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2011 State of the River
By Heather Jacobs Deck, Pamlico-Tar RIVERKEEPER ®
This year for the Tar-Pamlico River resembled previous years. Ongoing drought and dry weather persisted in the spring and summer months resulting in low river flows and less input of nutrients and other pollutants that flush into the river during rain events. Even during the hottest times of the summer when the Pamlico River typically suffers from lowered oxygen due to high water temperature, fish kills were not occurring as in years past. Hurricane Irene however, did result in a large pulse of nutrients, pollutants and other organic matter in a very short period of time.
Irene, the Annoying Party Guest that Would Not Leave
Seemingly the most significant occurrence in the Tar-Pamlico River for 2011 was the arrival of Miss Hurricane Irene. Her unwillingness to leave the great state of North Carolina in a timely manner proved extremely problematic in many ways. The unusually high storm surge due to an extended period of tropical storm force winds wreaked havoc on many homes, businesses, and other structures in the lower watershed, as the water from the river and Pamlico Sound was pushed inland. The retreat of the storm surge along with the significant rainfall after a period of extended drought flushed a large amount of organic material (sticks, leaves, natural debris) as well as nutrients and other pollutants that had built up over time due to lack of rainfall into the river. The influx of organic matter, nutrients and other pollutants along with several documented sewage spills, typical during large rain events, resulted in a river with little to no oxygen for approximately a week's time.
As this material breaks down, bacteria and other organisms responsible for the decay utilize oxygen and leave none behind for fish, crustaceans, and other river biota. This led to large fish kills, documented from the Tar in Greenville to most areas in the Pamlico River estuary, as well as a lingering stench of decaying matter, especially notable in and around Washington. Within about a week's time oxygen levels began to return to normal.
Long-term effects of hurricanes are more difficult to analyze. Research of the Pamlico Sound post Hurricanes Dennis, Floyd, and the 1999 Hurricane Irene, indicated not only short term impacts to the ecosystem due to the large influx of nutrients and organic matter, but a longer term effect resulting in a greater number and extent of algal blooms and resulting fish kills in the years following hurricane Floyd. The impacts of Irene may follow a similar pattern, albeit most likely on a lesser scale than the hurricanes of 1999.
The short term implications of large rain events, such as hurricanes, also impact the recreational use of the river. It is the advice of state agencies as well as PTRF to avoid contact with the river after large rain events because the excessive rains and flooding can increase levels of bacteria and other pollutants in the water which may be hazardous to your health. Unfortunately in the wake of Hurricane Irene, stifling budget cuts to the Department of Environmental Resources resulted in little to no fish kill and water quality monitoring as in years past. This type of information is not only valuable to researchers, but to the public as well who were starved for information on the health and safety of entering and recreating in the Pamlico and other coastal NC Rivers. PTRF staff did their best to reach out to the local media to provide information in the wake of the storm.
Next Five Years
The improvement of the Tar-Pamlico River continues to be hampered by nutrient pollution. Data from the past decade have revealed that the estuary continues to be in a state of decline due to excessive nutrients. Furthermore, the Upper Tar River, known to be the healthiest section of the river, is also beginning to show signs of stress due to nutrient, sediment, and heavy metal pollution. The source of such pollution comes from the changing landscape; alteration of forest and wetland areas due to new construction, addition of industrial scale animal agriculture, and the overall growth in the region. Such changes impact not only the water quality of the river, but the quantity of water as well. PTRF strongly believes that the decisions over the next five years will play a critical role in determining the overall health of the Tar-Pamlico River watershed for the foreseeable future.
The fallout from recent political attacks on our natural resources and public health will begin to be known in this coming year. How Tar-Pamlico River communities respond to new population growth, demand for forest and water resources for biomass energy, expansion of a largely unregulated poultry industry, and ever increasing demands for drinking water supplies will shape the river's future generations to come. PTRF makes it a priority to work with, educate, and if need be advocate for long-term solutions. Our communities need us to maintain a healthy Tar-Pamlico River.
What you can do- The little things do matter
Everyday we make choices that can impact the health of the river and everyday we can make small changes to our routine to make a real difference. Below is just a short list of routine activities you and your family can engage in to make a difference:
- Wash your car on the lawn instead of the driveway: great way to recycle and treat wash water;
- Join PTRF and other organizations in trash cleanups ;
- Consider building a rain garden at your home or office to treat and recycle polluted storm water runoff. Some funding may be available in your county. Contact Richard at our office to find out!
- Install a rain barrel or cistern to capture and use rainwater instead of treated potable water for irrigation, washing cars, etc. ;
- Compost grass clippings and other yard waste;
- Test your lawn's soil before fertilizing and fertilize only when rain is not forecasted. Local NC Cooperative Extension offices can assist you with soil testing.
- Stay involved. Continue to work to educate your elected representatives. Tell them why protecting our water resources is important to you and to your community! Invite them to join you on the River to take a firsthand look at our greatest community asset.
And as always, your continued support of PTRF makes it possible for us to represent your concerns, desires and needs to a large audience in North Carolina and work to protect and improve our beloved River.
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From the President of Board of Directors, PTRF
Some Lessons from Irene
By Jerry Eatman
To paraphrase an old adage about living adjacent to large coastal rivers, when you make the river your neighbor, you accept that sometimes the river will be your roommate. Hurricane Irene was indeed an unwelcome and unruly houseguest for all of those living in the Tar and Pamlico River watershed.
For many homeowners on the north side of the river, the hurricane damage was substantial but not life-altering; but for many of our resident neighbors in low lying areas, particularly on the south side of the river in areas such as Aurora, the devastation was enormous and the misery continues. As we recover and rebuild in the watershed, it is important that we learn whatever lessons we can from Irene's visit.
First, it is always the most vulnerable members of our community who suffer the most in disasters like Hurricane Irene. What is the nuisance of a damaged pier for some can be a devastating loss or damage of a home or business in a low lying area. In the best of times, Beaufort County struggles with a legacy of poverty where a significant portion of the population lives at or near extreme poverty levels. According to the last Census, nearly 20% of the Beaufort County population has income of less than the poverty level (nearly 10% have income of less than one-half the poverty level), and nearly one in four residents of Aurora lives in poverty. A disaster like Hurricane Irene can shove hundreds of residents over the line from subsistence to abject poverty. This is particularly true in the current economic downturn which also seems to do the most damage to those who can least afford it.
At PTRF we need to do whatever we can to help our neighbors in the watershed who are still struggling to get back on their feet. In the next few weeks the PTRF website will have some links where members can go to get additional information on cleanup and recovery efforts. I feel certain that the same volunteer spirit which makes PTRF members such good guardians of the river can make a real difference in the recovery efforts in Beaufort County.
Another lesson I learned from Hurricane Irene is that a lot of damage to the quality of the watershed can result from careless hurricane preparation. Our home at Camp Leach sits on pilings on the river and has a small storage area under the house. As I prepared for the hurricane, I opened the flood vents and removed all items that would be damaged by high water. I did not, however, remove anything that I was not concerned about being damaged by water. I left tools, plastic tubs, wooden chairs, decoys, boat cushions and no doubt a dozen other items I cannot remember locked in my storage area. When the flood waters began to rush back across the river they took with them the doors to my storage area and virtually all of the contents.
I felt as though I had cancelled out thirty years of river cleanups with one careless act. The fact that I was not the only one to underestimate this storm or its floodwaters was no consolation. The lesson here is clearly to get as much as you can out of harm's way when a hurricane is approaching. We all need to remember that whatever we leave in an area that can be flooded may end up as debris in the river. By the way, if anyone spots three dozen Bluebill decoys floating in the river, let me know.
Finally, the scope of the flooding and the power of the floodwaters associated with Hurricane Irene took many of us by surprise. This should serve as a reminder that our area is extremely vulnerable to certain kinds of storms. Residential, commercial and industrial development in our watershed must take into account the potential for catastrophic storm damage. We have learned from experience that sensible development regulations in coastal areas can do a great deal to lessen the effects of hurricane related flooding. History suggests that our elected officials have very short memories when it comes to disaster related planning. Perhaps the lessons from Hurricane Irene will be more lasting in nature.
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From the Executive Director
Honoring Our Past Brightens Our Future
By David Emmerling, Executive Director
The PTRF family paused several times this year to celebrate and reflect on the 30-year history of our organization. Thirty years in the business of monitoring, protecting, and enhancing the river, estuaries and watershed; and the challenges continue to multiply. The threats to the health and well being of the river and the people who dwell in the basin continue to increase in number and intensity.
For all these years, the PTRF family took action legally and politically. They educated, advocated, and demonstrated in an effort to stop or modify actions by corporations and individuals that would degrade the river's ecosystem. While we may never completely meet our expectations, the Tar-Pamlico River would not have maintained the quality we enjoy today without this important work being done. What made these on-going efforts possible was the foresight and Herculean efforts of PTRF's founders and those who followed them.
The founders, donors, members, and staff that built and maintained this organization know that there is no equal in North Carolina and well beyond our region. Our legacy is one of strong administrative structure matched with a working board of directors and a strong, driven staff; all of whom are passionate about our mission.
One of the founders who played a key role in the organization is Richard "Dick" Leach. Dick chose not to run for reelection this fall. For the first time in 30 years, there was a meeting of the board of directors and Dick was not counted among that number. Personally, I am in awe of his work and the difference he made for the organization and the river. Dick received a special organizational recognition for his service a little over a year ago and this year at the annual meeting he was recognized, again, when he received the highest honor PTRF bestows, the "Great Blue Heron Award". These awards represent an enormous thank you for the service, creativity, and hard work Dick provided for those years.
It is legacies like Dick's that inspire our work in the present and provide guidance for our future. Our founders modeled well the significant amounts of time, treasure, and talent it takes to successfully resist those who would try to destroy our Tar-Pamlico watershed. The reflection on our 30-year history calls us to come together to redouble our efforts and provide all the time, treasure, and talent we can afford, so that the future of our river remains as bright as the dream and direction that our founders provided.
PLEASE NOTE:
On our website, there is a webpage where you can donate to PTRF. I want to invite you to join me in making an extra donation to PTRF in honor of our founders and the 30 year effort our history represents.
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"She'll run so shallow the seagulls can walk out of the way." - unknown Harker's Island fisherman
Getting There
By Peter Boettger
Over time, fishermen of all the great bodies of water on the globe have crafted boats to meet the specific needs as demanded by local conditions. Just as in nature, form follows function. Men are built to be hunter-gatherers. Women are engineered for nesting, child bearing, and nurturing. Practical attributes aside, boats and people are much alike in that beauty is often in the eye of the beholder, at least initially. The difference is that in a boat it will not take long for blind love to find sight. A rich boat building tradition that continues to this day has endowed eastern North Carolinians with vessels equally useful and aesthetically pleasing. There are three basic categories upon which variations are predicated.
In its pure form the 'skiff" or "skimmer" style boat, as it is known in provincially, features a flat bottom from stern to bow, with no deadrise and no keel. The hull draft is very shallow and displaces a relatively small volume of water, which translates into less power required to move the boat. In any age of technology the implication for energy efficiency is obvious. Cost of construction is minimized and space utilization is maximized by the rectangular line of the gunnels and the sides that rise straight up from the deck. It can be thought of as a floating shallow box, beveled on the bow end. The skiff is a roomy craft, able to venture into the shallows with ease, and serves as a stable fishing platform. However, these boats are not designed to ride smoothly across the blunt vertical chop that the Pamlico is known for in its deeper, unprotected fetches. In fact, skiiffs can "beat your teeth right out of your head". This statement should be qualified by the common knowledge that any hull style will pound progressively less as length increases.
 The antithesis of the flat bottom skiff is the deep vee hull, which enables a boat to split the chop and slice through tall waves in open water, depending on the degree of dead rise. Their typically higher freeboard makes for a safe, drier ride, and minimizes the chance of overwash. The clear disadvantage is that these hulls draft more depth, thus limiting their range in shallow water. The less apparent drawback is that their increased volume of water displacement consequently requires added power to propel. Thirdly, the deep vee is more prone to rocking side to side with shifts in weight. It is unapologetically made for rapidly crossing long expanses of rough seas.
Modified vees display a similar, but usually less exaggerated sharp deadrise at the bow, and quickly begin to flatten out at about ˝ way toward the stern, some almost completely. On the majority of factory produced modified vees, the deadrise in the stern is 10-14 degrees. An increased ratio of beam-to-length gives the hull stability, and allows the boat to draw much less water. While not the smooth ride of a deep vee, a well designed modified vee can buffer a considerable amount of wave action and still provides access to comparatively shallow areas.
 Whether modified or deep vee hull, the gunnels should rise prominently toward the bow, while the sides curve gracefully inward to form the distinctive "Carolina flare". This lovely trait enhances a dry comfortable ride by deflecting waves, wind, and spray. The perfect multi-purpose boat does not exist for the Pamlico, but some combinations of design come close. Anglers would be wise to adopt the hull configuration that most closely matches their fishing interests and financial comfort zone.
Peter Boettger is author of Fishing the Western Pamlico, available in the PTRF office.
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Late Fall/Early Winter Trout Fishing on the Pamlico: Attention All Scale Heads
By Capt. Richard Andrews
While many of the area's sportsmen are in the woods and their boats and tackle are collecting dust in their garages during the late fall and early winter, those hardcore trout fishermen willing to brave the chilly air and piercing winds are often rewarded for their adventurous spirit. The cooler days of late autumn and the holiday season are excellent times to catch speckled trout in the Pamlico River system. Along with the cold-natured striped bass, speckled trout are the most abundant species targeted by recreational anglers during this time of the year While many of the trout exit the estuarine waters of North Carolina during the fall to spend the winter in the near shore waters of the ocean, many "resident" fish find their wintering grounds in the backs of the many creeks and tributaries of the Pamlico and Pungo River system. To understand the movements of these often elusive fish, you need to understand the dynamics of water temperature in the wintertime.
 When water temperatures plummet, trout seek refuge in more temperature stable, deeper water below thermoclines. A thermocline is defined as a thin but distinct layer in a body of water in which temperature changes more rapidly with depth than it does in layers above or below. The presence of a thermocline leads to a phenomenon known as stratification where during the summer months, warm water, which is less dense, will form a layer above cooler water, which is more dense. The exact opposite is true during the winter where summer stratification reverses and the warmer water is located underneath the cooler surface water above the thermocline. Water with a temperature lower than 38° F will never be located below a thermocline because liquid water is densest at this temperature and water density begins to decrease again from 32-38° F. Colder water will rise above 38° F water. If you can understand this phenomenon and learn how to find areas where stratification is occurring, you will find wintering trout as well as other scattered "resident" species such as puppy drum and flounder. The deeper, warmer water below the thermocline offers trout a haven from water temperature drops resulting from winter cold snaps and freezes.
Other factors such as salinity and the presence of bait are very important factors for locating winter trout. Trout need a steady source of food in the winter to survive, so areas where baitfish are prevalent and that have the depth to support warmer water along the bottom will likely be holding trout. Trout are very sensitive to salinity, especially during the warmer months of the year. They prefer areas of higher salinity in the estuary and heavy rains and major shifts in the wind causing water to move around in the river will often put trout on the move to find higher salinity water. Although they are very sensitive to changes in salinity in the warmer months, I believe that they are more tolerant to fresher water during the winter. They are often found in the backs of creeks where heavy freshwater runoff from winter rains is present. In the winter, they don't have the luxury of moving as much due to their more narrow tolerance to water temperature and the presence of bait.
The Pamlico estuary can be a very intimidating and frustrating place to fish; however, understanding the dynamics of water temperature at certain depths and the physical tolerances and limitations of our native fish species will help to narrow down the "vastness". Once you learn to pattern certain fish at specific times of the year, you can combine that with a little geographical knowledge and you may find that the Pamlico is willing to give up its bounty to those who desire it the most.
Capt. Richard Andrews is the owner of Tar-Pam Guide Service, a year-round guide service offering fishing excursions on the Pamlico, Pungo, and Roanoke Rivers. For booking info, contact him at (252) 945-9715, email at richard@tarpamguide.com, or look him up on the web at www.tarpamguide.com.
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Ahoy! Kids on the River
By Kim Chadwick
This past summer, PTRF was approached by an East Carolina University student about a service-learning project. After throwing around some ideas with help from PTRF staff, The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation's Youth Kayaking Program was formed. The Youth Kayaking Program offers children the chance to experience the river and her natural beauty first-hand while learning about environmental education and community awareness. Additional benefits include:
- Youths building self-respect as they master introductory kayaking skills and nurture new friendships while learning about the benefits of working in a group and how to create individual goals;
- Teambuilding exercises offering the children different challenges to encourage problem-solving and leadership skills;
- The practice of litter reduction, river navigation and learning more about the actions of our RIVERKEEPER®, in an attempt to educate our younger generation about the importance of protecting our river.
As with any river activity, our number one goal is safety. The program dictates that each paddle trip must have a certified lifeguard and wilderness medically trained leaders. This summer alone, PTRF has already taken over 30 children out on the water and given them the opportunity and tools to paddle the river, while learning about wildlife protection and wetland conservation.
 Our community is only as successful as its youngest members and PTRF's Youth Kayaking Program hopes to insure that our younger generation is prepared to be successful. Many children don't interact with nature and lack the appropriate skills to protect themselves and survive in an emergency situation. The Youth Kayaking Program aims to prepare children for the "I'll never be in that situation" emergencies such as how to identify and interact with dangerous animals and what to do if they find themselves in fast-moving water. The program leaders will talk with the youths to help them identify a problem and then how to try to solve it.
The Program strives to offer all children the opportunity to experience different forms of recreation. Childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic in our nation and this program attempts to show children that there are other ways to exercise besides inside, on a treadmill. Children with obesity also suffer from anxiety, depression, and boredom, but with the addition of recreation and self-esteem building activities, the Youth Kayaking Program can be an asset and outlet for these children. The Program also hopes to target "at-risk-youth" who may not have experienced opportunities such as kayaking down the Tar River or learning how to identify a snapping turtle.
Community is a valuable bridge to keep children out of trouble and help them become well-rounded individuals. Thanks to numerous volunteers like John Rhoads, Rick Zablocki, Guy Blackwell and CJ Worden and our treasured PTRF staff, we have been able to offer children a small dedicated river community for these children to rely and learn from. PTRF has had numerous youth paddle trips since this program was implemented and hopes to continue its success.
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Nominees for PTRF Board of Directors
Outstanding candidates were nominated to be considered by the membership for election to the PTRF Board of Directors this year. The good thing about having excellent candidates is that we are assured of their dedication to protecting the river. All the nominees care about our river and are committed to help and be involved with our important work.
Two board members returned to their spots on the board and two new board me members were elected as the final ballots were tabulated at the PTRF annual membership meeting. The new members elected to the board are Dr Lorrie Basnight and Nation Hahn.
Dr. Basnight is the Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education at the East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine. She grew up in a family that loved the outdoors and understood the
responsibility to preserve the environment for others. Her parents taught her about birds, how to boat, and how to be observant in the woods. Her grandparents established a family cottage on the Pamlico River at Broad Creek in the 1950's, and she has spent time on the river her whole life: sailing, motoring or paddling up creeks, or cooling off in the water. Lorrie is a member of the choir and is an Elder at Peace Presbyterian church in Greenville and in her free time she enjoys reading and outdoor activities. She has belonged to the PTRF for over 20 years.
Nation Hahn is a communications and digital culture consultant based out of Raleigh, NC. Nation has a strong backgr
ound in nonprofit and political work. He began his career working for John Edwards Presidential campaign in fundraising. During his time on the Edwards campaign he was able to begin his education on public policy by spending a substantial amount of time in the policy department during a campaign in which Edwards advocated strongly for environmental issues. Nation went on to work for a Congressional Campaign in Charleston, South Carolina before moving back to Raleigh to serve as Development Coordinator for the NC Sierra Club. Even after his departure from the Sierra Club to move into communications and digital media work Nation has remained active on environmental issues.
PTRF has the great good fortune to have Bill Hunneke and Grady McCallie reelected for a second term on the Board. Both individuals provide excellent leadership to the board. Their contributions are diverse and support us moving to the next level of excellence.
PTRF Leadership is Elected for 2010 to 2011
 President Jerry Eatman is re-elected to lead the board of directors for 2011 to 2012. Jerry is a life member of PTRF and just completed his first term on the PTRF Board. Last year he served as the Foundation's Vice-president. Jerry has taken on several difficult tasks for the Board during his term in addition to being an active volunteer, a good fund raiser, and a generous sponsor of several Foundation events, including the 2011 Kayakalon.
Grady McCallie, Vice President
Grady's eagerness to serve on PTRF's board stems from an appreciation of both the organization and the watershed. He enjoys getting to know the Tar-Pam, paddling on Swift Creek and Little Fishing Creek, and visiting larger and smaller towns around the watershed. Grady states "During most of the time I've lived in North Carolina, PTRF has been a beacon for other river basin groups, a model of how a group can make steady progress in restoring and protecting the health of a river. Water quality and quantity advocacy is the core part of my volunteer and professional work."
 Lawrence Behr, Treasurer
Lawrence is CEO of LBA Group, Inc., of Greenville, North Carolina. He has over 45 years of experience in broadcast and wireless communications engineering, and in major aspects of management and marketing of telecommunications businesses. "PTFR is an effective steward of the River, and I am proud to be part of this organization."
Mack Simpson, Secretary
Mack was born and raised in Greenville. He served as Associate Director for Community Development at ECU's Regional Development Institute and retired from that position in 2007. Since retirement he's consulted for the North Carolina Rural Center and Golden LEAF Foundation. Mack is innovative and brings areas of expertise that include strategic planning, group facilitation, and grant writing. He's an avid fisherman and amateur wildlife photographer.
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RIFFLES AND RUNS
R & R - RIVERKEEPER (R) Appointed by Governor for Sedimentation Commission
Pamlico-Tar Riverkeeper Heather Deck was appointed to the Sedimentation Control Commission (SCC) by Governor Perdue in August. Heather's appointment to the non-governmental conservationist seat replaces retiring commission member Elaine Chiosso, the Haw Riverkeeper, who served two terms. Support for the nomination was voiced by the conservation community in a letter sent to the Governor signed by 15 organizations from across North Carolina.
The SCC was established to develop and administer a comprehensive State erosion and sedimentation control program. It is charged with adopting rules, setting standards, and providing guidance for implementation of the Sediment Pollution Control Act. The Commission also assists local and state governmental agencies in developing erosion and sedimentation control programs, and prepares publications and other materials dealing with sedimentation control techniques.
R & R - Communities Continue to Rally against Sanderson Farm
 Community members and leaders from Nash County and the City of Wilson continue to voice their opposition to the sitting of a Sanderson Farms poultry slaughterhouse in southern Nash County. Protestors rallied in Wilson on September 26th and PTRF was in attendance. PTRF, in collaboration with numerous other environmental organizations, continues to educate and advocate on this very important issue. The slaughterhouse and the addition of 500 industrial chicken houses that would be built within a 50 mile radius of the facility will clearly lead to more nutrient and bacteria pollution impacting the Tar-Pamlico and other coastal North Carolina Rivers. Industrial poultry operations stockpile animal waste, spreading it near our waters; add Arsenic to feed that reaches our rivers; and pollute with high levels of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and dust that leads to higher childhood asthma rates. They also overuse antibiotics, creating harmful, resistant bacteria strains. Instead of solving these real and present dangers, the Sanderson processing facility proposal calls for building more than 500 environmentally harmful poultry operations. These facilities are not regulated and the State provides little to no public protections from the discharge of pollutants and fecal matter into our water.
R & R - 30th PTRF Annual Meeting
 On September 13th, we held our 30th Annual Meeting
at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greenville after a sudden change in location change, and the meeting was a success. After celebrating with cake and refreshments, the meeting began with the awards ceremony. This year receiving the Great Blue Heron Award, the highest award given for outstanding long-term contributions to the protection of environmental quality in the Tar-Pamlico watershed and to PTRF was Dick Leach, Joe Ruddck and awarded prostumasouly to Dr. Mark Brinson.
The Dick Leach Volunteer of the Year Award, presented annually to the volunteer who contributed most significantly to the goals and programs of the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation during the past year, was given to Billy Stinson for his hard work and dedication towards putting together this year's River Jam. Two board present board members received our Outstanding Service Award, given to volunteers selected by the staff of PTRF for "outstanding service in support and pursuit of the mission of PTRF". These recipients make remarkable contributions to the organization's mission sometimes with time, talent and treasure that may not be seen by the members. Recipients Bill Hunneke and Mack Simpson are perfect examples of this award. Kim Chadwick, our ECU student volunteer was given a Certificate of Appreciation for her tremendous work our Youth Kayaking Program.
As part of the 30 year celebration, we were honored to have Bill Holman, former Secretary of Department of Environmental Resources and current Director of State Policy at Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions give a wonderful presentation on the Future of Water in North Carolina. Anyone who would like to view it, please email kelly@ptrf.org.
R & R - Operation Medicine Cabinet Take-Back Day October 29th
 Fall clean up usually means rakes and leaves, but between 10/23 and 10/29, North Carolina residents can seize the opportunity to safely and responsibly clean out their medicine cabinets. An outstanding coalition of public health, child safety, law enforcement and environmental organizations will team up to organize free "Take Back" events across the state.
"If you flush your leftover medicines down the toilet, they pollute our water," said Heather Jacobs Deck, Pamlico-Tar RIVERKEEPER (R), one of the sponsors. "Then everybody's taking your medicine without a prescription."
Government scientists have turned up traces of a wide variety of medicines -- pain killers, antibiotics, birth control pills, mood stabilizers, and others -- in rivers, lakes, and streams across the country. Studies are just now getting underway to determine if this pollution is dangerous to humans -- but evidence suggests that it is dangerous to animals. Many frog species are in serious decline and most bass in North Carolina's Yadkin River have both male and female sex organs, and hormones are suspected as part of the cause.
Operation Medicine Drop organizers urge North Carolina residents to bring leftover medicines to these free events for safe and environmentally friendly disposal. Participants can drop off their medicines without answering any questions about what the drugs are or how they got them. Take-back days will take place in
Washington, Greenville, Wilson, Tarboro, Rocky Mount, Nashville, Princeville, Battleboro, Whitakers, and Speed.
To find an Operation Medicine Cabinet Take Back event near you and get free tips on how to store and dispose of medicines safely, point your browser to http://www.omd-nc.org.
R & R - A Very Big, Big Sweep for 2011
Close to 200 volunteers joined PTRF staff on Saturday, October 15th to give downtown Greenville and the Tar River a much needed facelift in the wake of Hurricane Irene. The volunteer turnout was the greatest to date for the city of Greenville. The cleanup was in collaboration with the Pitt County Recycling Program and East Carolina University's Adventure Club. The ECU's women's basketball team, numerous ECU service clubs, Girl Scout and Brownie troops and other Greenville citizens joined PTRF members to clean up greater than 7 miles of the Tar River, the greenway along the river and Green Mill Run, and more than a 50 block area in the residential and uptown sections of the city.
Volunteers in Washington also gave up a portion of a beautiful fall day to help clean up the Pamlico River, Tranters and Runyon Creeks as well as the greenway along Jacks Creek .
Total weights collected were not available by publication time, but staff estimates greater than 2,000 pounds were collected from Greenville and Washington combined.
Since May of 2006, PTRF has organized two cleanups each year and dedicated volunteers have removed more than 12 tons of trash from the Tar-Pamlico River watershed! Let's keep up the good work. Please join us for our Fourth Annual Riverkeeper Cup Cleanup Challenge, Spring 2012 (date TBD). If you are interested in joining the Challenge and organizing a cleanup for your community, contact PTRF.
R & R - Camping Platform Update
PTRF has received a recommendation to receive $5000 from the N.C. Adopt-A-Trails grant program to partially fund a proposed Camping Platform on private property near Dunbar, between Tarboro and Rocky Mount. PTRF has also received a generous private donation of $15,000 from the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation to get us started with the first platform.
Based on cost estimates, the $20,000 will enable us to build 2 platforms and fund the cost of website development for an online reservation/permit system. The first platform will be built this winter and the second platform will most likely be built on the Tar River Gamelands, which is a tract owned and managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission just a few mile downstream from downtown Tarboro.
R & R - Happy Holiday Activities!
The approaching holidays bring with them a unique opportunity to participate in and enjoy some water and land based holiday fun. Please see below and join us!
Flotilla - PTRF will again be the paddle presence in the Washington Harbor Christmas Flotilla. We will launch a raft of decorated and lighted kayaks and maybe a canoe or tow this year. Our theme is a closely guarded secret so if you'd like to join us as paddlers call the office. If you'd prefer to be involved from the land based side we need help in pre-planning before the event and preparation, launch and retrieval the day of the event. The date is December 3, 2011. The location is the Washington waterfront. Please email info@ptrf.org or call 252.946.7211 to volunteer and we will organize the pre-planning work and the other logistics to work with your schedule.
Holiday Celebration with PTRF - Please plan to join us on December 9th for some holiday spirit and spirits as only the PTRF family can provide. The refreshments are pleasant and the food is tantalizing. Save the date, more details are to come!
R & R - Newest Addition
 Our Environmental Projects Manager Richard Andrews and his wife Astin are pleased to announce the birth of their first child, Tripp Andrews. Both Mother and baby are doing well.
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EarthShare North Carolina is a federation of environmental non-profits that work to keep our state's rivers clean and our communities healthy - and to foster ecotourism for a strong North Carolina economy. Earth Share's primary mission is to raise money for its member organizations, including PTRF, through workplace giving campaigns conducted in public sectors like state agencies and universities (State Employees Combined Campaign), federal agency and military bases (Combined Federal Campaign), and many private sector businesses throughout North Carolina.
Through workplace giving campaigns, individuals can designate their gift to EarthShare North Carolina or to one or more of its participating organizations (like PTRF). The individual's contribution is then deducted throughout the year from their paycheck, and Earth Share distributes it to the appropriate organization(s). If you choose to designate PTRF, we will receive 100% of your donation. Or, you may choose Earth Share and your donation will be divided among all participating organizations.
The State Employee Combined Campaign (SECC) code to designate PTRF to receive your donation is 1116; to designate EarthShare North Carolina use code 1100. In the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) use code 15322 for PTRF and 32241 for EarthShare.
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(July 27, 2011 - October 18, 2011)
Alethia Cook, Greenville
Nation Hahn, Raleigh
Jennifer Skvarla, Pantego
Cass and Amber Wigent, Greenville
Ralph Smiley, Goldsboro
Major Donor
Intandem
Lamont and Cindy Wooten
Edward Jones, Rod Cantrell
Rivers & Associates
Grady-White Boats
Pecheles Toyota
Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery
Dautridge Gas Company
Jerry Eatman and Maria Lynch
Summer Appeal Donors
Ulrich and Mary Alsentzer, Bruce and Ginger Baker, Mary Tom Bass, Bill and Marsha Bowes, Jim and Mary Bowman, Ed Bright, Leslie Brinson, Don and Liz Bunch, Lawrence Cantrell, Herbert and Gina Carlton, Beatrice Chauncey, Russel and Elizabeth Cook, John Cooper, Jack and Noonie Crabtree, John and Ann Crew, Luther and Cindy Davis, Charles Dove, Marvin and Nellie Droes, Karyn Drum and Gary Duncan, Jimmy and Marjorie Dunn, Judith Edwards, Henry and Kathryn Gorham, Robert and Caryl Graham, Ray and Sybil Hardee, Phyllis Hendrickson, Doreen Livermon, Don and Ceal Holbert, Jack Holbrook, Bob and Margaret Hudson, Gail Johnson, Evan and Debbie Kane, George and Nannette Kean, Bill Ed and Jane Kidd, Hester Anne Kidd, Bill and Ginny Kloepfer, Jon and Marilyn Larson, Maylon and Linda Little, Greg and Sue Mansfield, Nancy Mize, Alan Mobley, Maxine Myers, David and Molly Raper, Resthaven Sunday School, Robert Richards, David Schwartz, Robert Shuford, Susan Smiley Baker, Robert and Barbara Smith, Melba Stallings, Alan and Ivy Stokes, David and Denise Tayloe, Rebecca Tooly, Rosemary Turnage, Brooks Webb, Erwin and Sim Wilde, Jim and Kathy Winslow, Cindy and Lamont Wooten, Richard and Judy Young
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"Paddling Eastern North Carolina"
(www.PocosinPress.com)
Is available in bookstores and outdoor stores or from the publisher.
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|  Peter Boettger is author of Fishing the Western Pamlico, available at the PTRF office. |
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PAMLICO
Free Towing For Members!
VHF - 16 or 252.964.3171
24 HOUR SERVICE
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Pamlico-Tar River Foundation
PO Box 1854 Washington, NC 27889
Phone: (252)946-7211
Fax: (252)946-9492
Email:
info@ptrf.org
Website:
www.ptrf.org
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PTRF Holiday Open House
Date: Dec 9th
Time: 5 - 7 PM
Location: PTRF Office
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King of the River
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Award-winner watercolor artist and Washington resident Pat Holscher has generously donated a breathtaking watercolor exclusively for the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation.
The energetic kingfisher is found up and down the Tar-Pamlico River, and now you have the opportunity to bring one home. Just in time for the holidays, PTRF has just completed a limited run of numbered prints that are signed by Pat Holscher herself, available to the PTRF membership for $150.
All proceeds go directly to the Pamlico - Tar River Foundation and our continued efforts to protect and preserve the river for everyone. This is a generous, beautiful print and would make a fantastic addition to any art or wildlife enthusiast. Please call the office at (252) 946-7211 or email info@ptrf.org for more information or to place an order.
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