Paddlin the Nolichucky Kick-off Event & Overnight Camping Trip

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by Hartwell Carson
on Monday, May 04, 2009

RiverLink's Riverkeeper, with the help of Altamont Environmental, is kicking off the Paddlin' the Nolichucky event on May 23rd from 11 am - 1 pm at Riverside Park in Spruce Pine, NC. This ground breaking trip is a two week monitoring, education, and outreach trip, starting on the North Toe River in Spruce Pine and finishing at the mouth of French Broad River, 140 miles down stream. This paddling trip is designed to monitor the water quality of the river, to also educate the public about the challenges facing the river and highlight the Nolichucky as a world class recreation destination. This is the third trip in a series of outreach trips RiverLink has hosted in order highlight every corner of the French Broad Watershed, from the Pigeon River to the Nolichucky River.

This fun kick off event will feature great Bluegrass music from the Wisemans, food, speakers, raffle prizes, and lots of boating fun. The event will also celebrate the removal of the dam on the North Toe River. This dam removal has been collaborative project that will tear down a huge barrier on the North Toe River. This will help make the river a fishing and paddling destination for everyone. Bring your own boat or rent one from River's Edge Outfitters, located at Riverside Park, to paddle with the French Broad Riverkeeper. RSVP if you plan on camping the first two nights.

To really capture the beauty of this scenic river you need to see more than a couple miles. A two day/two night paddle trip is being offered for those who want to bring your own boat and gear along to camp.

This is the first of fourteen days of paddling to reach the mouth of the Nolichucky River. The trip will assess the rivers' health and hold a series of educational and fun events as part of this journey. From a camping trip, lessons at local schools, and a film festival, make sure you don't miss the fun!

This kickoff event is sponsored by Altamont Environmental and being organized by Toe River Valley Watch and RiverLink. Both organizations are working to protect and restore the areas water quality. RiverLink is a regional non-profit spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the entire French Broad River Watershed. This is the third in a series of outreach and monitoring trips throughout the French Broad Watershed. Visit RiverLink's website at www.riverlink.org or contact the French Broad Riverkeeper at Riverkeeper@riverlink.org or 828-252-8474 ext. 114 to learn more about this exciting trip and to sign up for their newsletter.

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