This is the next in an occasional series in which we share some insights from our diverse group of North Carolina partners and board members.
NC Forever Partner: American Rivers
Board member: Peter Raabe
Location(s): National
Number of employees/volunteers: 85
Website: AmericanRivers.org
What is the main mission of your company/organization?
American Rivers’ mission is to protect wild rivers, restore damaged rivers and conserve clean water for people and nature.
How does that mission help contribute to the conservation of North Carolina’s lands and waters?
We combine national advocacy with field work in key river basins to deliver the greatest impact. We are practical problem-solvers with positions informed by science. We build partnerships and work closely with local river advocates, business and agriculture interests, recreation groups and others to forge win-win solutions. We are working in watersheds across NC to identify projects and policies that need to be in place to protect and restore the river and water resources of the state.
How do those values align with the mission of NC Forever?
Our priority of working with local partners and focusing on practical solutions aligns very well with the value NC Forever “to advocate for state funds and related policies needed to conserve and protect North Carolina’s lands and waters.”
How does your organization benefit from partnering with NC Forever?
The partnership for American Rivers is very beneficial as we are able to leverage our knowledge about river function and our connections throughout the river advocacy community to inform and support the positions of NC Forever.
How does NC Forever benefit from having your organization participate?
NC Forever benefits by adding another strong advocacy voice into the group and also due to our expertise on water resources.
What are some specific projects in which your organization is particularly proud ?
The development of recreational Blue Trails- like the one on Hitchcock Creek in Rockingham, NC and the one on the Tuckasegee River in western NC.
The removal of small dams to restore streams- notably the Shuford Dam removal in Hickory, NC on the Henry Fork river and the removal of several small remnant dams on the Haw River in Alamance County- each created opportunities for new or expanded recreational use.
Can you cite specific examples of how conservation efforts supported by the State have made a positive impact on your organization or those you serve?
We serve the entire population of NC so any land that is conserved from being developed helps to maintain water quality and quantity, preserves existing uses- like family farming, protects critical habitat, and creates additional opportunities for people to engage in outdoor recreation. Funding through the CWMTF in particular has also been used to restore streams and wetlands improving those ecosystems.