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.
![](https://mountaintrue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Rachel-on-the-River-1.jpg)
![](https://mountaintrue.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Linville-Gorge-Wiki.jpg)
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Programs
MountainTrue is dedicated to protecting our waterways and our mountain communities through a variety of programs:
Help Keep Our Water Clean
Look Out for Sediment Pollution
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
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
![MountainTrue Supporter Spotlight: Michael Cheng](https://mountaintrue.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Michael-Cheng-supporter-spotlight-blog-featured-image.png)
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...
![MountainTrue to expand river access and knowledge with grant from MADE X MTNS](https://mountaintrue.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-MT-Made-x-Mtns-Outdoor-Equity-Fund-blog-featured-image.png)
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 small businesses, community groups, and nonprofits working to increase outdoor access and economic opportunity in Western North...
![Victory – Eleven Streams in the Watauga River Basin Receive Special Protections](https://mountaintrue.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Celebrate-Clean-Waters-blog-header.png)
Victory – Eleven Streams in the Watauga River Basin Receive Special Protections
Congratulations! Thanks to your support and advocacy, eleven streams within the Watauga River Basin will now receive special protections as Outstanding Resource Waters or High-Quality Waters, starting September 1st. This remarkable achievement is a significant step...
![Take Action: Ask the Town of Woodfin To Support A Ban On Single-Use Plastic Bags](https://mountaintrue.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Stop-Plastic-Pollution.jpg)
Take Action: Ask the Town of Woodfin To Support A Ban On Single-Use Plastic Bags
We need you to take action to help pass a common-sense law to reduce plastic pollution in Buncombe County. The first step is getting the Town of Woodfin to pass a resolution of support. Please email your local lawmakers and let them know you support a ban on...