Support and Protect our Mountain Waters – and the Jobs and Businesses that they Sustain

Mountain rivers and streams are big business. A recent report conducted by economists at Western Carolina University found the total economic impact of the French Broad River is $3.8 billion annually, and river-reliant businesses create or maintain 38,554 jobs each year.  Similarly, each dollar anglers spend to fish for mountain trout in Western North Carolina returns $1.93 to our economy and results in a $1.38 billion impact, according to new data from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. 

Unfortunately, stormwater pollution, man-made barriers like dams, and development pressure threaten this economic engine by making our waters unsafe for the thousands of recreational users and unsuitable habitat for a thriving fishery. One of the most popular areas for recreation, a 19-mile section of the French Broad River – from the Asheville Regional Airport,  through the Biltmore Estate and the River Arts District in downtown Asheville – was added to NC’s list of impaired waterways in 2022. 

To support our mountain waters and the local economy, MountainTrue supports the following:

• Help property owners reduce stormwater pollution – The Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) allows local soil and water districts to help property owners reduce stormwater pollution.  Unfortunately, demand for CCAP far outstrips its funding.  $500,000 nonrecurring for CCAP program in the French Broad River watershed will significantly reduce stormwater pollution in an area that is heavily used for recreation.
• Help rural families repair failing septic systems – MountainTrue and NC DHHS recently partnered to administer funding to fix failing septic systems in WNC, and the effort spurred Buncombe County to launch its own program. Help rural counties in WNC (outside of Buncombe County) administer their own septic repair programs with an appropriation of $400,000 nonrecurring to NC DHHS for grants to local health departments.
• Expand Real-time E. coli Monitoring in the French Broad River – Recently, NCDEQ launched the first real-time sensor in the French Broad River in Buncombe County to give river users an up-to-date picture of bacteria levels. Two more sites in Henderson and Transylvania Counties are needed to automate bacteria monitoring across the upper watershed. Legislators can help by providing $100,000 nonrecurring for modeling and equipment to expand this service.
• State Trail Designation for Two State Paddle Trails – The First Broad River (Cleveland County) and Watauga River (Watauga County) are popular paddling and fishing destinations with opportunities to expand access. State Trail designation will accelerate the development of paddle trails on these rivers and boost recreational and economic opportunities for local communities.

WNC Public Access, Restoration, and Recreation Investments: 

• Old Fort Finishing Dam Removal design phase is underway, but funds are still needed for the demolition phase ($350,000 nonrecurring to American Rivers). McDowell County
• Craggy and Cullowhee Dam Removal projects need funding for required feasibility studies ($100,000 nonrecurring to American Rivers). Buncombe and Jackson Counties
• Expand the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail to include one site in each WNC county and promotional materials ($150,000 nonrecurring to Mainspring Conservation Trust). All WNC Counties
• Improve River Walk in downtown Murphy to extend the path to an affordable housing development ($250,000 nonrecurring to the Town of Murphy). Cherokee County
• Improve public access to the Watauga River Paddle Trail by purchasing an additional access point in Watauga County ($500,000 nonrecurring to Watauga County). Watauga County
• Develop a new public access point and riverwalk on Green River ($250,000 nonrecurring to Polk County Community Foundation, providing $250,000 match). Polk County
• Enhance Chestnut Mountain Nature Park by expanding trails and improving the playground and creekside park ($450,000 nonrecurring to the Town of Canton). Haywood County
• Complete the Wave and Riverside Park addition to the $32 million Woodfin Greenway and Blueway ($250,000 nonrecurring to the Town of Woodfin). Buncombe County

Other policy and funding initiatives that MountainTrue supports: 

• Support Abundant Housing Legislation – Opportunities for dense, energy-efficient housing located close to jobs reduces energy demand and transportation emissions. HB 409 passed the House in 2023, which would allow homeowners more freedom to build accessory dwelling units and add to available housing supply. MountainTrue supports the final approval of this bill by the General Assembly in 2024.\
• Reduce Plastic Pollution – North Carolina took a step backward in addressing plastic pollution with language in the state budget prohibiting local governments from taking action. However, HB 28 – approved by the House in 2023, would initiate a study of plastic reduction opportunities. We encourage the Senate to pass this bill in 2024.
• Plant Native – Non-native invasive plants harm ecosystems across the state, but SB 318 would require the use of native plants and seeds in state parks and on state highways. This bill passed the Senate in 2023, and we encourage the House to approve it in 2024.