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.
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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
![Take Action: Ask the Town of Black Mountain 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 Black Mountain 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 Black Mountain to pass a resolution of support. Please email your local lawmakers and let them know you support a ban on...
![Take Action: Manage Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests in line with our Climate Reality](https://mountaintrue.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Protect-Our-National-Forests.png)
Take Action: Manage Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests in line with our Climate Reality
Public Comments Due by July 20, 2023 Our national forests are public treasures and should be managed to maintain the health of our environment and best serve our communities' current and future needs. The Forest Service is soliciting public feedback on how it should...
![Action Alert: Protect Our Trout Streams](https://mountaintrue.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/PROTEC-TROUT-STREAMS.jpg)
Action Alert: Protect Our Trout Streams
Support the Amendment to the Sediment Pollution Control Act of North Carolina Take action to safeguard our mountain trout waters and preserve the delicate balance of our state's aquatic ecosystems. The North Carolina Senate has passed an important new amendment, S613,...
![Find Your Swimming Hole: MountainTrue Urges Public to Use Swim Guide App To Find Clean Swimming Areas this Independence Day Weekend](https://mountaintrue.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Swim-Guide-App-scaled.jpg)
Find Your Swimming Hole: MountainTrue Urges Public to Use Swim Guide App To Find Clean Swimming Areas this Independence Day Weekend
MountainTrue, a leading local environmental group, is encouraging the public to use the Swim Guide app before heading out onto the water to ensure a healthy and happy Independence Day weekend. MountainTrue is the home of the Broad Riverkeeper, French Broad...