Grassroots effort…
In the late 1980’s, a group of local environmentalists called Earthworks sponsored a raft in a race running from the Chickamauga Dam to Ross’s Landing. Upon pulling their raft (fondly dubbed "Toxtube") out of the water among piles of trash, they decided to do something about the problem. Led by Denny Haldeman, the group began to meet weekly at the River Inn to look at other cities with successful clean-ups and to discuss how to establish a similar effort in Chattanooga.

Support from area     businesses…
From the beginning, many local businesses were eager to get involved. Over the years, the number of businesses who donate money,   services, and volunteers has grown. The Tennessee Valley Authority came on board during the second year providing trash bags and gloves   to all volunteers. TVA also lowers the water level every year prior to the River Rescue making shoreline collection safer and easier. Support from the City of Chattanooga, Marion County, and BFI have made it possible for us to dispose of this waste properly by donating dumpsters and waiving landfill fees. Monetary donations from numerous sponsors cover the cost of banners for the zones and t-shirts for volunteers.
 

Support from the community…
22 years ago, the Tennessee River Rescue started as a small group of concerned citizens wanting to clean up their hometown. Today, the annual event draws close to a thousand volunteers to waterways all over the Tennessee Valley. People of all ages (5 - 85 years old) and all walks of life come out to pick up trash and make a difference in the Scenic City.

We hope to see you this year!