2014 French Broad Float
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March 26: Free ‘Clean Energy For Us’ program at the Mill Room
Clean Energy For Us, a local program that makes the adoption of solar power and energy efficiency upgrades cheaper and easier, will present a free educational workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. March 26 at The Mill Room, 66 Asheland Ave., Asheville.
The event will give the public an opportunity to learn more about the program, and solar, energy efficiency, and financing experts will answer your specific questions.
“Last fall we launched Solarize Asheville, a pilot program that resulted in 51 area homeowners adopting solar power,” said Katie Bray, program director. “But not everyone can afford solar power, so we added energy efficiency to the mix and opened the program up to homeowners, businesses, schools, and nonprofits in Buncombe County.”
The Western North Carolina Alliance and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy serve as the campaign’s non-profit partners and the local Self-Help Credit Union will provide financing for those who need it.
Clean Energy For Buncombe features a free energy audit and discounted solar pricing for homeowners, businesses, non-profits, schools, and worship centers who sign up before the March 31 deadline.
The March 26 educational workshop will feature presentations on solar energy, energy efficiency, financing, tax credits and a 30-minute Q&A.
For more information, email katie@cleanenergyfor.us
April 14: CNN 2013 ‘Hero of the Year’ Chad Pregracke to visit Boone
Chad Pregracke, CNN’s 2013 “Hero of Year,” is coming to the Harvest House in Boone to give a free presentation at 7 p.m. Monday, April 14. (map)
The event is open to the public.
Through his non-profit Living Lands & Waters, he has organized more than 70,000 volunteers remove 7 million pounds of debris from streams and rivers across the country.
Learn more about his story this April, or click here.
Sponsored by Watauga River Partners and Mountain Keepers
Contact: Donna Presnell (presnell@appstate.edu, or (828) 262-2659
July 25-27: Appalachian Barn Photography Workshop
Don McGowan
Join the Western North Carolina and Photographer Don McGowan (Earthsong Photography) for a very special weekend photography workshop (with all proceeds going to WNCA) to focus on Appalachian Barns.
“The Appalachian Barn Workshop: The Barns of Haywood and Madison Counties” is a three-day workshop that will take you to 11 historic and photogenic barns throughout Madison and Haywood counties. Don McGowan will offer a full day of field work in Madison and Haywood counties, a creative program and a full critique session.
Don’s love for nature began early on in his life. He grew up in the rolling Piedmont hills of Georgia, the child of farm children and the grandchild of farmers. As a teenager he spent much of his time exploring the forests, wetlands, and river valleys of the northern and central parts of his native Georgia. Later, during undergraduate and law school, his range expanded to include the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, as well as the swamps of the southeastern coastal plain. As Don moved into his working career, he discovered that rather than wanting to spend less time in Nature, he wanted to spend more. He has now been a professional nature photographer for 20 years.
The essence of what Don has learned:
“The images that we make are the reflections of our heart. From the moment we are born, and even sooner, we begin to receive impressions from the world around us; and, from those impressions, questions begin to be answered: What sort of place is this? Is it safe, or no? Does it mean me good or ill? What is this thing called beauty and how can I know it? What part do I play in all of this?
At some moment in time, the impressions begin to coalesce into pictures, the world takes on form, we become aware of elemental design; and these things stand before us within a context of light and shadow that is constantly changing. We see this with our eyes, in our minds, and within the core of our being. And we respond.
For some, the response is a verse, a song, the lines of a story; for others, it takes on shape and form: a bowl, the moldings of a sculptured body; for me, it became a photograph. For I have found over the years that I best connect with the world through the creation of images; I best express that connection through the medium of pictures; and I best share that expression – my love of this earth – through the eyes of a camera and lens.”
EarthSong Photography
Friday:
6:30 p.m. – This introductory meeting will serve to help get everyone well acquainted with one another and with Don. We will meet at the WNCA office for hors d’ oeuvres and drinks.
Saturday:
6:30 a.m. – Field Day. We’ll be out barn hopping and photographing all day! A carpool will be organized and lunch will be in Mars Hill.
Sunday:
EarthSong Photography
8 a.m. – We will meet back at the WNCA office. Light breakfast and coffee will be served. Each participant will receive a personalized critique from Don in a group setting. The critiques will end around noon.
Cost:
$275 for WNCA-members and $295 for non-members (includes a one-year membership). The cost of each ticket includes a $10 donation to the Appalachian Barn Alliance to help preserve the historic buildings.
Requirements:
A digital camera that allows raw capture.
People of all experience levels are invited to join!
**If you have any technical questions or concerns about your camera please contact Don McGowan at don@EarthSongPhotography.com or call him at 828.788.0687.
Registration:
*Spots are very limited*
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Get involved: Asheville, Buncombe leaders to discuss future of I-26 Connector
The Buncombe County board of commissioners and Asheville City Council will consider this resolution related to the I-26 Connector on March 18 (commissioners) and on March 25 (city council).
The Alliance is encouraging community members to attend to learn more and to comment on this critical project and its impact on the region.
The I-26 ConnectUs Project is made up of representatives from the Asheville neighborhoods that stand to be most impacted by the I-26 Connector Project, including West Asheville, Burton Street, and Montford. The group is convened by the Western North Carolina Alliance.
We have been working together since 2009. All participants agree that the unfinished portion of I-26 as it passes through Buncombe County should be completed in a timely way.
The I-26 ConnectUs Project members are unable to support the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (DOT) request for the City of Asheville and Buncombe County to endorse an alternative for Section B of the I-26 Connector Project at this time. We recognize that the new, state level funding prioritization process is underway and that the project may rank higher in that process if the least expensive alternative is analyzed.
However, we believe it is premature to ask the City and County to endorse an alternative prior to the completion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and a full understanding of the relative impacts and benefits of each alternative. Endorsing the least expensive alternative at this point, even for the limited purpose of prioritization, creates a very real risk that our community will be locked into that alternative in the future even if the EIS reveals another alternative is more beneficial.
If, however, adoption of a resolution in support of the least expensive alternative, Alternative 3C, is the best way to ensure that the project remains viable, we ask that the City and County be mindful of the following issues:
- That Alternative 3C, as currently designed, does not meet the City’s long range plans
- That the resolution is for the limited purposes of prioritization and does not reflect an endorsement of a final alternative, which will be made only after completion of the EIS and public hearings;
- That the EIS should include infrastructure for bicycles and pedestrians in all alternatives, consistent with the City of Asheville’s master plans;
- That the City and County work with DOT to create benefits for those communities that stand to be impacted the most by this project;
- That if a final, preferred alternative is selected that does not remove highway traffic from the Jeff Bowen Bridges, that the City and County advocate for a new project that would allow Patton Avenue and the bridges to become a continuous boulevard from West Asheville into downtown; and
- That the City and County continue seeking to work with DOT and the Federal Highway Administration to identify options to reduce the footprint of the project, including utilizing design exceptions and context sensitive design, and conducting a new traffic study.
Commissioners meet at 4:30 p.m. in Commission Chambers, 200 College St., Suite 326, in downtown Asheville. For more information, call the clerk at 250-4105 or email at kathy.hughes@buncombecounty.org.
City Council meetings are at 5 p.m. in the Council Chamber, located on the second floor of City Hall, 70 Court Plaza, in downtown Asheville. Contact City Clerk Maggie Burleson at mburleson@ashevillenc.gov if you have questions.
Duke Energy outlines coal ash strategy in Asheville, across N.C.
Duke Energy’s coal-fired plant at Lake Julian in Asheville.
Lynn Good, Duke Energy’s CEO has sent a letter to Gov. Pat McCrory that outlines Duke Energy’s coal ash management strategy across North Carolina, including the Asheville Plant.
In the letter, Good says Duke will “continue moving ash from the Asheville plant to a lined structural fill solution,” and “convert the three remaining North Carolina units (Cliffside 5 and both Asheville units) or retire the units.
“We need binding commitments from Duke, not just words,” said Frank Holleman, senior attorney at the SELC, which represents citizens groups suing Duke Energy, along with DENR, to correct federal and state clean-water violations.
“It is good that Duke says it will remove the ash from Riverbend and Dan River, but all 14 communities in North Carolina threatened by its coal ash need binding commitments that Duke Energy will obey the law and clean up its coal ash,” Holleman said.
Recent coal ash news:
DENR rejects Duke’s coal ash plan, amid accusations of leniency-News & Observer
Duke Energy, N.C. too cozy over ash? News & Record
Duke Energy offers coal ash removal plan; DENR calls pan “inadequate”-Time Warner News
Duke Energy vague on future of NC coal ash ponds-WRAL
Poll: Voters think Duke Energy should pay for clean-up, not customers-Chapelboro
NC Democrats to push bill to move all coal ash-WCNC
Internal emails show Duke Energy, DENR negotiating coal ash clean up-WRAL
Paging Duke Energy: SC electric company reuses 80 pct. of coal ash-WCNC
April 2: ‘Moving Beyond Coal & Coal Ash Spills’
Sierra Club’s Emma Greenbaum holds up some of the more than 5,500 petitions delivered recently to Duke Energy urging the company to move beyond coal. Seen in the background is Duke’s coal-fired plant at Lake Julian in Asheville.
Sierra Club, Western North Carolina Alliance and Asheville Green Drinks will present the program, “Moving Beyond Coal & Coal Ash Spills” at 7 p.m. April 2 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1 Edwin Place (corner of Charlotte Street) in Asheville.
Emma Greenbaum of Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign will discuss the current status of coal ash spills, regulations, lawsuits, and plans for moving beyond coal use.
The event is free an open to the public. For more information, email judymattox@sbcglobal.net or call (828) 683-2176.
French Broad Float – Itinerary 2015
5-Day Trip: May 30-June 3, 2015 THIS TRIP IS FULL — REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
Saturday, May 30, Day 1: Rosman Romp – Mile 0-9
The trip will start at Headwater Outfitters in Rosman, where the North and West Forks of the French Broad meet to form the very beginning of this ancient river. We’ll organize gear and discuss the coming fun. There will also be a short presentation by the French Broad Riverkeeper on the history and state of the river. A flat nine-mile paddle through area farms will take us to a private campground for the night. This beginning stretch of river offers a secluded and pristine feeling.
Sunday May 31, Day 2: Hap Simpson Scramble – Mile 9-24
The river continues to slowly meander as we paddle our way north through Brevard, home of the white squirrel and Brevard College. The river then continues through farmland, offering several views of rolling hills and mountains beyond the dense canopy of river birch and sycamore trees. The day will end on our own private peninsula, one of the campsites as part of the French Broad River Paddle Trail℠. We’ll take the van into Brevard to explore this pretty quaint town and enjoy a nice dinner at Square Root.
Monday, June 1, Day 3: Davidson River Reel – Mile 24-38
Get your fishing rods ready because this day of paddling will pass by the Davidson River, a world-famous trout fishery. The winding river and the dense rhododendrons along the banks are spectacular. Try to catch the elusive muskie fish as we make our way into Henderson County, and later enjoy lunch at one of the campsites established as part of the French Broad River Paddle Trail℠. Take a swim and watch the sunset as we cook a delicious dinner by the fire.
Tuesday, June 2, Day 4: Horseshoe Bend Hustle – Mile 38-51
After paddling the river’s biggest horseshoe, we will pass by rock weirs built by the Cherokee Indians for fishing, and later reshaped by the Army Corps of Engineers to try to make the French Broad River navigable for large ships. The river canopy also begins to recede, allowing paddlers to catch a glimpse of the majestic Appalachian Mountains, as we paddle past the Mills River, a popular trout stream. We will also take samples along the way to determine if there are any sources of bacteria pollution for future investigation. Another lovely night of camping awaits us along the banks of the river at Buck Shoals campsite.
Wednesday, June 3, Day 5: Biltmore Estate Bustle – Mile 51-67
This day of paddling will have it all. We will paddle through the long shoals of the river, and under the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile drive that glides over some of the most scenic vistas in the world. A lunch stop at Zen Tubing awaits before a quiet beautiful paddle through the Biltmore Estate property, while glimpsing the Biltmore House and the extraordinary grounds. Despite being just outside the bustling city of Asheville, the Biltmore property creates a wilderness feel on the river. We’ll arrive at the Biltmore Estate like no one else—by boat. We’ll stop for a tour of the winery, wine sampling, a tour of the new Antler Hill Village and take time to explore the lovely grounds of the Biltmore Estate. The trip will end with a short paddle to the Asheville Outdoor Center takeout.
3-Day Trip: July 12-14, 2015
Sunday July 12, Day 1: Hot Springs plunge – Mile 110-119
The trip starts in the quaint outdoor town of Hot Springs. Hot Springs is the home of one of the few natural hot springs in the region and also the crossing of the Appalachian Trail and end of the popular class III-IV rafting section of the French Broad. This section of river is one of the most stunning on the entire river. Beautiful mountains spring out of the edge of the river as we wind between islands and cross into Tennessee. Petroglyphs are painted on some of the striking cliffs that rise out of the water’s edge. We will plunge down a few fun class II rapids before stopping to camp in the national forest.
Monday, July 13, Day 2: Tennessee Escape – Mile 119-132
The scenery continues to be stunning as we drop down another few class II rapids. We’ll then meander our way out of the National Forest and enter a pretty stretch of river that includes mountains, agricultural land and a few small mountain towns. Our river camping location for the night will be a dude ranch called the French Broad Outpost. A potential star gazing will be set up for anyone interested in getting an amazingly close-up view of the stars and planets.
Tuesday, July 14, Day 3: Douglas Lake attempt – Mile 132- 144
Today we’ll encounter the biggest rapid of the trip—a class III called The Falls. The brave boaters in the group can run the rapid, but there is a portage around the rapid for those wanting to avoid a swim. After The Falls, the days paddle will mellow out and feature some nice flow, but the river starts to change from a rocky whitewater waterway to a more pastoral stretch of water. We’ll paddle around some pretty islands as we almost make our way to the backwaters of Douglas Lake. We’ll take out in the town of Newport, just short of the confluence with the might Pigeon River. We’ll then shuttle back to our cars in Asheville.
The French Broad River Paddle Trail℠ is proudly sponsored
by our friends at Oskar Blues Brewery.
French Broad Float – Paddle-A-Thon
Visit Western North Carolina Alliance’s donation page to start raising money or donate to one of this year’s paddlers.
Our goal is to raise $20,000 to continue building the French Broad River Paddle Trail℠, linking over 140 miles of the river through new campsites and access points.
Win great prizes, while protecting and improving the French Broad River Paddle Trail℠.
http://www.firstgiving.com/wncalliance
French Broad Float – FAQs
Can I go for just part of the trip?
Yes. We have two-day trip option at the beginning of the five-day trip, May 30-31 (Saturday and Sunday).
What is my registration fee?
There’s no better deal around! Leave the shuttle and logistics to enjoy and enjoy the rivers beauty from the water.
- $400 for five days, May 30-June 3 (Saturday-Wednesday)
- $175 for the first two days of the five-day trip, May 30-June 1 (Saturday-Sunday)
- $275 for the three-day trip, July 12-14 (Sunday-Tuesday)
MountainTrue members get a $25 discount for the five-day and the three-day trip. (Become a MountainTrue member here.) Waterkeeper Alliance members get a $15 discount.
What does my registration fee include?
Your registration fee includes a T-shirt, koozie, a one year membership to the MountainTrue, beautiful primitive camping each night on private land (only a few with shower facilities), shuttle, food, beer, awesome and knowledgeable guides, educational activities, tours, and a great time with other paddlers.
What’s a paddle-a-thon?
Like a walk-a-thon, our Paddle-a-thon will raise money for the French Broad Riverkeeper and MountainTrue to clean up the river and continue to improve the French Broad River Paddle trail. Each participant is asked to solicit donations on a per-mile basis. Those participants generating more than their registration fee may choose to have their registration fee reimbursed. Paddle-a-thoners compete for gifts and prizes donated from our many sponsors.
Do I need to be an experienced paddler?
It helps to have spent some time paddling a boat, but it’s not necessary for the trip. The pace and distance of each day’s journey and the difficulty of the river is generally suitable for beginner to intermediate paddlers. The four day trip does have several class II rapids with a some small class III rapids. The big rapids on the French Broad will be paddled in a guided raft.
What do I need to bring?
You only need to bring personal camping items. Leave the rest to us. When you register we will email you with a list of suggested supplies. A limited number of free boats will be provided, so sign up soon if you need one. If you need to rent a boat, visit Headwaters Outfitters, Asheville Outdoor Center, or Asheville Adventure Rental for great deals. Also, bring standard camping gear including a tent, sleeping pad and bag, and personal items. Camp gear is limited to 40 pounds and two bags per person. Your boat should be of a size and weight that you and another person can carry it. A gear list with mandatory and suggested items will be provided. Borrow gear from a friend or rent anything you’re a missing from REI in Asheville.
Where do we camp?
Camping will be on the banks of the river every night. This is mostly backcountry primitive camping, but we will stay at two campgrounds with showers on first and last night of the four day trip.
Do I need to bring food?
Breakfast, dinner and sack lunches will be provided as part of your registration. Yummy Oskar Blues Beer will be available on each night of the trip. You are welcome to bring some other must have snacks and drink.
Where do I leave my car?
Everyone will meet in Asheville (except people who are only paddling the first two days of the five day trip). We have arranged a safe place to meet and leave your cars Your camping gear will also be shuttled between campsites, allowing you to travel light on the river.
Can I fish?
Yes, but you are responsible for obtaining appropriate licenses through the wildlife resources commission.
More questions? Call or email the French Broad Riverkeeper at Hartwell@MountainTrue.org or 828-258-8737.
The French Broad River Paddle Trail℠ is proudly sponsored
by our friends at Oskar Blues Brewery.