RESOLUTION NO. 25-09

Regarding House Bill 0205 and Senate Bill 0278 to ensure preservation of Duck River and various Creeks

WHEREAS, House Bill 0205 (HB0205) and Senate Bill 0278 (SB0278) seeks to designate certain portions of the Duck River and various creeks as Class II pastoral river areas ensuring their preservation and protection for future generations; and

WHEREAS, Governor Bill Lee's Executive Order on long-term water solutions emphasizes the need for responsible water management and conservation efforts to protect Tennessee's vital water resources; and

WHEREAS, the Hickman County Government recognizes the importance of protecting the Duck River as a critical natural resource for the county's residents, environment, and economy; and

WHEREAS, the Duck River is recognized as the most biodiverse river in North America and one of the most biodiverse in the world, home to an unparalleled variety of aquatic species, making its conservation a matter of both local and global environmental significance; and

WHEREAS, the "Save the Duck River" initiative was a grassroots effort aimed at preserving the river, ensuring clean water access, and maintaining the ecological integrity of this vital waterway;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Hickman County, Tennessee, assembled in regular session this 24th day of February, 2025, that:

SECTION 1: Hickman County formally supports the designation of portions of the Duck River as Class II pastoral river areas as outlined in HB 0205 and SB 0278.

SECTION 2: Hickman County hereby urges that the Duck River be protected due to its status as the most biodiverse river in North America and one of the most biodiverse in the world, and supports conservation measures that will safeguard its ecosystem for future generations.

SECTION 3: Hickman County urges state legislators and policymakers to advance HB 0205 and SB 0278 to secure long-term protection of the Duck River and encourages local conservation initiatives in alignment with Governor Lee's long-term water solutions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Chairman of this County legislative body and the County Clerk certify and forward this resolution to the members of the Tennessee General Assembly representing this County.

AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: THAT THIS RESOLUTION TAKE EFFECT FROM AND AFTER ITS PASSAGE, THE PUBLIC WELFARE REQUIRING IT.

Sponsors: Ron Mayberry, District 5; Todd Collins, District 2; Dusty Jordan, District 5; Clay Chessor, District 7; Steve Gianakos, District 4; Claude Callicott, District 1; and other commissioners signing the packet copy.

Motion: Ron Mayberry; second: Todd Collins.

Commission action: 13 Aye, 0 Nay, 1 Absent — Adopted.

Board action: Adopted (February 24, 2025).