Powered by Partnerships

Informed by residents and recreationists, led by community leaders, and inspired by a group of organizations and professionals, it is a shared effort to shape a healthier, more connected, and opportunity-rich future for the Tennessee River and the communities it touches.

A group of men sit around a table discussing a map displayed before them. There are several notes written and attached to the map in various locations.
A man looks at a large map of a community by the Tennessee River that is posted on a wall. There are several sticky notes with notes displayed on the map, mostly near the river.

Our Principal Partners

The RiverLine is made possible through the leadership and investment of its Principal Partners: University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Together, they provide critical support, guidance, and resources that drive the initiative’s mission and our shared priorities forward.

The Tennessee RiverLine was born from a bold vision by a student in the School of Landscape Architecture at UT Knoxville, and it continues to grow as an expression of the university’s land-grant mission in action. Housed within UT Extension at the UT Institute of Agriculture, the RiverLine connects professional expertise, innovation, and community engagement to real-world impact—enhancing access to recreation, supporting public health, and catalyzing economic opportunity across the region.

TVA has been a steward of the river and its resources for nearly a century, and its support as a Principal Partner reflects a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, economic vitality, and access to outdoor experiences for all. TVA’s partnership ensures that the RiverLine continues to align with broader efforts to serve the people of the Valley while protecting the natural and cultural resources that define its heritage and enrich its future.

A group of men and women stand around a stack of tired that have been pulled from the river.

Photo by Responsible Stewardship

Other Partners

In addition to our Principal Partners, the Tennessee RiverLine collaborates with a diverse network of other partners—including nonprofits, state and federal agencies, regional coalitions, tourism professionals, community leaders, and grassroots advocates. Each partner plays a vital role in shaping and supporting a shared vision for a connected and inclusive Tennessee River Valley.