Baseline Aquatic Plant Survey & Mapping of Clear Creek, Obed Wild and Scenic River, Morgan County, Tennessee
Estes D, Irick Z, MnInnis M. 2026. Baseline Aquatic Plant Survey & Mapping of Clear Creek, Obed Wild and Scenic River, Morgan County, Tennessee. National Park Service
This study presents a baseline assessment of aquatic vascular flora and habitat conditions in Clear Creek, a tributary of the Obed Wild and Scenic River (OWSR) in Morgan County, Tennessee, prior to potential invasion by the highly invasive aquatic plant Hydrilla verticillata. Previous infestations of Hydrilla in the Emory River Watershed (ERW) have caused significant ecological disruption, including the loss of rare aquatic plant species and potential impacts on native fauna. To inform future management and conservation strategies, we surveyed a 14 km stretch of lower Clear Creek between Barnett Bridge and its confluence with the Obed River over 29 field days from 2018 to 2021. Our objectives included searching for existing Hydrilla infestations, inventorying aquatic vascular plants, mapping native aquatic plant beds, and evaluating potential impacts of future invasions on flora and fauna. No Hydrilla was detected in Clear Creek except for minor infiltration at its mouth. We documented 17 aquatic vascular plant species, including four rare taxa—Tennessee Pondweed (Potamogeton tennesseensis), Large-leaved Pondweed (P. amplifolius), Delta Arrowhead (Sagittaria platyphylla), and Smooth Sawgrass (Cladium mariscoides), the latter representing a new state record. Clear Creek supports diverse aquatic plant communities and critical habitat for rare fauna such as Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) and Spotfin Chub (Erimonax monachus). Based on observations from infested streams, a future Hydrilla invasion would likely result in severe losses of native macrophyte beds and shifts in faunal assemblages. This report provides essential baseline data for monitoring, rapid detection, and management planning to protect Clear Creek’s biodiversity.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Estes, Dwayne; Irick, Zack; MnInnis, Michelle
- Date of Issue
- 2026-01
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- OBRI
- Keywords
- aquatic plants, Daddy's Creek, Emory River, exotic plants, hydrilla, Hydrilla verticillata, invasive species, Obed River
See also
- Document Changes in the Distribution and Abundance of Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and Develop Management Options and recommendations for Management of this Invasive Aquatic Plant
- Obed River and Clear Creek Hydrilla Data