New River Conservancy 2021 Annual Report

Annual Report 2021

Dear Friends: I am proud to be part of this wonderful organization committed to protecting our old friend, the New River. Since arriving in the summer 2021 as the new Executive Director, I have had the pleasure of traveling throughout the watershed and listening to the passions of so many to protect this treasure. It has been a whirlwind.

In that vein of passion for the river, we had so much to celebrate in 2021. We honored three outstanding individuals from each of our watershed states - with the Wallace & Peggy Carroll Vigilance Award – George Santucci (North Carolina), Laura Walters (Virginia), and Mark Ehrnschwender (West Virginia). We posthumously remembered former New River State Park Ranger Doug Blatny with the Doug Blatny Public Service Award and we recognized the Middle Fork Greenway with the Lynn Caldwell Restoration Award. You can learn more on our website about these awards and the honorees.

While COVID continues to be a challenge even as I write this, we have learned to pivot and are thankful for our supporters who stand behind us. I am proud that we raised funds to purchase an additional 104 acres to add to New River State Park. You will learn more of our accomplishments as you read this annual report.

Thank you for your personal passion and love for the New River. I am excited for what 2022 will bring and look forward to sharing great things to come with New River Conservancy.

For the River, Elizabeth S. Underwood, PhD. Executive Director

Cover Photo Credit: Monnie Blesse

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We protect the waters, woodlands, and wildlife of the New River Watershed.

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Photo Credit: Molly Wolff

Restoration and Land Stewardship In North Carolina: Phase II of the South Fork of the New River in Boone NC restoration project that began in 2016 was completed in 2021. It is estimated that by stabilizing the riverbanks and reconnecting the river to the floodplain, this project will prevent over 300 tons of sediment, over 500 pounds of nitrogen, and over 250 pounds of phosphorus from polluting the river each year.

In Virginia: New River Conservancy continued its collaboration with the Town of Pulaski concerning Peak Creek and the Peak Creek Restoration Plan broadened into a second study which produced the Pulaski Flood Mitigation Plan.

In West Virginia: The Clean Water Alliance arranged to conduct online Green Infrastructure training to educate contractors and city managers on stormwater management strategies that mimic natural processes. Twenty-three trainees completed 35 hours of training each under an EPA grant of $15,000 plus $10,000 in kind support from West Virginia Conservation Agency, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, and New River Conservancy.

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Water Quality In West Virginia: The Clean Water Alliance convenes its executive committee every two weeks and continues to compile a vast database of water quality sample results from Piney Creek Watershed Association, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

In Virginia: For the third year, a Water Watcher Training and Recertification Workshop was held in August 2021. Crab Creek in Montgomery County was added to the roster of streams currently being monitored and two new volunteers were trained for a total of three counties and six monitors.

In North Carolina: Volunteers for the New River Water Watchers continue to monitor streams in North Carolina. Ten locations were monitored 71 times in 2021. New River Water Watchers are stewards of their rivers and streams providing valuable water quality information to New River Conservancy and others.

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River Cleanups In North Carolina: New River Conservancy hosted three clean up events. 49 volunteers hauled 2,450 pounds of trash and 34 tires from the New River.

In Virginia: In July NRC organized a clean up on Peak Creek where 11 volunteers removed 1000 pounds of trash and 20 tires. Another 27 tires and 1500 pounds of trash was removed in August during Grayson County Clean River Month and NRC participated in the annual ReNew the New clean-up event.

In West Virginia: In 2021, we coordinated 3 independent clean ups and sponsored 8 professional raft guide cleanups in the fall.

Cumulatively 90 volunteers gathered 20,610 pounds of trash, 308 tires and assorted miscellaneous debris.

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Donors National River Society $2,500 and above

Friends of Peak Creek Charlotte Hanes MaryAnn Muller and Diane Travis Mast General Store Larry and Sandra McGee Annie Pardue Pulaski County Economic Development Janine Taylor

John and Betty Allison Chip and Judy Anderson Bill and Laura Barrier Beverly Cook Rufus and Linda Edmisten Rick and Kim Ehrhart Mary Elyse Farah Cindy Hintz Glen and Allison Sullivan

American Heritage River Society $1,000- $2,499 John MacConnell Matthew Nash Julia Morton Bill and Debbie Gardner Mary Lily Nuckolls Michael and Elizabeth O’Connor James and Melinda Ogburn Robert Orders Brantley and Whitney Ivey George Santucci and Annette Bednosky Judy Scurry Sharpe Falls Power Thomas Statnick Tigermoth Creative Henry and Nancy Unger Jerry and Marcella McIntyre Withrow

Anonymous (2) ACE Adventure Resort Richard Atkin Buckeye Advisors LLC Computer Share John Gilmore Laura and Jim Green Andy and Pam Guion F. Borden and Ann Hanes Katherine Higgins Mike Horn and Fanny Stronach Brian and Elaine Jacobs Charles and Shannon Johnson Scott and Mary Jones Henry and Dyeann Jordan Dale and Linda Kerns Lifestore

Wild & Scenic River Society $500-$999

Melanie Carter John and Bobbie Coker John and Faye Cooper Edith Crutcher John and Grace Curry Phil and Bennett Darnell Darlene Dendy Robert Elliot and Suzanne Reynolds Frank Gailor Chris and Jane Glass

Anonymous (2) David Ahrens John F. and Stephanie Anderson Mitchell Family Fund Paul Angermeier Bernard and Sandy Barrett Alec Bean Karen Bobbitt Lynn and Paul Caldwell Carolina Timberworks

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B. Maurice and Dorothy P. Ritchie Robert and Brigitte Rotche Gary and Katherine Roth Connie and Dan Rothwell Ed and Nancy Saxman Kathleen and Rocky Shiplett Andrew and Amanda Slade Joe and Linda Slade TJ Solomon Stone Mountain Trout Unlimited Karen Swoda The Hotel Tavern Virginia Vanstory Laura Walters and Jeff Arnold Waters Edge on the New

Hardin and Janet Halsey Donald and Mary Hart Carolyn and Sandy Hart-Godwin Winifred Hayek Gregory and Jan Hershner Peter and Patricia Huber Sandy and David Lee Tom and Sally Lemke Richard and Janna Lutovsky Bonnie and Gregg Marland T Gray and Kimberly McCaskill McDonald’s of West Jefferson Don and Sandra Mikush Adam and Conie Ortiz Jorge and Paula Quintal Terry and Nancy Reigel

Outstanding Resource Water Society $300-$499

Nan and Dave Kirlin Bonnie LeGrand Bob and Kay McCloskey Belinda Mitchell Joseph and Sharon Murphy Chris Nielsen and Marcia Borden Mallory and Ashton Phillips Sarah and Dean Phillips Rocky Mountain Rafts Llyn Sharp and Bob Miller Jeff and Carol Thompson Ruel Tyson Elizabeth and Kristian Underwood Matthew Wender Anna Ziegler and Bill Parker

Anonymous (2) Jeremy Alder Anonymous Anonymous Bill and Jan Blackburn Doug Blackford and Martha Cutler William and Ann Tyson Campbell Carolina Canoe Club Dee and Joel Carter Contentment on the Cove Bed & Breakfast Henry E. Dillon Patricia Divine Edmund and Betsy Gant Ann Goette and Richard Claus Mona Hanlin Donald and Vonda Hart Cheryl Heisey and Martin Rogers

Candy Darters $150-$299

Pat Considine and Alice Atwood William and Stephanie Cornett Craft Bistro David and Darlene Cunningham Joe Don and Pam Dickenson John Dixon Ian and Jane Dunbar Michael Evans and Carol Dodson George and Mary Elmore Karen Fioramonti George and Rebecca Gilbert Global Manufacturing Services, Inc. Don and France Goodhart Charles and Elaine Graham Stephen Gurganus Jonathan Halsey Tom Hansell and Sarah Carmichael Phil Hendrix Nicole Hersch

Anonymous (2) Michael and Catherine Aiken Mr. and Mrs. G. Alex Bernhardt, Sr. Ashe High Country Realty Mary Lou Bednosky Bruce Benson Monnie and Frederick Blesse Lawrence and Priscilla Blood Mark and Karen Bollinger Boondocks Brewing Rennie and Lana Brantz David and Staci Braun John Bryan Laura and Alan Burrows W. Donald Carroll John and Kathryn Chefas Carson and Ken Clark William Clay and Anna Rivola-Clay Clemens Welding

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WKSK Radio RCH Mechanical Tech Solutions James and Pamela Tomberg Wade and Kathy Reece Kathy and John Rohr Richard and Joyce Rouse Penny Sandridge Robert and Donna Sessum Karen Sheets Lorrie Sprague Arlene Edwards Thompson Henry and Carol Thompson James and Linda Todd John and Elizabeth Vuolo Catherine and Thomas Weaver Charlotte and Dick White Paul and Jan Wiles Roger Winsor Zaloo’s Canoes, Inc.

Joyce Thompson Kilby John and Debbie Kovacich Elizabeth Lang Bob and Jane Lassiter Reed Lawson Miriam Lovett Nancy and Richard Maynard Susan and Kevin McCarter D. Keith McKenzie Rob and Harriet Meinecke Harold and Delores Mick Miller Insurance Agency Bruno and Anna Niemitz Beth Obenshain and Fred Carlisle George Ohrstrom Old Orchard Creek General Store Kate and Jim Parks Kirk Phipps Mary Louise Powell

New River Shiners $50-$149

Dr. Christopher DiGiano Bill and Kathy Cissna Elizabeth Clark Roger Clark Austin and Tay Coan Kathryn Cole Ida Maude Collins Amelia Compton and Jenny Wiley Arthur and Ellen Cooper Stephen and Jeanette Cooper Bill Coram Catherine Cotrupi Austin Council Faison Covington Emmett and Priscilla Cuthbertson Cox Brian Crutchfield Camille and Jacob Cunningham John and Grace Curry Kathy Dacchille Rosa Dargan-Powers Walter and Jane Davis James and Laura Dejuneas Ruth Dickerson Cynthia Diehl Ann M. DiGiano Maria DiGiano Paula Dinnerstein Philip D’Jernes Jennifer Dotson Wayne and Judith Duncan Misty Dyke Rick and Carol Dynesius Jane Edwards Dean and Eleanor Eldreth Joseph and Eileen Elrod Wayne Evans

Anonymous (22) Keith Andrews JoAnn Arey Zach Armentrout Amy Arrendell Sally and Bill Atkins Dave and Roberta Bascastow Renee Ball Scott and Beckie Ballard John and Anne Barry Nancy and Paul Bartlett Dave Bassage Lee and Colleen Beauchesne Patricia Beaver and Bob White Christine Bell Michael and Joan Bell Julia Bishop G Dale and Margaret Stuart Black Jim and Karen Blaylock Chelsea Blount and Jon Linck Frieda and Charles Bostian Courtney Bosworth Rose Lynne Bowman David and Martha Branyon Craig and Rose Bridgeman Carol Broderson Ezra and Tommie Brown Richard and Patricia Burgess Richard and Brook Burr Anne Caraway Lisa and Bill Case Travis Case Lawrence and Jean Caviness Leigh Chabreck Chris Chanlett and Torula Chanlett Avery John Cheesborough

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Dennis and Laura Lawson Dixie and Mimi Leonard Larry Levine and Meg Squier of the Levine Family Foundation Debbie Lineweaver and Jason Wilson Hal M. Lippard J.C. and Patricia Logan Guillermo Loria John and Mary Love John and Ellen Lumpkin Tom and Vicki Lumpkin Mike and Kari Lusk Robert Lythgoe Gene Maples Gary and Mary Marechek Zack Marston Patricia Mauldin Charlie and Nancy Maus Chuck and Debbie May Sue Osborne McBride Bob and Susan McClanahan Lynn and Jim McClary Judy and Dan McConnell Melissa and Chad McCune James and Kerry Mcgrath Palmer and J.P. McIntyre John and Connie McLendon Dick and Betty McPhatter James and Ruth Mead Susan Meredith Petsy Mezey Johnny and Judy Miller Brian and Mary Anne Moldenhauer Emily Morgan Jacob Murdock Joy Murray Nanci Nance Greer and Andrew Nave New River Trips LLC Scott and Colette Nester Margaret Newbold Alan and Cathy Nichols Robert Nichols and Marilyn Butler Robert Nicholson David and Susan Nickell Don and Claire Olander Peggy Oliver Opossum Creek Retreat Barbara Forbes Owens Tony Padgett Parsons Farms LLC Wendy and Todd Patoprsty Kenneth L. and Lourie L. Paulk Laura Paynter Bob Pearson John Pence Katie Pepper Mike and Kathy Phillips Stephen G. Phillips Steve and Beth Pittman

Julia Ewing Palmer Fant and Sidney Rose Fant Julie Fitzpatrick Beverly Fleming Sandy Ford Charlee Fox Tara Frank Alton Franklin and Carolyn Sakowski Robert Franklin and Cheryl Roberts Jack Frederick Barbara Freiman Ole and Ane Gade Elizabeth Gamble and Peter Lichstein Steffanie Gentry Joseph Gillis and Silvia Lizama Steven Gold Mary Lou Green Susie Greene Bob Haack Gene and Holly Hafer Valerie Nicole Hague and Robert Bradley Kerren Hall Robert and Laura Hamilton James and Jane Hanes Jon and Suzanne Hanna Paul and Freda Hardy David and Beth Harshman Steve and Dottie Hedberg Frank and Donna Helseth Mike and Rhonda Herman H.P. Higgins Henry and Jill Hobson John and Dianne Holdsworth John and Laura Holdsworth Hollifield Chiropractic Center Laurie Holloway Arless and Carla Houck Jeff and Kathy Hunter Brian Hyder Inn at Riverbend Richard and Leslie Jamback Greg Jennings Peter Johnson Phillip and Carolyn Johnson Steven and Cathy Johnson David and Patricia Jones Harry Jones and Rosemary Julian Thomas Jones and Miriam Ash-Jones Warren Jones Ron and Suzanne Joyner Marc and Sandy Kadyk Gerhard and Karin Kalmus Tom and Sharon Kasel Michael Keas Mary Kate Keith James and Alice Kelley Tracy Kelter Sandy Knapp Robert and Kathryn Kykes Alan and Deborah Leet

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Laura Stockslager Jeanette Summey Cyndy Sundstrom Charles Taft The Oracle Institute Bill and Jane Tucker Mary Gordon Tugman Sterling Vestal Karen and Vaughn Wagoner Vaughn Wagoner Fannie Watson and Ginny Dodd Joel and June Weaver Lucas Weaver Patrick and Niki Weir West Jefferson Chevrolet Jacqueline Whitefield Mark Whittle Donna Wike William and Marilyn Wood Gurney and Donna Wike Luther Williams Susan Williams and David Hartung Wayne and Mary Williams Alice Wilson Paul and Jean Wilson Peter and Mary Lou Wilson Ellen and Jackie Woodyard Laura Yaeger David and Karen Yolton Mary and Jerry Young Carl Zipper

Margaret Polson Scot Pope Michael and Antha Reid Roxanne Reid Sally Reynolds David and Deborah Rice Ann Roach Dav and Eliza Robertson Jerry & Wanda Rogers Nora Rudd Ingrid and Gary Ruppalt Kristina Sampsel James Saxman David and Jeanne Schmauss Bill and Judy Scott James Sebastian Melanie Seiler John and Joan Shannon Bob Shepherd Robert Shore Daryl Siefert Joanne and James Smith Thomas and Linda Smith James Smoak Kate Sopher Keith Spangler Skip Staples Martha Stephenson and Dennis Grady Thomas and Jennifer Stephenson Steve Johnson Auto World Sue and Bill Stiles

Kanawha Minnows $1-$49

Anonymous (24) Molly Andrews Gregory Arens and David Sheley Ashe Custom Framing & Gallery Ellis and Barbara Aycock Tashia and David Bailey Jeff and Nancy Baker Stephanie Bass Cassidy Bayes Clyde Beck Debs Bellavita John Berger Lina Bilo Brenda Bonk and John Fant Christy Bostic Les Bowen James and Karen Boyd Jonathan Brunjes Rebecca Burgess Woodford and Pamela Burnette Leslie Butler Pat Caccavella Robert and Vickie Cannon Hunter Case Lee and Smadar Chaffee

Honorable Robert A Collier Jr Larry and Karen Conrad Tammy Cooper John and Lucy Copeland Marta Corbin Joan Croteau Martha Daniel Lillian H. Danner Laura Davis and Gary Reynolds Cynthia Diehl Debra Elmore Adam Farlow William and Gisela Field Gary Finkle Beth Fish Nicholas Frankel Christine and Joe Franklin John Gaddy Sarah Grady Dallas and Margaret Greer John and Diana Gretes Carol and William Haigh Cathy Hanks Gary Harmon Penelope Hatch and Randy Egsegian

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Marcia Herman-Giddens and Doug Berg Klaus and Christina Hinklemann David and Sherry Hoffman Richard and Pattie Huffman Don and Lynne Jackson D.C. Jake Tyler Johnson Evelyn Jones Deb Lamey Tom Lane Marilyn Laxton Hannah Lemly Michael and Barbara Linker Dena Liston Sherman and Beth Lyle Jack and Eva Lynch Michael Maloney Leslie Manzini Lumini Merced Judy and Jimmie Mungle Sandy Morrison Jackie and Joe Nanney Melissa Nunnink Rodney L. Pace and Louise S. Law Adam Palmer Kathryn Penegar Bill and Carol Perdue Ellen Presnell Jean and Ron Pudlo Jennie and Gary Ray Ruth Renfro

Brad and Gwen Rich Summer Rich & Brian Ginn Thomas and Janice Roberts Jeanne Roten Gregory Schneider Elizabeth Seagle William and Linda Shawcross Beth and Ralph Sorrell Scott Southerland Marsha Stanley Steven and Barbara Tedder Brian, Dianne and Owen Thomas Martin Thorne Jim and Alicia Toomey Stephen Trail William Trout Jeffrey Turner and Kathy Gorton Mary and Alfred Van Huyck Jenny Varuska Judy Wallmark Kim Wartluft Giles and Jean Webb Justin and Rebecca Wells Charlie Whittle and Betty Sutton Kay Wilson Tennyson Winters Doug and Linda Worsham Jacki Wright Jenny Yagel Linda Yarnell

And in parting . . .

At our annual meeting in July, we formally thanked George Santucci for 15 years of leadership to New River Conservancy as President, even serving as Interim President January-May as we searched for our next leader. While George embarked on a new career in Boone, NC, we know he will still stay part of the New River Conservancy family as a volunteer and friend.

We’ll see you on the River, George.

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Financials Program Expenses 5%

8%

6%

Land Stewardship River Clean Ups Restoration Water Quality

81%

Expenses 5% 3%

Programs Fundraising Administration

92%

Revenue 7%

Individual/Corp Income

24%

Program Revenue Foundation Grants

16%

51%

Government Grants Other Income

2% 13

Edmund Ivan Adams Legacy Society In 1970 Ed moved his young law practice to Sparta, NC, and began representing Ashe, Alleghany and Grayson Counties in opposition to the Blue Ridge Project — twin hydroelectric dams that would have inundated more than 50,000 acres of the best farmland along the New River. Ed became devoted to the “dam project,” understanding its irrevocable impact on the economy, culture and ecology of this remarkable landscape. He testified before the Interior Committee of both the U.S. House and Senate and appeared with Attorney General Edmisten before the District of Columbia Circuit. Ed was present in the Rose Garden when President Gerald Ford signed the Bill designating the 26.5 mile segment of the New River as part of the Wild and Scenic Rivers system, halting the dam project. In honor of his service, in 2008. Ed became the first recipient of the Wallace and Peggy Carroll Vigilance Award. Ed was a founder of the National Committee for the New River — now the New River Conservancy — with stints as Director and President. Over the years, he donated countless hours of pro bono work to the organization, establishing land trusts and other protections for property along the river. By making a planned gift to the Edmund Ivan Adams Legacy Society, you, too, can play an important role in protecting and preserving this significant natural resource. Your gift will support the Conservancy in our work to safeguard the waters, woodlands and wildlife of the New River watershed for future generations.

NRC believes that clean water, healthy land, and empowered people benefit our communities and the watershed. The watershed includes all the streams and brooks that feed the river and all of the forest, fields and communities that surround it.

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Your gift will ensure the continuation of our conservation work in these critical areas: Share and Foster Research Establish a highly credible and respected entity to influence public policy development, promote sound environmental decision making and guide direct action that protects or improves the health of the New River watershed.

Educate and Inspire Instill a collective vigilance in citizens and communities to advocate for policies that recognize the river as a vital resource, educate planners on ways to develop land use policies that minimize or eliminate negative impacts on the River’s watershed, and encourage agencies to enforce regulations that protect the river’s health.

Protect and Restore Land conservation, permanent sustainable management plans and river and stream restoration, New River Conservancy’s direct citizen action is critical to ensure the River’s health and beauty.

Types of Planned Gifts Bequest or Will: The easiest way of making a planned gift. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate or a specific asset.

Life Income Gifts: Charitable gift annunities and charitable remainder trusts are examples of a life income gift and generally reduce or eliminate certain taxes and guarantee an income for life.

Life Insurance: Life insurance can be used to make your gift.

You can designate New River Conservancy as owner and beneficiary of an existing policy that you no longer need or you can purchase a new policy and designate New River Conservancy as beneficiary.

For more information about how to join the Legacy Society please reach out to: New River Conservancy PO Box 1480, West Jefferson, NC 28694 p: 336-846-6267 e: info@newriverconservancy.org w: newriverconservancy.org

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Contact Info: New River Conservancy 1 North Jefferson Avenue, Suite D West Jefferson, NC 28694

Mailing Address: PO Box 1480 West Jefferson, NC 28694

Phone: (336) 846-6267 Fax: (336) 846-6433 Email: info@newriverconservancy.org web: newriverconservancy.org

PO Office Box 1480 West Jefferson, NC 28694