
can alter riparian vegetation and affect aquatic habitats (e.g., Hemlock Wooly Adelgid).
Monoecious Hydrilla has invaded the Santeetlah Reservoir, Cheoah River, and Little Tennessee
River since 2005.
4.5.10.5 Recommendations
Conservation priorities that apply statewide to all river basins are presented in Section 4.5.3.3.
Priorities identified in the Little Tennessee River Basin are shown in Figure 4.5.10.2 and are
included in Appendix J.
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Figure 4.5.10.2 Location of priority watersheds in the Little Tennessee River Basin.
Basin Specific Recommendations
Surveys. General surveys are needed to complete primary distributional status for SGCN and
other priority species (see Table 4.5.10.2).



Snails – complete primary distribution inventories; determine potential habitats and
distribution surveys for hydrobiids.
Sicklefin Redhorse – identify important spawning areas and early juvenile habitats.
Smoky Dace – complete primary distribution inventories.
Monitoring. Long-term monitoring is critical to assessing species and ecosystem health over
time and gauging the resilience of organisms to continued impacts to state waters. Studies
should include identification of population trends, as well as assessment of impacts from
conservation or development activities. These efforts will inform species and habitat
management decisions. Several long-term monitoring strategies are in place for priority areas
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and species, including Spotfin Chub and Appalachian Elktoe. Monitoring plans should be
coordinated with other existing monitoring programs where feasible.



Specific measures that should be implemented areMonitor distribution and status of
nonnative species (e.g., Yellowfin Shiner, Chinese Mystery Snail, Kentucky River
Crayfish).
Continue periodic monitoring of priority areas and species.
Continue monitoring aquatic community response to remediation of hydropower
impacts and species restoration in Cheoah River.
Research. Research topics that facilitate appropriate conservation actions include habitat use
and preferences, reproductive behavior, fecundity, population dynamics and genetics, feeding,
competition, and food web dynamics. Increased understanding of life histories and status helps
determine the vulnerability of priority species to further imperilment, in addition to identifying
possibilities for improved management and conservation. All studies should provide
recommendations for mitigation and restoration. Formal descriptions for known or putative
undescribed species and investigations aimed at resolving taxonomic status are needed.






Resolve the taxonomy of mussels in the genus Villosa and species descriptions for
Smoky Dace and Sicklefin Redhorse.
Study the early life history, propagation and culture, movement, and habitat use of
Sicklefin Redhorse.
Continue research into potential causes for the decline of Appalachian Elktoe and
Slippershell in the Little Tennessee River.
Research to improve habitat conditions in regulated reaches of the Cheoah, Nantahala,
and Tuckasegee rivers.
Investigate aquatic community response to restoration projects in priority areas.
Identify impacts of nonnative species on priority species and habitats (e.g., Asian Clam,
Kentucky River Crayfish, Hydrilla).
In addition to the SGCN species found in the basin (see Table 4.5.10.2) a list of knowledge-gap
priority species is provided in Table 4.5.10.3.
Table 4.5.10.3 Knowledge-gap priority species in the Little Tennessee River Basin.
Federal/State
Taxa Group Scientific Name
Common Name
Listing Status
Ameiurus platycephalus
Flat Bullhead
Etheostoma gutselli
Tuckasegee Darter
Ichthyomyzon greeleyi
Mountain Brook Lamprey
FISH
Notropis lutipinnis
Yellowfin Shiner (Nonnative in basin)
Notropis micropteryx
Highland Shiner
Notropis photogenis
Silver Shiner
Notropis telescopus
Telescope Shiner
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Percina aurantiaca
Percina evides
Phenacobius crassilabrum
Tangerine Darter
Gilt Darter
Fatlips Minnow
Management Practices. Management practices that reduce impacts and work synergistically
with other conservation actions are needed to enhance the resilience of natural resources.
Particular needs include preserving biodiversity, protecting native populations and their
habitats, and improving degraded habitats. In addition, education about, and regulation and
prevention of the introduction and spread of exotic or invasive species are vital. Specific issues
in this basin include secondary and cumulative impacts upon water quality, riparian vegetation
and stream bank restoration and conservation, mitigation of hydropower development
impacts, and species restoration opportunities.





Support conservation and restoration of streams and riparian zones in priority areas.
Incorporate management goals for aquatic community conservation and enhancement
planning and new land acquisitions for Needmore Game Lands.
Continue reintroduction of extirpated priority and other species in the Cheoah River and
other restored or improved habitats as opportunity allows.
Continue restoration and augmentation of Sicklefin Redhorse, and evaluate potential for
the restoration of other target priority species in the upper Tuckasegee, Little
Tennessee, and Oconaluftee rivers.
Prioritize education and other measures to prevent the introduction or spread of
invasive nonnative species, particularly crayfishes, Zebra Mussels, and land-locked river
herring species (e.g., Blueback Herring, Alewife).
Conservation Programs and Partnerships. Conservation programs, incentives and partnerships
should be utilized to the extent possible to conserve high quality resources and important
natural communities. Protective measures that utilize existing regulatory frameworks to protect
habitats and species should be incorporated where applicable. Land conservation or
preservation can serve numerous purposes in the face of anticipated climate change, but above
all, it promotes ecosystem resilience. Many overlapping priorities and common objectives, the
relative availability of funding and support, and many willing partners provide abundant
opportunities in the Little Tennessee River Basin.


Support NCDMS’s Watershed Restoration Plan (WRP) and River Basin Restoration
Priorities (RBRP) for the Little Tennessee River Basin and Local Watershed Plans (LWPs)
and a Project Atlas for the Franklin to Fontana Reservoir reach (NCWRP 2002a; NCEEP 2008b,
2011).
Work with the Partnership for the Little Tennessee (PLT), a consortium of state and
federal resource management agencies, Land Trust for the Little Tennessee River,
Watershed Association for the Tuckasegee River, and other stakeholders that identify
and address issues common across the watershed in North Carolina. Current projects
DRAFT, 4-75




include finding solutions for construction contractor training in erosion prevention
BMPs.
Partner with Soil and Water Conservation District programs, such as the Agriculture Cost
Share Program, as they are also effective partner programs for conservation in priority
areas.
Continue working with Duke Energy, Brookfield Energy, FERC, and other resource
agencies and cooperators to fulfill relicense settlement agreements and other mitigation
for hydropower impacts from Little Tennessee Basin projects.
Investigate, implement, and support (as appropriate) programs that are directed at
candidate or listed species recovery (e.g., Candidate Conservation Agreements, Habitat
Conservation Planning, Safe Harbor agreements).
The entire Little Tennessee River Basin across North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee
state boundaries has been designated a Native Fish Conservation Area by the Fisheries
Conservation Foundation, and an interstate and multi-partner steering committee with
topical work groups has been established to identify and cooperatively address
basinwide issues. More information is available online:
http://www.fishconserve.org/2013/01/31/native-fish-conservation-areas-nfcas/ and
http://www.fishconserve.org/2013/06/03/rivers-of-success-campaign-native-fishconservation-areas/
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