SOURCE: Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation
A group of youth kayakers is planning a paddling trip this summer along the Catawba River to promote awareness of water quality. The group is having an organizational meeting tonight (Wednesday), from 6-8 p.m. at Summit Coffee.
UPDATE VIDEO: See interviews with organizers of the kayak trip from Wednesday’s meeting, “Video: Kayakers to paddle Catawba for water quality”
American Rivers designated the Catawba River as threatened and endangered in 2008. Two years later, it’s now designated as one of “the Southeast’s top 10 most endangered rivers.” Problems include phosphates, nitrates, mercury, arsenic, PCBs, raw sewage and runoff from development.
There are 2 million people in the river basin, including Davidson, who depend on these waters for drinking, recreation and general overall sustenance of quality of life.
The Catawba Riverkeeper youth group will hike from Linville Falls to Lake James, where it will pick up boats. Then they paddle to Lake Norman, making stops along the way to promote awareness of these water quality issues and to encourage people to donate, time , talent and funding to help the Catawba River keeper Foundation continue to monitor the health of the basin.
Please come to the meeting on Clean Water Lobby Day in Davidson, at Summit Coffee Shop 6-8pm upstairs to see the maps of the route, the itinerary and to sign up to help with logistical support or paddle some or the entire trip with us.
Contact the Riverkeeper office at 704-679-9494 for more information or go to our website www.catawbariverkeeper.org or facebook or http://meetup.com/catawba-riverkeeper-foundation site to sign up, beginners and experts welcome
