Watauga Riverkeeper
The Watauga Riverkeeper is the key protector and watchdog of the Watauga River Basin in Western North Carolina. MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper endeavors to monitor and protect the quality of our region’s waterways through dedicated volunteers and engagement with Watauga and Avery county communities and local and state government. The riverkeeper wants all High Country residents and visitors to enjoy clean waterways free of sediment pollution and supporting a thriving mountain ecosystem.
Andy Hill
Watauga Riverkeeper
Andy is MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper, protecting and advocating for the Watauga River Basin. Andy has a passion for clean, cold, fishable, drinkable, swimmable water. As a long time fly fisherman, educator and guide, Andy is intimately familiar with our watershed from headwaters to the tailwater and is passionate about protecting the places we love.
(828) 278-9821
andy@mountaintrue.org
Watauga Riverkeeper Work
The Watauga Riverkeeper carries out the following programs and initiatives to protect the Watauga and Elk Rivers:
- VWIN Water Quality Monitoring Program where volunteers take 65 water samples monthly from 13 sites located throughout the Watauga River watershed to ensure that our waterways are clean and healthy.
- Recreation/Access: The Watauga Riverkeeper works with local individuals and groups to improve access to fishing and recreational opportunities on the Watauga River.
- Stormwater management will occur through the Muddy Water Watch program. Trainings will start this fall for Muddy Water Watch, a citizen-led initiative to reduce the amount of sediment polluting our waterways.
- SMIE Biomonitoring Program through which the Watauga Riverkeeper will be leading workshops and trainings so that citizen scientists can help determine the presence of certain aquatic insects, which are great indicators of river health.
- Patroling the watershed for polluting activities and serving as a resource and point of contact for the public on issues related to the Watauga River.
Watauga Riverkeeper News
Stop The Bluffs At River Bend
Help fight a planned mega-development that would be built on 82 acres of intact forest directly next to Richmond Hill Park, increase traffic, and pollute the French Broad River.
DNA Testing Indicates Animal Agriculture and Sewer Infrastructure are Major Pollution Sources for French Broad River
Some of it comes from cows, some from humans and dogs. But it’s all poop and it doesn’t belong in our rivers. Find out how MountainTrue and the French Broad Riverkeeper used DNA to determine the sources of E. coli pollution to the French Broad River.
French Broad River Paddle Trail Internship (Asheville Office) – Summer 2021
The French Broad River Paddle Trail intern will work with the French Broad Riverkeeper to maintain and patrol all aspects of the French Broad River Paddle Trail. This will include visiting each site on a regular basis, checking and working on maintenance issues at the sites including mowing, weed eating, cleaning compost toilets, shoveling access steps, fixing broken tables, etc. Work will also include patrolling the river to monitor for problems, updating the paddle trail website and mobile app, working with the public on paddle trail reservations, and helping with paddle trail trips.
Water Quality Intern (Asheville Office) – Summer 2021
MountainTrue and the French Broad Riverkeeper are currently seeking an intern to help with monitoring for E.coli and microplastics in our local waterways. The position involves coordinating sampling volunteers, performing lab and field work, managing data, conducting research, and distributing results to the public. The ideal candidate will possess charisma and leadership skills, and an above-average attention to detail. No prior knowledge or experience in water quality monitoring is necessary; training will be provided. Special attention will be given to individuals who historically have been underrepresented in the environmental field.
March 2021 E-Vistas Newsletter
Rethinking the Smart Growth principles, updates on Duke’s long-term energy plan, upcoming cleanups and hikes and more!
Keep the Watauga and Elk Rivers Clean
You can help keep the Watauga River Basin healthy and clean by volunteering with one of our river cleanups or other events. If you are interested in volunteering, click the button below or email Andy Hill at andy@mountaintrue.org.
