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Conserving an Ancient River for the Ages

 Water has a voice. It carries a message that tells those downstream who we are and how we care for the land.

Rivers are places that renew our spirits, connect us with the past, and link us to our future. Recent economic and water quality studies underscore this basic truth: No natural resource has greater significance for the future of this region than the French Broad river system – the third-oldest river on the planet.

We all have a role to play. The raindrops that fall in our lawns, pastures, woods and fields replenish our springs and flow into every creek and stream. Same with every car wash, industrial drain and garden hose. The ways we use, manage, and attend to every ounce impacts countless others downstream, including people, fish and wildlife.

“Can we afford clean water?” asked Sen. Ed Muskie as the Clean Water Act was passed in 1964. “Can we afford rivers and lakes and streams and oceans which continue to make possible life on this planet? Can we afford life itself? 

We all know the answer with every cell in our being. The French Broad had been cutting its path for over 300 million years when Aristotle said: “Boundaries don't protect rivers. People do.” Please take a moment to help energize the critical changes needed to bring the French Broad back to her full measure of health – as required by the Clean Water Act. Amplify your voice with a gift to support RiverLink’s mission today, and help sustain the committed effort it will take to fully restore the French Broad.  

River Cane - Key to Restoring a Signature Mountain Ecosystem 

Cane Creek. Caney Fork. Cane Branch. It seems every WNC community has them — place names that harken the name of a once-widespread plant that holds great ecological and cultural significance. It’s river cane, an evergreen grass that once covered hundreds of thousands of acres along the waterways of the southeastern U.S., creating a rule of thumb old-time farmers used for soil fertility. It was said that 10-foot-tall cane grew in good soil, while 30-foot-tall cane indicated the best soil around.

River cane (Arundinaria gigantea) is a bamboo species native to the Southeastern United States. It grows along rivers and streams, creating dense patches called canebrakes whose tangle of roots are effective at controlling streambank erosion, helping improve water quality, and creating wildlife habitat.  In addition, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian artisans use river cane as a natural resource to make beautiful woven baskets, among other items. 

Unfortunately, more than 98% of canebrakes have disappeared due to agriculture, overgrazing, and urban development. And it's easily confused with a fast-growing, nonnative invasive bamboo, which now thrives here.

Buncombe County Conservation Hall of Fame Awards

Gratitude to Buncombe County for hosting the 10th annual Buncombe County Conservation Hall of Fame Awards in May. This event highlights new conservation easements and honors the landowners who place these protective covenants on their properties. RiverLink is grateful to have two more tracts recognized for conservation in perpetuity: Olivette Preserve and the Wilma Dykeman Homestead. 

Properties that are protected with a conservation easement further the county’s goal of conserving 20% of Buncombe land by 2030; we have already achieved 18% of land conserved!

Thank you Buncombe County for a lovely evening where conservation-minded individuals and organizations could celebrate our achievements together. We look forward to next year!

Other News

• Do you have a passion for nonprofits, finance + operations? If so, please consider joining our team dedicated to the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and watershed. Learn more about our open position here.

• Lend a hand at Downtown After 5 on Friday, June 16. RiverLink is seeking volunteers to help sell wristbands for alcohol sales while the bands play. RiverLink is the nonprofit beneficiary for sales this evening! Email susan@riverlink.org and indicate your availability at 4:45pm or 7:00pm.

• Celebrating staff achievements! Our Watershed Resources Manager Renee Fortner recently graduated from Leadership Asheville. The nine-month program hosted by UNC-Asheville aims to build collaborative leadership capacity and foster an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable community for all. Congrats Renee!

Thanks for being part of our French Broad River community!

RiverLink promotes the environmental and economic vitality
of the French Broad River and its watershed. Please join us with a gift today!