These are unprecedented and uncertain times, but we must all work together to get through this crisis. The Yadkin Riverkeeper board and staff are committed to continue our work to protect and enhance the river, but we need your help to meet this challenge.
We also realize there are many humanitarian needs associated with the coronavirus outbreak that require everyone’s immediate attention, but we hope you will continue to support our mission and consider donating to our Spring appeal. Your donation to YRK will help ensure we can stay on the job to work for clean drinking water for all. Click here to donate.
We’ve already seen unthinkable outcomes in terms of the loss of life and our individual liberties due to Covid-19. On top of that, the EPA has suspended enforcement of all federal environmental rules. That’s never, ever a good idea, much less during a global pandemic, when the last thing we need are other threats to public health. Fortunately, YRK and other environmental organizations called on Governor Cooper’s administration to continue enforcing regulations that protect our state’s air and water, and they responded quickly to assure us they will be enforcing all relevant laws and regulations.
Although we are working remotely, YRK will still be your eyes and ears on the River. We will continue to respond to threats to the River, which we have done on at least one occasion since the crisis began. We will use this time to work on a new Yadkin River Trail paddle map thanks to funding from Cube Yadkin Generation through the NC Division of Parks and Recreation. We have launched our Sustainable Farms Initiative or SFI, which will support sustainable, river-friendly livestock farms that are so important to our current and long-term food security. Click here to read more about the SFI.
We’re also communicating with the press and general public through our social media channels and encouraging our members and others to continue their advocacy for clean water. The Winston-Salem Journal recently ran a story about the importance of the River to our community, especially during these times, quoting YRK Riverkeeper, Brian Fannon. Read that story by sports columnist Ed Hardin, who grew up fishing and playing on the River, here.
While we are fortunate to have some limited cash reserves and strong foundation and individual support, we have already lost thousands of dollars in potential revenue due to canceled fundraising events and paddles. We also are grateful that several business and individual donors have pledged more than $5,000 as part of a match for our Spring appeal. You can also take advantage of a special tax deduction in the recently passed CARES Act to provide economic relief to small businesses and nonprofits due to the virus for a donation of up to $300.
Your support reaffirms the Yadkin River is indeed special and deserving of our best efforts to protect it for today and future generations. I hope you agree and will help us match the $5,000 in pledges dollar-for-dollar by donating to YRK today. Click here to donate.
Thank you for your consideration. Take care and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Edgar Miller
YRK Executive Director
P.S. Another way to support YRK is to purchase a special limited-edition print painted for YRK by renowned North Carolina artist Bob Timberlake, called “Yadkin Canoe Rental.” 100 percent of the proceeds from the sales of the print go to YRK. Click here to view and purchase the print.