Central Region News

A note from Karim Olaechea, Deputy Director of Strategy & Communications: 

It’s almost time for one of our favorite events of the year, the MountainTrue Annual Member Gathering. We love celebrating the accomplishments of our dedicated members and volunteers and welcoming new faces into our community of nature lovers and eco-warriors. 

Comradery is essential to building and sustaining a vibrant movement for a better future, and so is having a bit of fun. This year, we’re turning up the dial on the fun by moving the gathering to the weekend so more of you can come. We’ve also added more activities, including a special MountainTrue Jeopardy game in which players representing our different regions will test their knowledge of environmental trivia for glory, a new MountainTrue hellbender hat, and the right to determine which of our programs will receive a bag full of donations. 

It should be a great evening of laughter, joy, and inspiration. I hope to see you there.

Join us as we celebrate another year of working together​

MountainTrue’s Annual Member gathering will be on Saturday, October 14, at Devil’s Foot Beverage Company in Asheville, NC. Current members will enjoy celebration, snacks, and watching our first live MountainTrue Jeopardy! Come early to get fired up and learn how you can do your part to stop plastic pollution from local organizers. We’ll also take time to congratulate and recognize our outstanding Regional Volunteer of the Year Award winners: Marta Toran (High Country Region), Michael Cheng (Southern Region), Jonathan Micancin (Western Region), Elizabeth Porter (Central Region), as well as this year’s Esther Cunningham Award winner: Jane Laping. 

RSVP here. Not sure if your membership is current? Check here or email members@mountaintrue.org. We hope to see you there!

Plastic-Free WNC: it’s time to take action!​

Join MountainTrue, the WNC Group of the Sierra Club, the N.C. Public Interest Research Group, and the Creation Care Alliance for a rally to call on Buncombe County Commissioners to take action to protect the public and the environment from plastic pollution! The rally will begin at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19, and will feature a very exclusive appearance by our very own French Broad Mermaid, rousing remarks, and a prayer vigil led by Creation Care Alliance Director Sarah Ogletree. Wear blue to show that you support a Plastic-Free WNC! 

Can’t make it to the rally? Email Buncombe County Commissioners and ask them to take action to reduce plastic pollution.

On Monday, September 11, Black Mountain Town Commissioners unanimously (with one absence) approved a resolution calling on Buncombe County to pass an ordinance that would ban single-use plastic shopping bags at the checkout aisle and styrofoam takeout containers. With the passage of this resolution, Black Mountain has become the second municipality within Buncombe County to call on County Commissioners to fulfill their obligation under the North Carolina Solid Waste Management Act to reduce plastic pollution. The Town of Woodfin passed a similar resolution by a vote of 5-1 on August 15, 2023. Now it’s time for Buncombe County to fulfill its obligation under the NC Solid Waste Management Act to pass a common-sense law to reduce plastic pollution.

Hear your French Broad Riverkeeper speak at Malaprop’s Bookstore

MountainTrue is proud to co-sponsor Keeping the Chattahoochee: Sally Bethea in conversation with Hartwell Carson at Malaprop’s in downtown Asheville at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 21. Sally Bethea — one of the first women in America to become a riverkeeper — will chat with Hartwell Carson about their experiences as riverkeepers and their passion for protecting the Chattahoochee and French Broad rivers. Bethea will also be signing hardcover copies of her book, Keeping the Chattahoochee: Reviving and Defending a Great Southern River. This is a hybrid event with limited in-store seating and the option to attend online. The event is free but registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance — click here to learn more and register.

Thank you, 2023 Swim Guide sponsors

Another Swim Guide season is in the books, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our sponsors and volunteers. Thank you to Pink Mercury and Pirani for sponsoring French Broad Riverkeeper sampling sites along the French Broad River!

MountainTrue joins legal filing to protect communities from industrial pollution

Last month, MountainTrue joined Cape Fear River Watch and the Yadkin Riverkeeper, represented by Southern Environmental Law Center, in a petition to the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission for a ruling requiring the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to consistently apply the law to protect all communities from industrial water pollution. The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants without a permit. Those permits must include technology-based limits, which are based on the strategy that as technology improves, industrial facilities can further reduce or eliminate their pollution. Unfortunately, DEQ bypasses the technology-based requirement in the majority of permits it issues for industries that discharge pollution directly into local waterways. The petition asks the commission to require DEQ to evaluate existing pollution-control technologies for all industrial facilities and impose limits based on those technologies in permits moving forward. Click here to learn more. Read the full petition here.

Photo: An aerial view of the French Broad River flowing through Asheville, NC. Photo by Jack Henderson.​

Flying high with SouthWings

Jack Henderson, MountainTrue’s French Broad Paddle Trail Manager, recently flew with SouthWings volunteer pilot, Hap Endler, to document the French Broad River between Asheville and Hot Springs. The purpose of this flight was to update our catalog of photos of the river corridor, including current and new developments and industrial sites, but also to capture imagery for our new French Broad Paddle Trail website, set to be released within the next month. We are super grateful to SouthWings, which is a non-profit that connects conservation partners with a network of volunteer pilots to advocate for the restoration and protection of the ecosystems of the Southeast through flight, and all they do to support our work.

Understanding the role of the Riverkeeper

Transylvania Times readers: look out for MountainTrue’s monthly column in the paper’s outdoors section! Our August column, Understanding the role of the Riverkeeper, was written by French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson to highlight important riverkeeper history and what’s being done to clean up and protect the beloved French Broad River. Read Hartwell’s August column here. Want to learn more about MountainTrue’s ongoing conservation efforts on the French Broad? Click here to read our July column, Celebrating and Stewarding the French Broad River Paddle Trail, written by French Broad Paddle Trail Manager Jack Henderson.

Public meeting: Pisgah View State Park

The public information meeting for the Pisgah View State Park (PVSP) master plan is scheduled from 4-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26 at the Upper Hominy Fire Station on Highway 151 in Candler (1795 Pisgah Highway Candler, NC 28715). The Friends of Pisgah View State Park invites you join them at the public meeting to advocate for future PVSP users. If you’re unable to attend the meeting but want to get involved, click here to take the online survey.

High Country News

A note from Hannah Woodburn, High Country Watershed Outreach Coordinator:

The colors are already emerging among several tree species around the High Country, showing surefire signs of fall! Emma and I are so excited to welcome Watauga Riverkeeper and High Country Regional Director Andy Hill back from a renewing and adventurous sabbatical in October.

September has brought exciting news for one of our favorite salamander species, the Eastern Hellbender! In 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) denied hellbenders federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. Last week, a federal judge found FWS’ decision to be unlawful, proclaiming it to be a significant flaw in the agency’s decision-making. This new development means that the Eastern Hellbender is back on track to receive more formal and specialized protections to keep these ancient creatures around for many decades to come!

It’s the dedicated efforts of people like you that make a real difference, and it’s almost time to celebrate all of you at one of our favorite events of the year! The MountainTrue Annual Member Gathering is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our dedicated members and volunteers while welcoming new supporters, nature lovers, and advocates. This year, we’ll host an interactive Jeopardy Game to test your knowledge of environmental trivia — read on for more event info and to RSVP. 

Be sure to renew your membership for the year if you haven’t already. I’d love to see you there! Thank you for being MountainTrue.

Join us as we celebrate another year of working together​

MountainTrue’s Annual Member gathering will be on Saturday, October 14, at Devil’s Foot Beverage Company in Asheville, NC. Current members will enjoy celebration, snacks, and watching our first live MountainTrue Jeopardy! Come early to get fired up and learn how you can do your part to stop plastic pollution from local organizers. We’ll also take time to congratulate and recognize our outstanding Regional Volunteer of the Year Award winners: Marta Toran (High Country Region), Michael Cheng (Southern Region), Jonathan Micancin (Western Region), Elizabeth Porter (Central Region), as well as this year’s Esther Cunningham Award winner: Jane Laping. 

RSVP here. Not sure if your membership is current? Check here or email members@mountaintrue.org. We hope to see you there!

Calling all Jeopardy enthusiasts!

YOU could be chosen to represent your region in our very first game of MountainTrue Jeopardy at the Annual Gathering on October 14 in Asheville, NC. Want to play? Click here to sign up. One contestant from each of MountainTrue’s four regions will be selected by the end of September. You must be a current MountainTrue member and attend the event in person to play.

URGENT ACTION ALERT: stop the NCGA from stripping local governments of authority to take action on plastic pollution!

Breaking News: A draft conference report of the state budget released to the media includes language that would prohibit counties (§ 153A-145.11) and cities (§ 160A-205.6) from passing ordinances, resolutions, or rules that would restrict, tax, or charge a fee on auxiliary containers — the definition of which includes bags, cups, bottles, and other packaging. This language would preempt local control and undermine existing provisions of the NC Solid Waste Management Act that give counties and cities the authority to ban single-use plastic bags and other forms of packaging and the use of plastic foam (e.g., styrofoam) in foodware.

Plastic pollution is a threat to our environment and to the health of North Carolina residents. Email your legislators and let them know that our right to protect ourselves from dangerous pollutants is too important to be traded away to fossil fuel and retail industry lobbyists in backroom deals. Take action here.

Photo: MountainTrue volunteer and Lees-McRae College professor Anna Bigler poses for a photo with an Eastern Hellbender during a recent hellbender survey.

Celebrating volunteers as the sun sets on Swim Guide ‘23​

All good things must come to an end; in the blink of an eye, summer 2023 and our annual Swim Guide sampling season have come to a close. We want to thank each and every one of you for supporting the Watauga Riverkeeper Swim Guide program this season. All of the data we collect helps us make better-informed decisions on behalf of our watershed. Please join us for our Volunteer Volunteer Appreciation Cookout, happening from 6-8:30 p.m. tomorrow, September 21. We love celebrating the end of summer and the work that you all do with our water quality programs! RSVP here.

Thank you, 2023 Swim Guide sponsors

Another Swim Guide season is in the books, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our sponsors and volunteers! Thank you to Asheville Fly Fishing Company, Watauga River Lodge, Appalachian Veterinary Ultrasound, Mellow Mushroom of Boone, Watauga Tourism Development Authority, Boone Cocoon, Tennessee Valley Authority, Animal Hospital of Boone, Birdies Coffee,  The Speckled Trout Outfitters, Rivergirl, Zach Hobbs, Boone’s Fly Shop, Trophy Water Guide Service, and Blue Ridge Tourist Court for sponsoring Watauga Riverkeeper sampling sites along the Watauga, Elk, and New rivers.

Boone film screening: The River Runs On

Come out to the Appalachian Theater in Boone, NC from 7-9:00 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) on Friday, September 22 for a screening of The River Runs On! This film explores the release of a forest plan that decides the fate of two of the most important national forests in the country – the Pisgah and Nantahala. Stick around after the film for a panel discussion with MountainTrue’s Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly, and other issue experts from around WNC. See the trailer and get tickets here.

Photo: Hannah Woodburn (back left) and Emma Crider (center) of Watauga River Keeper/MountainTrue teach about water quality and enviroscape. Photo by Moss Brennan via Watauga Democrat.​

Watauga County Soil & Water Environmental Field Day @ Valle Crucis​

On September 7 and 8, our High Country team helped kick off the school year by taking part in another successful 5th Grade Environmental Field Day! Organized by Watauga County Soil and Water, the kiddos walked around nine environmental education stations set up at Valle Crucis Community Park to learn about all things sustainability and conservation-related. We loved talking with the students about water quality, infrastructure, environmental history, and species endemic to the Southern Appalachians — we always learn just as much from them as they learn from us! A huge thank you to all agencies and organizations that make it happen every year. Click here to read more in this recent article from the Watauga Democrat. 

Strawberry Hill Arboretum workday: Our amazing intern, Emma, continued invasive plant eradication efforts with the Watauga Residential College at Strawberry Hill Arboretum on August 17. This work has occurred annually for over three years, and the group has made terrific strides in eliminating oriental bittersweet and barberry around the arboretum. The students are incredibly helpful every year and have made a significant impact on regional forest health!

High Country Yo Pro at Valle Crucis Community Park: Hannah and Emma represented the Watauga Riverkeeper at the High Country Young Professional event on September 5. They had the opportunity to engage with young professional representatives from other High Country organizations, share info about the work we’re doing in the region, and discover the ways in which we can organize our communities and build lifelong partnerships! If you’re under the age of 40 and looking to be a part of an uplifting young professional community in the High Country, join the fun on the first Tuesday of every month!

Good times on the New River at Float Fest ‘23

Riverkeeper Float Fest 2023 is in the books as one of the best yet! We hope y’all had as much fun as we did. Shoutout to River and Earth Adventures, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Boone’s Fly Shop, and Little Wing Ice Cream for their partnership, and many thanks to our staff and volunteers for all their hard work in making this event a success! We hope to see y’all back out on the New River at Float Fest ‘24. 

MountainTrue joins legal filing to protect communities from industrial pollution

Last month, MountainTrue joined Cape Fear River Watch and the Yadkin Riverkeeper, represented by Southern Environmental Law Center, in a petition to the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission for a ruling requiring the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to consistently apply the law to protect all communities from industrial water pollution. The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants without a permit. Those permits must include technology-based limits, which are based on the strategy that as technology improves, industrial facilities can further reduce or eliminate their pollution. Unfortunately, DEQ bypasses the technology-based requirement in the majority of permits it issues for industries that discharge pollution directly into local waterways. The petition asks the commission to require DEQ to evaluate existing pollution-control technologies for all industrial facilities and impose limits based on those technologies in permits moving forward. Click here to learn more. Read the full petition here.

Southern Region News

A note from Nancy Díaz, Southern Regional Director:

Earlier this month, I joined some member volunteers as they cleaned up a section of Wash Creek in Hendersonville as part of the Adopt a Stream program. These small team cleanups happen a few times a year and make a valuable impact in the overall health of this local waterway.

Photo: Volunteers and members Dan, Rick, and Ann cleaning up a section of Wash Creek.

The time you take to participate in environmental action — big or small — goes a long way and, in this case, helps maintain the health of a local waterway. It’s the dedicated efforts of people like you that make a real difference, and it’s almost time to celebrate all of you at one of our favorite events of the year! The MountainTrue Annual Member Gathering is an opportunity to review the accomplishments of our dedicated members and volunteers, celebrate, and welcome new faces into our community of nature lovers and advocates. This year, we’ll host an interactive Jeopardy Game to test your knowledge of environmental trivia — read on for more event info and to RSVP. See you somewhere in the Southern Blue Ridge!

Join us as we celebrate another year of working together​

MountainTrue’s Annual Member gathering will be on Saturday, October 14, at Devil’s Foot Beverage Company in Asheville, NC. Current members will enjoy celebration, snacks, and watching our first live MountainTrue Jeopardy! Come early to get fired up and learn how you can do your part to stop plastic pollution from local organizers. We’ll also take time to congratulate and recognize our outstanding Regional Volunteer of the Year Award winners: Marta Toran (High Country Region), Michael Cheng (Southern Region), Jonathan Micancin (Western Region), Elizabeth Porter (Central Region), as well as this year’s Esther Cunningham Award winner: Jane Laping. 

RSVP here. Not sure if your membership is current? Check here or email members@mountaintrue.org. We hope to see you there!

Calling all Jeopardy enthusiasts!

YOU could be chosen to represent your region in our very first game of MountainTrue Jeopardy at the Annual Gathering on October 14 in Asheville, NC. Want to play? Click here to sign up. One contestant from each of MountainTrue’s four regions will be selected by the end of September. You must be a current MountainTrue member and attend the event in person to play.

Come out for the annual Big Sweep on the Green River​

Join your Green Riverkeeper on Saturday, September 23, for our Big Sweep event! This event will be a part of the Big Sweep movement that happens throughout our region. Kayakers and roadside volunteers are welcome. We’ll meet at Fishtop Access (2302 Green River Cove Rd, Saluda, NC 28773) at 11:00 a.m. to split into teams before heading out. Please bring water, snacks, and gear appropriate for the water or roadside (gloves, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, medical needs, etc). MountainTrue will provide trash bags. If you need gear to get out on the water, please contact us, as we have a limited amount of duckies, helmets, and pfds for use. Volunteers are invited to join Green Riverkeeper Erica Shanks at the Green River Brew Depot after the Big Sweep for a free drink of choice and food from the Purple Onion! Click here to register. Please contact Erica (erica@mountaintrue.org) if you have any questions about this event. 

MountainTrue supporter spotlight: Michael Cheng

Last fall, Broad River enthusiast Michael Cheng, several volunteers, and Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell were joined by the Voices of Deoli film crew while cleaning up a section of the First Broad River. Cinematographer Oxana Onipko filmed the cleanup as part of the Voices of Deoli feature film, which shares the stories of Deoli Internment Camp survivors, including Michael Cheng. We encourage folks to support the Voices of Deoli crew by checking out their website, learning about the project, and following Voices of Deoli on Facebook and Instagram. 

Supporters like Michael help make our work possible; the Broad River is cleaner and healthier because of Michael and his enthusiasm for its wellbeing. Michael, MountainTrue is grateful for you and all you do to support the Broad Riverkeeper in protecting the Broad River Watershed! We recently chatted with Michael about his experiences and love of the Broad River — click here to read his interview on the MountainTrue blog.

Thank you, 2023 Swim Guide sponsors

Another Swim Guide season is in the books, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our sponsors and volunteers. Thank you to Wilderness Cove Campground, The Purple Onion, The S.P.O.T., Green River Cove Tubing, Lake Adger Property Owners Association, Hendersonville Community Co-Op, Shelby Women for Progress, Rutherford Outdoor Coalition, Joy Pharr Realty, and Fabbit Customs for sponsoring Green and Broad Riverkeeper sampling sites along the Green, Broad, and First Broad Rivers! 

Photos: (left) The Broad’s Best Angler 2023, David Engelhardt, poses with one of the three bass he caught during the tournament. (right) Bailey Bowman poses with the 20.25in smallmouth bass that won the tournament’s ‘biggest bass’ category.

4th Annual Broad River Fishing Tournament winners

Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell recently reviewed all submissions after his week-long fishing tournament on the Broad River and its tributaries concluded, and the results are in: 

“Congratulations to the Broad’s Best Angler 2023, David Engelhardt! David pulled in three nice bass totaling 49″ and made it look easy; it’s not, but it’s fun! Sam Ruppe was right there with a total of 42.5″, and probably caught the most fish. Sam also reported a bluegill for biggest panfish. Biggest bass goes to Bailey Bowman for a fabulous 20.25″ smallie. Biggest catfish goes to Emily Nieto. Lastly, David Rikard gets recognized for most unusual fish, because I fished with him all morning and caught nothing over 9″, while he reeled in a 15″ bass! It’s always a treat to see the beautiful fish from the Broad and the beautiful people who enjoy the sport of fishing.” 

Click here to see the winning fish on the Broad Riverkeeper Instagram page.

Celebrate the colors, flavors, & rhythms of Latin America in Pisgah National Forest

FIND Outdoors will host its first-ever Hispanic Heritage Fest at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest, NC, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 1. Join us for this all-day event featuring cultural activities, performances, and food, and stop by the MountainTrue table to chat with Southern Regional Director Nancy Díaz and French Broad Paddle Trail Manager Jack Henderson! Stay tuned for the schedule of events on the FIND Outdoors website.

Hendersonville film screening: The River Runs On

MountainTrue is proud to present another screening of The River Runs On in the Sanctuary at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, NC, from 7-8:45 p.m. on Friday, October 13 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). This film explores the release of a forest plan that decides the fate of two of the most important national forests in the country – the Pisgah and Nantahala. Immediately following the film, we’ll have a panel discussion with the film’s director, Garrett Martin, and MountainTrue’s Public Lands Field Biologist, Josh Kelly. See the trailer and get tickets here. 

Float down the Broad River with us this fall

Join Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell on Saturday, October 21, for a fall float along the Broad River in Shelby, NC. We’ll paddle and float down a beautiful and remote stretch of the Broad that few people get to enjoy! The first half of the trip will have some fun, easy class I and II rapids. The second half of this section is in slow-moving and still water, so we’ll need to paddle some (not just float) to reach the takeout on time. This guided adventure will last approximately four to five hours. If interested, we invite you to bring a fishing pole and binoculars on this trip, as there will be opportunities to fish and see wildlife! Click here to learn more and register.

Hendersonville residents: take this survey to let Hendersonville know your priorities for the future

The City of Hendersonville is developing its 2045 Comprehensive Plan to establish a long-term vision for sustainable growth and conservation. The Comprehensive Plan is called Gen H to encourage the community to think generationally about the future of Hendersonville. The Gen H Community Survey is the first opportunity for the public to provide input. The survey is open through November 14 and is an excellent opportunity to share your ideas for Hendersonville’s future.  Read our recommendations and take the survey here.  

MountainTrue joins legal filing to protect communities from industrial pollution

Last month, MountainTrue joined Cape Fear River Watch and the Yadkin Riverkeeper, represented by Southern Environmental Law Center, in a petition to the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission for a ruling requiring the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to consistently apply the law to protect all communities from industrial water pollution. The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants without a permit. Those permits must include technology-based limits, which are based on the strategy that as technology improves, industrial facilities can further reduce or eliminate their pollution. Unfortunately, DEQ bypasses the technology-based requirement in the majority of permits it issues for industries that discharge pollution directly into local waterways. The petition asks the commission to require DEQ to evaluate existing pollution-control technologies for all industrial facilities and impose limits based on those technologies in permits moving forward. Click here to learn more. Read the full petition here.

Photo: Green Riverkeeper Erica Shanks (left) with fellow kayakers at the Women’s Takeover on the Green in August.

2023 Women’s Takeover on the Green: a note from your Green Riverkeeper

I recently enjoyed an amazing day paddling with over 100 women for the Women’s Takeover on the Green! This was the 10th year of this event taking place on Mama Green to honor the women we have lost in the whitewater community. How special it is that the Green River is the chosen place to host this energy each year. Fun times and sweet lines were had all around, and I look forward to getting back out on the river with these awesome ladies at next year’s event! 

Understanding the role of the Riverkeeper

Transylvania Times readers: look out for MountainTrue’s monthly column in the paper’s outdoors section! Our August column, Understanding the role of the Riverkeeper, was written by French Broad Riverkeeper Hartwell Carson to highlight important riverkeeper history and what’s being done to clean up and protect the beloved French Broad River. Read Hartwell’s August column here. Want to learn more about MountainTrue’s ongoing conservation efforts on the French Broad? Click here to read our July column, Celebrating and Stewarding the French Broad River Paddle Trail, written by French Broad Paddle Trail Manager Jack Henderson.

Western Region News

A note from Callie Moore, Western Regional Director:

September is a time of transition from summer into fall. It’s a great month because it’s still warm enough for water-based recreation, and it’s starting to get cool enough for me to enjoy hiking at lower elevations again (at least in the morning and evening)! The fall equinox happens in September. According to Almanc.com, the word “equinox” comes from the Latin aequus, meaning “equal,” and nox, “night.” On the equinox, day and night are roughly equal in length. I didn’t realize it when we were planning our guided adventures, but our Bartram Trail hike outing is on the fall equinox this year: Saturday, September 23. So, you can officially spend the equinox with MountainTrue! 

We also invite you to enjoy more weekend fun with us at our Annual Member Gathering on October 14. This year, we’re hosting it on a Saturday afternoon to make it more accessible for folks like us out here in the Western Region! Read on for more information about the fun, as well as carpool options. Be sure to renew your membership for the year if you haven’t already. I’d love to see you there! Thank you for being MountainTrue.

Join us as we celebrate another year of working together​

MountainTrue’s Annual Member gathering will be on Saturday, October 14, at Devil’s Foot Beverage Company in Asheville, NC. Current members will enjoy celebration, snacks, and watching our first live MountainTrue Jeopardy! Come early to get fired up and learn how you can do your part to stop plastic pollution from local organizers. We’ll also take time to congratulate and recognize our outstanding Regional Volunteer of the Year Award winners: Marta Toran (High Country Region), Michael Cheng (Southern Region), Jonathan Micancin (Western Region), Elizabeth Porter (Central Region), as well as this year’s Esther Cunningham Award winner: Jane Laping. 

RSVP here. Not sure if your membership is current? Check here or email members@mountaintrue.org. We hope to see you there!

Calling all Jeopardy enthusiasts!

YOU could be chosen to represent your region in our very first game of MountainTrue Jeopardy at the Annual Gathering on October 14 in Asheville, NC. Want to play? Click here to sign up. One contestant from each of MountainTrue’s four regions will be selected by the end of September. You must be a current MountainTrue member and attend the event in person to play.

Photo: Mryna Carley picks up a tree she ordered at the 2018 event.

Western Region Fall Native Tree & Shrub Sale begins today!

We are now accepting orders for our 7th Annual Fall Native Tree Sale Fundraiser. Choose from 30 native species, ranging from large shade trees to smaller ornamental shrubs. All plants are quality nursery stock and are available in one to three-gallon pots. Click here to place your orders by November 5, 2023. A few species are limited in quantity this year, so place your order today! Please note: Your plants must be picked up between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, at the MountainTrue West office parking lot in Murphy, NC.

Thank you, 2023 Swim Guide sponsors & volunteers

Another Swim Guide season is in the books, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our sponsors and volunteers. Special thanks to Union County and Towns County governments, as well as the City of Hiawassee, GA, for sponsoring this weekly sampling at their park sites on Lake Chatuge and Lake Nottely. Many thanks to David Best, Stephanie Brundage, Stacey Cassedy, Ken Kloblen, and John Knoblich for volunteering with our Swim Guide program this summer! We sampled 14 locations in the Hiwassee River Basin and six new locations in the Little Tennessee River Basin this summer. A handful of our river access sites failed the EPA’s safe swimming standard fairly often. Still, unless there had recently been a heavy rainfall event, most of our sampling sites typically met the safe standard set by the NC Department of Health & Human Services for “non-primary contact recreation activities” such as kayaking, canoeing, tubing, etc., that don’t involve frequent full contact with the water. Click here to see the swimming results for your favorite spots in the Hiwassee and Little Tennessee river basins. Click here to see swimming results for the Pigeon River Watershed.

Speaking up in support of needed housing in Hiawassee, GA

This month, MountainTrue Western Regional Director Callie Moore and Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC collaborated to evaluate and then express full support for a proposed housing development in Hiawassee, GA. The project is called The Commons at Lake Chatuge (initially The Overlook at Lake Chatuge), and it’s a development that would create the kind of homes we believe are needed for our communities to be healthy, to protect water quality, and prevent continued loss of our farms and forests. Callie spoke in support of the project at the City of Hiawassee Building & Planning Committee’s public hearing on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Click here to learn more about why we support these kinds of projects generally and why The Commons specifically aligns with our goals.

Photo: A group of volunteers poses with the trash they collected at their assigned location during a previous cleanup.

Save the date for the Lake Chatuge Shoreline Cleanup: November 4

Join fellow lake-loving volunteers on both sides of the state line on Saturday, November 4, for MountainTrue’s 13th Annual Lake Chatuge Shoreline Cleanup. The event will kick off at 9 a.m. at the Towns County Swim Beach Pavilion across from the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. After two hours of shoreline cleaning at an assigned location, volunteers will meet at the pavilion at 11:30 a.m. for prizes.

MountainTrue joins legal filing to protect communities from industrial pollution

Last month, MountainTrue joined Cape Fear River Watch and the Yadkin Riverkeeper, represented by Southern Environmental Law Center, in a petition to the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission for a ruling requiring the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to consistently apply the law to protect all communities from industrial water pollution. The Clean Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants without a permit. Those permits must include technology-based limits, which are based on the strategy that as technology improves, industrial facilities can further reduce or eliminate their pollution. Unfortunately, DEQ bypasses the technology-based requirement in the majority of permits it issues for industries that discharge pollution directly into local waterways. The petition asks the commission to require DEQ to evaluate existing pollution-control technologies for all industrial facilities and impose limits based on those technologies in permits moving forward. Click here to learn more. Read the full petition here.

Central Region News

A note from Gray Jernigan, Deputy Director & General Counsel: 

A few weeks ago, MountainTrue and partner organizations, represented by the outstanding legal team at Southern Environmental Law Center, sent the US Forest Service a 60-day notice of our intent to sue for violating the Endangered Species Act in developing the recent revision to the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Management Plan. If the Forest Service does not take immediate action to protect endangered forest bats that face extinction under the approved plan, we’ll be forced to take them to court to enforce the law. 

Litigation is not an action we take lightly, and it would be the first time in our organization’s more than 40-year history that we have filed a lawsuit against the Forest Service. This comes after more than a decade of collaborative stakeholder input, but in the end, our concerns were ignored, and we have a responsibility to protect resilient forests and hold our government accountable to the law. To be clear, the impact on bats and violations of the Endangered Species Act is not our only concern with the Forest Plan, and just because we aren’t raising additional concerns in this action doesn’t mean that we won’t raise them in the future. 

As an advocacy organization, this is what we do. We work to protect the places we share, and when our voices are ignored as they were here, we keep fighting using all of the tools available to us. We sincerely appreciate the support of our members, staff, and board of directors, who voted unanimously to take action. If you aren’t a MountainTrue member, please join us — we’re stronger standing together for the future of our forests. 

MountainTrue prepares for lawsuit over Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan

On July 25, MountainTrue joined a coalition of conservation groups in sending a letter to the U.S. Forest Service, signaling our intent to sue over glaring flaws in the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan and violations of the Endangered Species Act. The Forest Service is needlessly putting several endangered bat species at risk of extinction by putting commercial logging first and ignoring the best science available. 

MountainTrue and our experts remain ready and willing to work in partnership with the Forest Service and other stakeholders to develop a responsible win-win plan for the environment, our economy, and the people of our region. Read our full statement, press release, and the 60-Day Notice of Intent to Sue for Violations of the Endangered Species Act Related to Consultation on the Nantahala-Pisgah Land Management Plan.

Let’s pass a plastic bag ban in Buncombe County

We need you to take action to help pass a common-sense law to reduce plastic pollution in Buncombe County. Plastic pollution is a global problem, and we must act locally to do our part. That’s why MountainTrue is advocating for a county-wide ban on single-use plastic bags and styrofoam at grocery and retail store checkout counters paired with a 10-cent fee on paper bags. More than 500 local governments in 28 states across the country have already passed laws to reduce plastic pollution. Let’s make Buncombe County next! 

If you live in Black Mountain or Woodfin: please email your Town Councilpersons and ask them to pass resolutions supporting a county-wide ordinance. 

Other Buncombe County residents: sign the petition that we’ll be taking to County Commissioners calling on them act. 

Photos: (left) MountainTrue, Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), & Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy had fun treating ash trees on Bluff Mountain. Photo by Sydney Swafford. (right) Josh Kelly and Darby Stipe of MountainTrue and Dane White of ATC treat a 40” in diameter white ash. Photo by Matt Drury.

Ash trees thrive thanks to MountainTrue and Appalachian Trail Conservancy

MountainTrue and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) completed another season of treating ash trees on the Appalachian Trail to protect them from the Emerald Ash Borer — an invasive beetle estimated to have killed over 100 million ash trees across 30 states. This year we were back at Bluff Mountain, where we treated 117 trees for the fourth time since 2017. The treated trees are in great condition! One tree was 38” in diameter when treatment began and has grown to 40” in diameter this year. This work is funded by the ATC NC License Plate Grant and the support of MountainTrue members.

MountainTrue-a-thon: we’re halfway to our fundraising goal!

There’s still time to sign up for the 2023 MountainTrue-a-thon, which kicked off in June and runs through August 31. Earn money for MountainTrue while doing your favorite activities: hiking, biking, and paddling — it’s a win-win! Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and let’s hit the trails for some adventure: click here to learn more and sign up.

P.S. Did we mention there are PRIZES for the top $ earner and most pledged miles hiked?!

MountainTrue to expand river access and knowledge with grant from MADE X MTNS

MountainTrue is proud to announce that we are one of twenty grant recipients of the MADE X MTNS Outdoor Equity Fund. We join a group of WNC small businesses, community groups, and nonprofits working to increase outdoor access and economic opportunity. Thanks to the generosity of the MADE X MTNS, MountainTrue will be able to lead more paddling trips on the French Broad Paddle Trail, provide ecological and skill-building knowledge for participants, teach Leave No Trace ethics and provide important conservation information about the trail. Click here to read about the Outdoor Equity Fund and all fellow grantees.

Photo: 2023 Paddle Trip-goers “sending it” over a rapid on the French Broad River.

Cheers to a great 2023 Paddle Trip

The 2023 French Broad Paddle Trip was a huge success, with sixteen guests and seven MountainTrue staff members making the voyage from Barnard, NC, to Bridgeport, TN. Over four wonderful days, we navigated rapids, relaxed through flatwater, marveled at Paint Rock’s petroglyphs and Chimney Rock’s cliffs, observed wildlife, ate tasty food, shared stories, and made memories. The Paddle Trip is always a great way to bring together friends — new and old — to learn about and celebrate the French Broad River, including the successes of MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper program, and discuss upcoming challenges and opportunities.

Photo: Creation Care Alliance Director Sarah Ogletree (left) and MountainTrue Western Regional Director Callie Moore (right) at the Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC kickoff party on August 10.

Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC off to a great start

We had an awesome turnout for our program kickoff event this month, and it was so exciting to be in a room full of supporters who were enthusiastic about creating more of the kinds of housing our communities need! If you missed the event but want to get involved, you can sign up here to volunteer or contact Susan Bean directly to get plugged in (susan@mountaintrue.org).

Save the date for our Annual Member Gathering

MountainTrue’s Annual Member Gathering will take place on Saturday, October 14. This year’s event will be held at The Mule in Asheville, NC. If you’re not a current member, there’s still time for you to join us — you don’t want to miss out on the fun!

High Country News

A note from Hannah Woodburn, High Country Watershed Outreach Coordinator:

This summer has been one of our busiest yet — filled with so many community events, water quality sampling, and advocacy actions! We truly appreciate your support and engagement, whether you just connected with MountainTrue or have been involved with us for years! As summer comes to a close, know that we are working nonstop to protect the places we share. I hope you can find a way to stay involved; we have something for everyone in our Clean Waters, Resilient Forests, Healthy Communities, Green Energy, and Creation Care programs.

MountainTrue prepares for lawsuit over Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan​

On July 25, MountainTrue joined a coalition of conservation groups in sending a letter to the U.S. Forest Service, signaling our intent to sue over glaring flaws in the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan and violations of the Endangered Species Act. The Forest Service is needlessly putting several endangered bat species at risk of extinction by putting commercial logging first and ignoring the best science available. 

MountainTrue and our experts remain ready and willing to work in partnership with the Forest Service and other stakeholders to develop a responsible win-win plan for the environment, our economy, and the people of our region. Read our full statement, press release, and the 60-Day Notice of Intent to Sue for Violations of the Endangered Species Act Related to Consultation on the Nantahala-Pisgah Land Management Plan.

Great news for High Country waters!

Thanks to your support and advocacy, 11 streams within the Watauga River Basin will now receive special protections as Outstanding Resource Waters or High-Quality Waters, starting September 1, 2023. This remarkable achievement is a significant step in safeguarding the health of our local rivers, protecting the delicate aquatic ecosystems, and supporting the recreation economy of the High Country. Click here to read more.

Weekend plans: Riverkeeper Float Fest

The rescheduled Riverkeeper Float Fest is happening this Saturday, August 19! Substantial rains the week prior to the original June 24 date led to increased bacteria levels unsafe for river recreation. Any previously purchased ticket(s) will be honored at the rescheduled date. If you can’t attend the new date, please contact sydney@moutaintrue.org to begin the refund process (or consider leaving it as a donation to support the Watauga Riverkeeper’s clean water efforts). Riverkeeper Float Fest details:

• 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023
• River & Earth Adventures’ New River Outpost (6201 Castle Ford Road Todd, NC 28684)
• Brews, food, and tunes provided by Appalachian Mountain Brewery
• Tubing with River & Earth Adventures down the New River 
• Fly fishing demos with Boone’s Fly Shop
• And so much more! 

Antlers & Acorns Boone Songwriters Festival

Join us from September 5-9 to hear some of the best singers and songwriters from around the country at Antlers & Acorns, The Boone Songwriters Festival. VIP tickets are on sale now, with perks like exclusive performances, best seats in the house, and an opportunity for three daytime gatherings with songwriters in the Blue Ridge Mountains. MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper will be featured on Friday night (September 8) and will have a table in the Appalachian Theater’s Community Room. We’re so excited for this festival and to explore the ways that music, advocacy, and environmentalism collide within the arts.

Photo: Event participants enjoy some river snorkeling on the last Guided Snorkel event of the 2023 season.

Wildlife-packed last guided snorkel of the season​

As summer rapidly comes to an end, we were able to enjoy good weather for the last of our Guided Snorkel series. It’s always such a joy to share our knowledge of the watershed and encourage others to ask more questions about the rivers, streams, and places we all share. We identified Nothern watersnakes, redbreasted sunfish, margined madtoms, blacknose dace, stonerollers, smallmouth bass, and Northern hogsuckers… just to name a few!

Japanese knotweed treatments

Our Watauga Riverkeeper team has been busy removing invasive plants in the High Country this month! Once again, we’re turning our focus to Japanese knotweed, a species of herbaceous perennial plant in the knotweed and buckwheat family. On July 31, MountainTrue’s recently-retired superstar ecologist, Bob Gale, ventured to the High Country to train us in eradication techniques, specialized equipment/treatments, and (as always) gift us with a wealth of native plant knowledge. Our group was able to treat Japanese knotweed at Valle Crucis Community Park, ideally ensuring 100% native growth in the main wetland area. Continuing efforts along the river, we’re grateful to have also partnered with Wildlands Engineering to treat invasives in the Watauga River Watershed. 

Photo: A volunteer holds a bottled Swim Guide sample.​

Swim Guide results summary

It’s absolutely incredible how fast the summer flies by, considering we only have FOUR weeks of Swim Guide left until the end of the season. So far, we’ve had over 11,110 people check water quality at the 21 “beaches” we sample in the High Country region. We’re so grateful for our volunteers, site sponsors, and community members that place a high value on keeping our waters safe and clean. Our cleanest sites this season include Watauga Point Recreational Area, Wilbur Dam Put-In, Guy Ford, Price Lake, and Valle Crucis Park. The most failed sites this season include 321 Upper Gorge Park, Lover’s Lane, Brookshire Park, Blevins Boat Ramp, and the Boone Greenway at the covered bridge. Click here to learn more about our Swim Guide program, and be sure to download the mobile Swim Guide app so you can get the skinny before you dip!

Volunteer Appreciation Cookout

We’re so excited to announce our annual Volunteer Appreciation Cookout from 6-8:30 p.m. on September 21 at Valle Crucis Park in Banner Elk, NC. We can’t wait to celebrate our amazing High Country volunteers who help keep our programs running all year round. Whether you’re a Swim Guide volunteer, VWIN volunteer, or have helped plant plenty of livestakes, we want to celebrate our volunteers’ roles in our clean water successes over the years. Please email hannah@mountaintrue.org to receive our RSVP form.

MountainTrue-a-thon: we’re halfway to our fundraising goal!

There’s still time to sign up for the 2023 MountainTrue-a-thon, which kicked off in June and runs through August 31. Earn money for MountainTrue while doing your favorite activities: hiking, biking, and paddling — it’s a win-win! Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and let’s hit the trails for some adventure: click here to learn more and sign up.

P.S. Did we mention there are PRIZES for the top $ earner and most pledged miles hiked?!

High Country education and outreach: July 2023 edition

Amongst all the other happenings in July, our Clean Water Team joined Valle Crucis Park for their annual River Alive Day and BioBlitz. We had so much fun teaching folks of all ages about river health and the aquatic species that call them home.

We recently led our first Guided Stream Hike with the Town of Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation Department. It was great connecting with visitors and residents on a lovely streamside hike. MountainTrue’s High Country Watershed Outreach Coordinator, Hannah Woodburn, led the hike and discussed watershed literacy, aquatic species, and current happenings within MountainTrue’s advocacy work. We look forward to spending more time in the headwaters of the Watauga River in future collaborative guided outing offerings. 

The High Country Trash Trouts are still hard at work! We had several volunteers join us to help inventory and count the trash found within the Winkler’s Creek Trash Trout last month. A big thank you to our High Country Intern, Emma, for leading this workday opportunity!

Thanks, 828 Realty!

We had so much fun at the first (and hopefully!) annual 828 Realty Community event at the Jones House in July. There were games, music, and fun for the whole family, including a dunk tank! This event benefitted MountainTrue, Safe Harbor, and F.A.R.M. Cafe — important nonprofit cornerstones of our High Country community. Thank you to our friends at 828 Realty for hosting this wonderful summer gathering!

Beech Mountain Ski Resort Concert Series

The Beech Mountain Concert Series + Party on the Mountain were an absolute blast to table at. Sheryl Crow, My Morning Jacket, and The Revivalists were some of the big names hitting the High Country. It was great making new connections, friends, and spreading the word about the work that MountainTrue does in the New and Watauga watersheds. We had an awesome summer jamming on the mountain!

Photo: Creation Care Alliance Director Sarah Ogletree (left) and MountainTrue Western Regional Director Callie Moore (right) at the Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC kickoff party on August 10.​

Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC off to a great start

We had an awesome turnout for our program kickoff event this month, and it was so exciting to be in a room full of supporters who were enthusiastic about creating more of the kinds of housing our communities need! If you missed the event but want to get involved, you can sign up here to volunteer or contact Susan Bean directly to get plugged in (susan@mountaintrue.org).

Save the date for our Annual Member Gathering

MountainTrue’s Annual Member Gathering will take place on Saturday, October 14. This year’s event will be held at The Mule in Asheville, NC. If you’re not a current member, there’s still time for you to join us — you don’t want to miss out on the fun! 

Southern Region News

A note from Gray Jernigan, Deputy Director & General Counsel (+ former Southern Regional Director & Green Riverkeeper):

A few weeks ago, MountainTrue and partner organizations, represented by the outstanding legal team at Southern Environmental Law Center, sent the US Forest Service a 60-day notice of our intent to sue for violating the Endangered Species Act in developing the recent revision to the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Management Plan. If the Forest Service does not take immediate action to protect endangered forest bats that face extinction under the approved plan, we’ll be forced to take them to court to enforce the law. 

Litigation is not an action we take lightly, and it would be the first time in our organization’s more than 40-year history that we have filed a lawsuit against the Forest Service. This comes after more than a decade of collaborative stakeholder input, but in the end, our concerns were ignored, and we have a responsibility to protect resilient forests and hold our government accountable to the law. To be clear, the impact on bats and violations of the Endangered Species Act is not our only concern with the Forest Plan, and just because we aren’t raising additional concerns in this action doesn’t mean that we won’t raise them in the future. 

As an advocacy organization, this is what we do. We work to protect the places we share, and when our voices are ignored as they were here, we keep fighting using all of the tools available to us. We sincerely appreciate the support of our members, staff, and board of directors, who voted unanimously to take action. If you aren’t a MountainTrue member, please join us — we’re stronger standing together for the future of our forests.

MountainTrue prepares for lawsuit over Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan​

On July 25, MountainTrue joined a coalition of conservation groups in sending a letter to the U.S. Forest Service, signaling our intent to sue over glaring flaws in the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan and violations of the Endangered Species Act. The Forest Service is needlessly putting several endangered bat species at risk of extinction by putting commercial logging first and ignoring the best science available. 

MountainTrue and our experts remain ready and willing to work in partnership with the Forest Service and other stakeholders to develop a responsible win-win plan for the environment, our economy, and the people of our region. Read our full statement, press release, and the 60-Day Notice of Intent to Sue for Violations of the Endangered Species Act Related to Consultation on the Nantahala-Pisgah Land Management Plan.

Green River oil spill update from Green Riverkeeper Erica Shanks: ​

On Thursday, July 13, a tanker carrying fuel up the Saluda Grade wrecked at mile marker 62, spilling 8,000 gallons of oil and gasoline into Cove Creek. Cove Creek runs into the Lower Green, about halfway down. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) immediately jumped on the situation to start remediation at the site. There are currently six oil booms in the creek upstream of Little Bradley Falls and five downstream of Little Bradley Falls. These booms are monitored daily and will be in Cove Creek anywhere from two more weeks to one month. Three to six feet of soil also had to be removed at the wreckage site for future health of the creek bed. The trucking company is responsible for paying for cleanup efforts.

As of right now, Little Bradley is currently closed to the public. DHHS will continue to update the public on when it is safe to visit this area again, but I’ll also keep you informed as we learn more. Follow me on Instagram for weekly updates (@greenriverkeeper)! There are currently no advisories on the Green River.

Photo: (from left to right) MountainTrue Development and Engagement Manager Amy Finkler, Green Riverkeeper Erica Shanks, and Creation Care Alliance Director Sarah Ogletree pose with littered items they picked up while paddling the Green River in June 2023.

Upcoming cleanups on the Green and Broad rivers

Green Clean Series: Help Green Riverkeeper Erica Shanks clean up the Green River from 5:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, August 24! This will be the final cleanup of our 2023 Green Clean Series. You don’t have to kayak to be a part of the cleanup; roadside volunteers are also welcome! Click here to learn more and sign up. Volunteers are invited to join the Green Riverkeeper at the Green River Brew Depot in downtown Saluda after the cleanup — the Brew Depot will be giving one free beer to each volunteer who attends the cleanup and presents a ticket. Additionally, The SPOT will offer volunteers a free drink to enjoy within a week of their participation in the cleanup!

Eighth Annual Sarah Sweep + First Broad River Festival: All are welcome to join the Broad Riverkeeper on Saturday, September 9 for the 8th Annual Sarah Sweep in honor of Sarah Spencer, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2016. We’ll paddle and clean up a lovely section of the river that Sarah Spencer held dear to her heart. After the cleanup, we’ll head back to Double Shoals Mill for an evening of fabulous local music and food at the First Broad River Festival. Click here to learn more and register. 

Big Sweep on the Green River: Join your Green Riverkeeper on Saturday, September 23 for our Big Sweep event! This event will be a part of the Big Sweep movement that happens throughout our region. Kayakers and roadside volunteers are welcome. We’ll meet at Fishtop Access (2302 Green River Cove Rd, Saluda, NC 28773) at 11:00 a.m. to split into teams before heading out. Please bring water, snacks, and gear appropriate for the water or roadside (gloves, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, medical needs, etc). MountainTrue will provide trash bags. If you need gear to get out on the water, please contact us as we have a limited amount of duckies, helmets, and pfds for use. Volunteers are invited to join Green Riverkeeper Erica Shanks at the Green River Brew Depot after the Big Sweep for a free drink of choice and food from the Purple Onion! Click here to register. If you have any questions about any of the upcoming Green River cleanups, please contact your Green Riverkeeper (erica@mountaintrue.org).  

Photo: Latinos Aventureros volunteers pose with Nancy Díaz (right) during the trail cleanup.​

Cleaning up the Broad River Greenway trails with Latinos Aventureros

On Friday, July 21, MountainTrue Southern Regional Director Nancy Díaz and Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell teamed up with a crew of volunteers from Latinos Aventureros to pick up litter along the beaches, picnic areas, and trails at our Broad River Greenway. We removed 12 bags of trash, preventing it from inevitably washing into the river. Thanks, volunteers!

Green Clean Series: July update from your Green Riverkeeper

​​Thanks to all the volunteers who participated in last month’s Green Clean Series cleanup on July 27 — we hauled out 10 full bags of trash from the Lower Green and roadside! Laughs were had, jokes were made, and Mama Green can now flow a bit easier with a little less trash. Join us next time, Thursday August 24, to do it all over again! Huge shoutouts to: Green River Tubing (also one of our wonderful Swim Guide sponsors) for shuttling us; the Green River Brew Depot for post-cleanup drinks; Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell for joining us and lending a hand; and to the Purple Onion for the amazing food!

MountainTrue-a-thon: we’re halfway to our fundraising goal!

There’s still time to sign up for the 2023 MountainTrue-a-thon, which kicked off in June and runs through August 31. Earn money for MountainTrue while doing your favorite activities: hiking, biking, and paddling — it’s a win-win! Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and let’s hit the trails for some adventure: click here to learn more and sign up.

P.S. Did we mention there are PRIZES for the top $ earner and most pledged miles hiked?!

MountainTrue to expand river access and knowledge with grant from MADE X MTNS

MountainTrue is proud to announce that we are one of twenty grant recipients of the MADE X MTNS Outdoor Equity Fund. We join a group of WNC small businesses, community groups, and nonprofits working to increase outdoor access and economic opportunity. Thanks to the generosity of the MADE X MTNS, MountainTrue will be able to lead more paddling trips on the French Broad Paddle Trail, provide ecological and skill-building knowledge for participants, teach Leave No Trace ethics and provide important conservation information about the trail. Click here to read about the Outdoor Equity Fund and all fellow grantees.

Save the date for our Annual Member Gathering

MountainTrue’s Annual Member Gathering will take place on Saturday, October 14. This year’s event will be held at The Mule in Asheville, NC. If you’re not a current member, there’s still time for you to join us — you don’t want to miss out on the fun!

Photo: Creation Care Alliance Director Sarah Ogletree (left) and MountainTrue Western Regional Director Callie Moore (right) at the Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC kickoff party on August 10.​

Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC off to a great start

We had an awesome turnout for our program kickoff event this month, and it was so exciting to be in a room full of supporters who were enthusiastic about creating more of the kinds of housing our communities need! If you missed the event but want to get involved, you can sign up here to volunteer or contact Susan Bean directly to get plugged in (susan@mountaintrue.org).

Generation H: Hendersonville’s Comprehensive Plan

​​The City of Hendersonville is starting to develop its 2045 Comprehensive Plan to establish a long-term vision for sustainable growth and conservation. The Comprehensive Plan is being referred to as Gen H to encourage the community to think generationally about the future of Hendersonville. The Gen H Comprehensive Plan will provide guidance and recommendations for Land Use and Growth; Public Infrastructure; Community Character; Cultural and Historic Resources; Natural Resources, Sustainability, and Resiliency; Parks, Recreation, and Public Spaces; Downtown and other community-identified focus areas; and Community and Economic Development. Click here to subscribe + receive Gen H email updates. Click here to watch a short video to learn more about Gen H!

NCDOT seeks public input for next 10-year Transportation Plan

The State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) identifies construction and funding schedules for state transportation projects over a 10-year period. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is seeking project input for the STIP that will cover 2026-2035. The 30-day public comment period will conclude on August 31, 2023. How to submit public comments and suggestions: 

• Take this brief interactive survey
• Visit local NCDOT offices during designated weeklong drop-in periods to ask questions and submit comments in person. 

More information on ways to provide feedback can be found on the 2026-2035 STIP webpage. Please note that this comment period is not for maintenance-related projects, such as patching potholes, resurfacing, or ditches. NCDOT uses a different method to prioritize maintenance projects.

Western Region News

A note from Callie Moore, Western Regional Director:

I recently enjoyed a nice afternoon snorkeling in the Little Tennessee River at Mainspring Conservation Trust’s Queen Branch Preserve — one of the first ten locations on the new Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail. While walking the path to the river access point, I saw an indigo bunting sitting on a branch and bumblebees pollinating flowers. The air was hot, but the river and the shade of the riparian buffer were cool. I’m grateful for conserved and public lands, especially along our waterways, and luckily, we have acres and acres of them in the Southern Blue Ridge. I hope you’ve had a chance to do some swimming, wading, boating, fishing, or wildlife-watching this summer. If not, there’s still time! I want to call your attention to the Great Southeast Pollinator Census happening in August in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. One count only takes 15 minutes of your time, and most of you will be able to do it in your backyard! Thank you for reading and for being MountainTrue.

MountainTrue prepares for lawsuit over Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan​

On July 25, MountainTrue joined a coalition of conservation groups in sending a letter to the U.S. Forest Service, signaling our intent to sue over glaring flaws in the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Plan and violations of the Endangered Species Act. The Forest Service is needlessly putting several endangered bat species at risk of extinction by putting commercial logging first and ignoring the best science available. 

MountainTrue and our experts remain ready and willing to work in partnership with the Forest Service and other stakeholders to develop a responsible win-win plan for the environment, our economy, and the people of our region. Read our full statement, press release, and the 60-Day Notice of Intent to Sue for Violations of the Endangered Species Act Related to Consultation on the Nantahala-Pisgah Land Management Plan.

Photo: Towns County resident Larry Bundy conducts water chemistry tests on a water sample from Corn Creek at a Georgia Adopt-A-Stream workshop in May 2018.​

Georgia Adopt-A-Stream new volunteer certification workshops

Residents of the Hiwassee River Watershed: If you value clean water, consider getting involved with MountainTrue’s volunteer water quality monitoring program! Upcoming water chemistry and bacterial monitoring workshops for new volunteers will occur in late August and early September 2023. The training will be conducted as a two-part series. Part One will be offered virtually via Zoom. Part Two is the field training portion of the workshop and will be offered in-person at Cupid Falls Park in Young Harris, Georgia, on Saturday, September 9. 

Volunteers will learn how to test stream samples for dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and conductivity in the water chemistry workshop. Those participating in the bacterial sampling will learn how to test for and identify the presence of E. coli in our waterways. Anyone aged 12 and up who is interested in joining our team of 45 volunteers to keep tabs on the health of our waterways and help solve water quality problems should either register for one of the workshop field sessions or email Callie Moore to be placed on an interest list for a future workshop. If you prefer a 100% in-person workshop, let us know.

Volunteer opportunity in Jackson County

MountainTrue is working to expand our microplastics sampling program into Jackson County NC. We’re seeking volunteers to collect quarterly water samples from local rivers and streams. We’ve collaborated with Sylva’s Soil and Water Conservation District office to create an accessible drop-off and pick-up location for jars and samples. For more in-depth information about our microplastic sampling program, please watch this video from MountainTrue University. If you’re interested in volunteering to take microplastic samples, please email Eve Davis, our new Western Region AmeriCorps member. Please let us know if you have a stream location that you would like to sample in mind. If not, we’ll assign you a location from our list of possible sample sites!

Photo: An amazing Cherokee hoop dancer teaches a dance to festival participants during the 2017 Cherokee Heritage Festival.​​

Join MountainTrue at the Cherokee Heritage Festival in Hayesville

On Saturday, September 16, MountainTrue will again participate in the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association’s Cherokee Heritage Festival at the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit in downtown Hayesville, NC. Come out and enjoy traditional Cherokee dancing, cultural arts demonstrations, storytelling, frybread, singing, and flute music during this free festival! MountainTrue’s Western Region Program Coordinator, Tony Ward, will conduct native plant walks during the festival along the Quannassee Path through lovely gardens on the adjacent Historical & Arts Council property. Visit our booth during the festival to sign up for one of the walks and to learn more about our native tree and shrub sale!

Photo: The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail signs highlight species that you are likely to see while snorkeling at each location.

Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail ready for underwater adventures

Signs providing information about notable aquatic species and water safety are up at seven of the ten pilot locations on the new Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail, which officially launched in June. The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail is a unique wildlife recreation opportunity connecting people to the fascinating underwater world through publicly accessible river snorkel sites. 

Upcoming kickoff event: August 26 at Island Park in Bryson City, NC. Another kickoff event is being planned at the Valley River in Andrews, NC — click here to learn more and stay tuned for details!

Save the date for our Annual Member Gathering

MountainTrue’s Annual Member Gathering will take place on Saturday, October 14. This year’s event will be held at The Mule in Asheville, NC. If you’re not a current member, there’s still time for you to join us — you don’t want to miss out on the fun!

Photo: Creation Care Alliance Director Sarah Ogletree (left) and MountainTrue Western Regional Director Callie Moore (right) at the Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC kickoff party on August 10.

Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC off to a great start

We had an awesome turnout for our program kickoff event this month, and it was so exciting to be in a room full of supporters who were enthusiastic about creating more of the kinds of housing our communities need! If you missed the event but want to get involved, you can sign up here to volunteer or contact Susan Bean directly to get plugged in (susan@mountaintrue.org).

MountainTrue-a-thon: we’re halfway to our fundraising goal!

There’s still time to sign up for the 2023 MountainTrue-a-thon, which kicked off in June and runs through August 31. Earn money for MountainTrue while doing your favorite activities: hiking, biking, and paddling — it’s a win-win! Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and let’s hit the trails for some adventure: click here to learn more and sign up.

P.S. Did we mention there are PRIZES for the top $ earner and most pledged miles hiked?!

Septic system repair grants available for qualifying property owners

MountainTrue is partnering with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and local health departments to provide septic system repair grants to qualifying property owners in Cherokee County and others across WNC. Residents of rural areas outside of town are highly likely to have onsite septic systems. Problems with septic systems usually arise as systems age or when maintenance is neglected. Cherokee County is being prioritized because a long stretch of the Valley River is not safe for swimming due to bacterial contamination and leaking septic systems in older neighborhoods has been identified as one part of the problem. Macon County is also being prioritized based on new Swim Guide data in the Little Tennessee River in Franklin. Property owners: click here to review eligibility requirements and apply for the repair program.