Watauga Riverkeeper

Andy Hill
Watauga Riverkeeper
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

What do Healthy Mountain Rivers Mean to You?
Protecting our mountain waters wouldn't be possible without the help of members, volunteers, and supporters like you.With your help, we will maintain E. coli sampling at 85 popular swimming areas this summer. Samples will be taken, processed, analyzed, and published...

Join us for the 16th Annual Green Bash!
Get ready for an exciting day full of kayaking trips, waterfall rappelling, treks, cold beer, and good music when the Spring Green Bash — Saluda’s favorite river and block party — returns on May 7! The whole Green River community is invited to the Spring Green Bash...

2021 State of the River Reports
The 2021 State of the River reports are finally here! In this blog, we’ll discuss the cleanliness and water quality of the French Broad, Broad and Green, and Watauga River watersheds, trends, methodology, and rank the cleanest and dirtiest sites for each watershed.

Take Action Against Single-Use Plastic Pollution in Asheville and Buncombe County
Plastic pollution: we've all seen it littered on the side of the road, blowing in the wind, floating down rivers and streams. Plastic pollution is a global problem, but we all have to be part of the solution. Together, we can stop plastic pollution at its...

Take Action Against Single-Use Plastic Pollution in Boone
Plastic pollution: we've all seen it littered on the side of the road, blowing in the wind, floating down rivers and streams. Plastic pollution is a global problem, but we all have to be part of the solution. Together, we can stop plastic pollution at its...