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Protect Our Rivers
State officials may help protect Horsepasture River
State
officials are taking public comments this fall on their plan to help
protect one of the state’s last unspoiled waters, the Horsepasture
River in Transylvania County, from development.
Known for its
spectacular waterfalls, the Horsepasture River is one of only four
rivers in North Carolina, and 300 rivers across the country, nationally
recognized for its scenic beauty as a Wild and Scenic River. The
river’s Rainbow Falls, with its spectacular 125-foot drop, draws hikers
and sight-seers, while the river’s trout and many rare and endangered
species attract ecologists and nature enthusiasts.
Environment
North Carolina partnered with the Pisgah Group of Sierra Club to
petition state officials to give the river an “Outstanding Resource
Water” classification. The designation will limit future pollution
discharges into a portion of the river and its tributaries, and require
vegetative buffers to filter pollutants.
The designation is
critical to preserving the river’s pristine condition in the face of
rapid development in Transylvania County and the surrounding region.
Analysis from Environment North Carolina Research & Policy Center
shows that between 1982 and 2002, development in the river basin
increased by 2,800 acres—the equivalent of nearly 150 Wal-Marts.
In
January, members of the state’s Environmental Management Commission
approved a similar petition from Environment North Carolina and the
Concerned Citizens of Rutherford County to protect the North Fork First
Broad River, just east of the Horsepasture River. The Horsepasture and
the North Fork First Broad are among dozens of pristine rivers
Environment North Carolina has identified that lack protections from
development.
As forests and farmlands vanish across the state;
increased pavement serves as a conduit for oil, gasoline, pesticides,
dirt and other pollutants to flow directly into waterways. Environment
North Carolina research has identified eight rivers most in need and
deserving of safeguards.
“It’s not the time to ease up on
river protections. We’re working to protect the Eno River and the Tar
River next,” said State Director Elizabeth Ouzts.
The Horsepasture River in Western North Carolina could get additional protections this fall.
