Dover, TN – Early Wednesday morning, May 5th, the Cumberland River crested at Dover, TN at a level of 372.9 feet. The river is now slowly starting to fall. During the May 2010 floods, the Cumberland River at Dover crested at 374 feet. The National Weather Service still has Dover under a flood warning until 10:45am Saturday.
Several roads, in the low laying areas, are closed due to high water. One of these roads is Bumpus Mills road, right off Hwy 79, just outside of Dover, next to the Pit Stop Market.
The Dover Hotel was the site of the “unconditional surrender” of General Buckner to General Grant, on February 16th, 1862. The structure was originally built in 1851, and still stands in the heart of Dover and is located at 101 Petty Street.
A deck and walkway, from one home along Petty street, is now underwater.
All areas of the Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge are closed due to flooding. The refuge encompasses nearly 8862 acres, most of which is now underwater. “If the water starts to recede today, it can be up to 2 weeks before the area is clear of water and dry enough for clean up work to begin.” said Richard E. Hines, Refuge Manager. “Even then, it will take 2 to 3 weeks to finish the clean up and get the roads cleared.” There are over 12 miles of graveled road in the refuge that will have to be cleared.
Another concern for the refuge is getting their crops out. These crops are used to hold or draw in the ducks and water fowl each year. Corn being the main crop. “The rain came at a really bad time for us. We were about to put out our corn crop, which now could be delayed several weeks.” stated Hines. “Around April 25th is the best time to plant corn around here. Everyday after that will result in the fields producing one less bushel of corn.”
One of the main functions of the refuge is a safe haven for the geese and ducks. Unless enough crops are produced, it’s feared some of these birds might go elsewhere, where they could be shot by hunters.
The Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge is located 2 miles east of Dover, TN. Travel west on Hwy 79 from Clarksville to Dover, turn left on Hwy 39, go 2.5 miles then left on Wildlife road for 1 mile.
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