Who: Knox County Stormwater Division; Knox County Parks & Recreation; Community partners

What:  Public informational meeting

When:  Tuesday, July 9, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Karns Community Center, 7708 Oak Ridge Highway

Background:

Grab your fishing rod and load up the canoe, Beaver Creek is calling!

Knox County is planning to create a unique “blueway” that will make it easier for families and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy Beaver Creek, while also curtailing flooding issues that affect private property.  Beaver Creek is a public waterway that begins and ends within Knox County.

As part of the plan, Knox County is hosting a public informational meeting at the Karns Community Center, 7708 Oak Ridge Highway,Tuesday, July 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Maps and other information will be on display during the meeting, and citizens can ask questions about the proposed blueway.

Knox County Stormwater defines a blueway as meeting five criteria:

1.      The body must be a water of the State;

2.      It must have public access;

3.      It must have scenic and/or recreational value;

4.      It must be navigable by small watercraft;

5.      There must be no prohibition against water contact.

In addition to providing increased recreational opportunities, the proposed blueway designation will help alleviate and prevent flooding along Beaver Creek.  Debris jams along the creek cause flooding issues, but with regular use and maintenance of the blueway those jams can be cleared more efficiently.