Standing Up For Waterways We Love
No matter where you are in North Carolina, you don't have to travel far to enjoy some of the nation's last, great rivers and streams, from the whitewater rapids of the mountains to the peaceful sounds of the coast.
But out-of-control development has put even the most pristine of these waters at risk.
Fortunately, North Carolina has strong laws on the books that allow government officials to preserve and protect unspoiled waters.
Using these laws, Environment North Carolina and the Concerned Citizens of Rutherford County won new protections for the North Fork First Broad River in Rutherford County in 2007.
Now we're calling on officials to extend immediate protections to more priority rivers, including the Eno River, Horsepasture River, and the Lower Tar.
Waterways That Need Protection Now
Environment North Carolina is calling on the state to extend immediate protection to:
Horsepasture River ~ Known for its spectacular waterfalls, this is one of the state’s most beautiful rivers, and is a popular hiking destination in Western North Carolina.
Eno River ~ A popular spot for hiking, fishing, and canoeing for Triangle residents, much of the Eno is already protected, yet unspoiled portions still remain vulnerable to development.
The Lower Tar ~ Near Rocky Mount, the Tar River helps filter the state’s drinking water, protects against flooding, and provides habitat for mussels not found anywhere else in the world.
West Buffalo Creek and Cheoah River ~ Flowing into Santeetlah Lake, West Buffalo Creek is one of the most scenic in the state, running through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the entire reservation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Nearby, the Cheoah River’s floodplain is home to a number of rare and endangered plants and animals.
Jonathans Creek ~ Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, Jonathans Creek provides drinking water in the western part of the state and is a major tributary to the Pigeon River, a popular fishing spot.
Carolina Rivers Project
North Carolina is home to many stunning rivers, lakes and streams. These waters are where we go for a summer afternoon hike, where we fish, where we go for a boat ride. But out-of-control development is putting even the most pristine rivers at risk. That’s why we’re asking decision makers to
Propose protections for our most unspoiled but threatened waters. State officials should reclassify priority rivers and streams, including the Horsepasture River, the Eno, and the Lower Tar, and present protection proposals to the Environmental Management Commission.
