NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & SportsDuck River Receives Honor From National Geographic

Duck River Receives Honor From National Geographic

By Eric White

COLUMBIA, Tenn. - National Geographic has labeled the Duck River in Maury County one of the world's most biologically rich places. Conservationists said it's an honor. 

The river even received a four page mention in the magazine's February issue. Leslie Colley is the Duck River program director for The Nature Conservancy. 

"It is a treasure, and so many people take it for granted," said Colley. "I was very delighted to see what good company we were in and that it was the only site in North America that they chose." 

National Geographic featured the Duck River because it's home to more than 150 fish species, and more than 50 types of mussels. 

The numbers come as a surprise to most people who only recognized the river as a major water source and a recreational hot spot for boaters and fisherman. To Colley, the river is more than a waterway.  

"It's a living thing that it's sort of easy to fall in love with," said Colley. 

As the land around the Duck River changes, so will it. Growth, agriculture and water withdrawals all pose a threat. 

Colley said it's up to individuals and decision makers to consider the rivers' well being now and in the future. 

"I think it's important because it provides a lot of things to a lot of people and other creatures," said Colley. 

The Duck River runs 270 miles through Tennessee and provides water to more than a 250,000 people.

E-mail: ewhite@newschannel5.com