TELLICO VILLAGE — The Watershed Association of the Tellico Reservoir (WATeR) is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026.
Since 2001, the organization has kept close track of the agricultural, recreational, and commercial value of the Tellico Reservoir. They also track the surrounding watersheds in Loudon, Blount, and Monroe Counties.
April 9 Celebration at The Yacht Club
To help celebrate the 25th anniversary of WATeR, the organization held a celebration at The Yacht Club of Tellico Village on April 9. The event included honoring the founders of the organization, awards, and a scholarship giveaway.
The Bill and Marjorie Waldrop Environmental Leadership Scholarship was $500 and given to a senior at Sequoyah High School.
The Waldrops also won WATeR’s inaugural Founders’ Award for Outstanding Service.
WATeR’s Volunteer President, Dave Flanagan, talked about the April 9 celebration with The Connection.
“We had nearly 100 people attend,” Flanagan said. “I talked about some of the achievements and accomplishments the organization has done.”
One of those accomplishments includes maintaining the East Lakeshore Trail through volunteer work.
The 31-mile trail is located on the east side of Tellico Lake, which is on the opposite side of Tellico Village and Rarity Bay.
“We have over 50 volunteers who are continuing to maintain that trail,” Flanagan told The Connection. “That is a significant amount of time and energy that we have put in.”
Why WATeR is Important for Tellico Village
WATeR’s presence amongst watersheds in Loudon, Blount, and Monroe counties is important for many reasons. Flanagan explained why people in Tellico Village need the organization around.
“There is a need to be sure that the water remains clean,” Flanagan stated. “That way, it can remain suitable for enjoyment and purposes like fishing, swimming, boating, and kayaking.”
WATeR is always looking to help maintain the pristineness of the Tellico Reservoir for future generations.
For more information about WATeR, you can visit tellicowater.org.
