The Duck River was designated as a state scenic river because of its scenic, ecological, cultural,
and historical values. Designation as a state
scenic river enhances the ability to protect these values, and the many species of rare and endangered plants and animals that make their home there.

The Duck Rivers is clearly one of the most biologically rich and diverse rivers in North America. Over 500 species of aquatic plants, fish and invertebrates have been documented in the section of the Duck River that has been designated as a state scenic river alone, including at least 39 mussel and 84 fish species. Indeed,
the Duck River contains more species of fish than all of Europe.
 

Anglers enjoy catching smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass and catfish from boats and from the river’s banks.

A good example of this diversity is the birdwing pearly mussel, which depends on a particular species of fish, the banded darter, to host its young. Therefore, the protection of this fish species is critical to the survival of the birdwing pearly mussel. To protect this and other important mussel populations, the entire Duck River has been designated as a mussel sanctuary by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. This designation prohibits commercial harvesting of mussels or any disturbance to their habitat. The Duck River has already lost at least 35 species of mussels through the years, mainly due to development, and agricultural, chemical pollution and effluents. There are now just 34 mussel species living in its waters.