-Edgar Miller, Yadkin Riverkeeper
As the year closes, we continue to be mindful and concerned about recovery efforts in western North Carolina. We are grateful and feel fortunate Hurricane Helene spared the Yadkin River watershed from the worst of damage. Thanks to the foresight behind the Kerr Scott Reservoir and flood control dam, the Yadkin avoided major flooding. Yadkin Riverkeeper is committed to honoring those efforts through our stewardship and protection of the River’s floodplains, wetlands, forests, farmland, and river buffers.
Your past support enabled Yadkin Riverkeeper (YRK) to expand our Waterkeeper Alliance territory to include the Kerr Scott Reservoir and upper Yadkin River watershed. We’re also proud to be among the 25% of Riverkeepers worldwide meeting all 14 quality standards of the Waterkeeper Alliance. This progress, along with increased funding, allowed us to add two full-time positions and a part-time water quality specialist, significantly boosting our capacity to monitor water quality, respond to pollution incidents, and enhance the Yadkin River State Trail (YRST).
Also, in 2024 Yadkin Riverkeeper:
Updated our advocacy agenda to reduce sediment and nutrient pollution, clean up inactive hazardous waste sites, address CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operations) pollution, and mitigate HABs (harmful algal blooms) in the Yadkin Lakes. Read more about our advocacy priorities HERE.
Increased public support for watershed-wide nutrient management rules to curb nutrient and sediment pollution in the River and High Rock Lake, reducing HABs growth and protecting drinking water, recreation, and property values. CLICK HERE to see an infographic about the High Rock Lake Rules.
Collected over 340 e. coli samples at 26 swim and paddle areas for Swim Guide, with results viewed by more than 41,000 people.
Conducted monthly water sampling in High Rock Lake during the algae growing season to track new water quality standards and began sampling on the South Yadkin to develop a watershed restoration plan.
Removed more than 10,000 pounds of trash from streams, rivers, and lakes with the help of more than 150 volunteers.
Acquired 9 acres at the confluence of the Mitchell and Yadkin Rivers for permanent river access, designated six new access areas as part of the YRST and hosted more than 150 paddlers on the Yadkin River State Trail.
As we expand efforts to improve water quality and recreational access in 2025, your support is essential. Donations from individuals like you are vital for matching grants, advancing our advocacy work, and supporting overall operations. This year, generous donors have committed to matching all gifts dollar-for-dollar up to $12,500! Please visit our online giving page HERE.
In 2025, YRK will focus on building public support for watershed-wide pollution reduction initiatives and extending the Yadkin River State Trail above Kerr Scott Reservoir. With your help, we’ll be well-positioned to protect the drinking water supply for over a million North Carolinians now, and for future generations.
For the River,
Riverkeeper/Executive Director
Yadkin Riverkeeper
