The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee was named the Tennessee River Champion of the year by the Tennessee Valley Authority.

“The work LTLT does embodies all the components of this award — partnership, restoration, education and innovation,” said Evan Crews, head of TVA’s Natural Resource Management team. “They have a long and far-reaching impact, and they are a standout organization.”

While the Tennessee Valley watershed covers nearly 41,000 square miles spanning four states, LTLT’s project area involves less than 7 percent of that area, which makes the organization’s selection all the more meaningful, LTLT Executive Director Sharon Taylor said. 

The award comes with a $5,000 prize, which LTLT will use for education programs to teach youth about the importance of clean, healthy rivers.