Watauga Riverkeeper
Andy Hill
Watauga Riverkeeper
(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
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.
Stop The Bluffs At River Bend
Help fight a planned mega-development that would be built on 80 acres of intact forest directly next to Richmond Hill Park, increase traffic and pollute the French Broad River.
Asphalt plant victory: You made this happen!
Defeating this proposal meant showing up to community meetings, writing public comments and sitting through hours of County Commission hearings – all because you believed in the power of community organizing. Beyond that, this was the second time our community put in so much time and energy to challenge this proposal, and during a pandemic that was already so stressful for all of us. Thank you for being part of this win.