Clean Waters
MountainTrue supports the development and enforcement of standards and regulations to protect surface and ground water, and we work to preserve and restore waterways as healthy ecosystems as well as recreational and aesthetic resources.
MountainTrue works to restore and preserve our waterways as healthy ecosystems that are great places to swim, paddle and play. Our Riverkeepers are the primary guardians of their respective river basins; and our members and volunteer maintain the health of our waterways by monitoring pollution and cleaning up our rivers and streams.
Programs
MountainTrue is dedicated to protecting our waterways and our mountain communities through a variety of programs:
Water Quality Monitoring
Help Keep Our Water Clean
We cannot monitor, clean and protect Western North Carolina waterways on our own. If you are interested in volunteering with our water programs, please click the button below or email Susan Bean at susan@mountaintrue.org.
Look Out for Sediment Pollution
Sediment pollution is the top reason for poor water quality in North Carolina. If you are interested in learning more and becoming involved in the Muddy Water Watch, click the button below.
French Broad River Paddle Trail℠
The French Broad River Paddle Trail℠ project was born out of the public’s desire to explore the entire French Broad River by boat. Now it is possible to do so, as the entire trail is composed of paddle-in-only campsites. The French Broad River Paddle Trail℠ is a recreational watercraft trail created and operated by MountainTrue and RiverLink. The paddle trail facilitates the public access to and camping on over 140 miles of the French Broad River, from the headwaters in Rosman, North Carolina to Douglas Lake in Tennessee.
Explore the French Broad
The French Broad River Paddle Trail is a great way to explore the river at your own pace. Check out the campsites and recreation spots along the trail and make your campsite reservation today!
Riverkeepers
The Broad Riverkeeper
The Broad Riverkeeper is the primary protector and spokesperson for the rivers and streams of the Broad River watershed in the Western and Piedmont regions of NC. MountainTrue’s Broad Riverkeeper, David Caldwell, works with communities and citizens to monitor water quality and advocate for best management practices. This Riverkeeper serves Rutherford, Polk and Cleveland counties
French Broad Riverkeeper
The French Broad Riverkeeper serves as the primary protector and defender of the French Broad River watershed. The French Broad Riverkeeper works for healthy and safe waterways in the French Broad River watershed by partnering with citizens and communities. This Riverkeeper serves Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe, Haywood and Madison county.
The Green Riverkeeper
The Green Riverkeeper is the key protector and watchdog of the Green River Basin in Western North Carolina. MountainTrue’s Green Riverkeeper Gray Jernigan, who also serves as our Southern Regional Director, The Green Riverkeeper serves the Green River Basin beginning at the headwaters on the eastern slope of DuPont State Recreational Forest and draining southern and eastern Henderson County before flowing across Polk County and joining the Broad River on the border with Rutherford County.
The Watauga Riverkeeper
The Watauga Riverkeeper is dedicated to protecting, preserving and restoring the Elk and Watauga Rivers. The riverkeeper advocates for cleaner, safer water in the High Country through community involvement and local and state governments so that both residents and visitors can enjoy the Watauga River Basin. This riverkeeper serves Watauga and Avery county.
Clean Water and Riverkeeper News
Join Us for an Annual Member Gathering in Your Area!
We are excited to be gathering in person this year to connect with you, our members, to celebrate our award winners and see each others’ smiling faces!
In light of the current rate of COVID infections and the situation in hospitals across our region, we have chosen to host multiple, smaller, outdoor events in place of one large gathering. We are also requiring that all attendees be fully vaccinated in order to participate. If you are not vaccinated, you will have an opportunity to vote for new and returning board members online.
Stand Up for these Principles at a Comprehensive Planning Meeting
MountainTrue is encouraging our members and supporters to take an active role in several comprehensive planning efforts throughout our region. These comprehensive plans are an important opportunity for you to have a voice in how our local governments grow and develop. As a resource, we’ve provided a set of principles that local governments should adhere to in order to meet the challenges of climate change, a growing population and increased pressures on our built environment.
Our Recommendation for the Henderson County Community Survey
Henderson Country has kicked off its Comprehensive Planning effort with a Community Survey. This is an important opportunity for you to have a voice in how our county grows and develops to meet the challenges of climate change, a growing population, and increased pressures on our built and natural environments. Check out our guide for members and supporters of MountainTrue who want to see our community grow sustainably and responsibly.
July 2021 E-Vistas Newsletter
In our July E-News we celebrate our Bio-Blitz winners, welcome Sarah Ogletree as the new director of the Creation Care Alliance, expose the impacts of clear-cutting at Bottomley Farms, and more.