40 Years of the Clean Water Act

Executive Summary of PTRF's Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011

INTRODUCTION

The PTRF Annual Report provides a snapshot of the fiscal year 2011. Our members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization's ability to do the work that "monitors, protects, and enhances our river".  The challenge we willingly accept is oversight and guardianship of the Tar-Pamlico watershed. The watershed includes 2,335 miles of streams and covers 5,571 square miles including all or part of 16 counties.  It is home to over 415,000 people, numerous federal and state endangered and threatened species, and North Carolina's largest natural lake, Lake Mattamuskeet.

This report provides a summary of a year's work (July 2010 to June 2011) focused on protecting the health of our kids, communities, and water. Our success can prevent future degradation and ensures that all citizens of the Tar-Pamlico watershed benefit from a river that promotes the health of our businesses, communities and the well-being of our families and loved ones.

Mission and Focus

Our mission is to monitor, protect, and enhance the Tar-Pamlico River and watershed while promoting environmental justice. Through an unwavering commitment to our mission and the Foundation's three foci, education, advocacy, and research, and because of the tireless efforts of volunteers, members, and PTRF staff, PTRF can boast many achievements. The results below are presented for your review.

EDUCATION

Information empowers the public so that natural resources can be protected.  PTRF provides educational materials to teachers, students, and the general public.  Educational exhibits, lectures and programs are presented to schools, universities, civic groups, and a variety of governmental, non-governmental, and professional groups locally, regionally and nationally.

ADVOCACY

Mobilizing citizens to speak out in defense of the environment and for the conservation of natural resources is imperative.  PTRF helps organize public comment, collaborates with federal, state, and local resource management agencies, participates in planning commissions, and works with state and local governments to develop rules and regulations that protect and conserve our resources.

RESEARCH AND RIVER ENHANCEMENT

Our approach to advocacy requires us to gather and synthesize the best available scientific information as we formulate our positions. Additionally, we use all available data to identify and respond to problems within the watershed. Valid and reliable scientific data are essential to the resource management decision-making process.  PTRF produces and publishes valid and reliable research on a variety of topics including water quality, wastewater treatment, and marina site development. In addition PTRF is assessing the needs and perceptions of diverse populations related to the environment and our river. Similarly, we rely on documented and researched best management practices when we are selecting restoration projects.

FUNDRAISING AND ADMINISTRATION

The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation did not escape the financial impact imposed on all of us as a result of the continuing recession.  The endowment suffered losses through the worst of the recession but these losses were below the national average for similar types of organizations.  As the economy begins its slow recovery, PTRF is seeing some increase in the returns on its investments. Grant funded projects helped us avoid the negative impact that the recession had on some of our sister organizations.  We are experiencing a modest increase in membership whose generosity enables us to continue to focus on our mission.  As you can see from the results achieved in fiscal Year 2011 we produce outstanding and significant results that represent the return on your continued investments in PTRF.

RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS MADE POSSIBLE BY YOUR SUPPORT

Advocacy

The following lists the numerous and varied issues that threaten the quality of our water. A more complete description is available in the full Annual Report for FY 2011 on our website or by request.

Sanderson Farms, Inc. - Beginning in the summer of 2010 the Riverkeeper and Executive Director were directly involved in co-leading the opposition to the expansion of Sanderson Farms, Inc. that includes development of a processing plant, hatchery, and the proliferation of poultry production farms.

Boat Ramp, Havens Gardens, City of Washington, NC - Advocated for the improvements to the boat ramp and the positive impact on eco-tourism.

Permanent "Operation Medicine Drop" Drop Box - Collaborated with the Pitt County Sheriff's Office on the planning and installation of a permanent drop box in the Sheriff's Office to receive unused or unwanted drugs.

Temporary Dam on Tar River - Opposed the permitting of a temporary dam on the Tar River that was promoted by the Greenville Utilities Commission.

Interbasin Transfers - The Riverkeeper reviewed and advocated for environmental protections with the Kerr Lake and Greenville Utilities Inter Basin Transfer proposals. The Kerr Lake IBT is still pending as it awaits further analysis and approvals.

Tar-Pamlico Buffer Rules - Aggressively opposed the proposed weakening of the Tar-Pam Buffer rules by the legislature.

Energy and Woody Biomass - PTRF Staff collaborated with other conservation groups to develop an analysis and strategy for responding to proposed woody and animal waste energy production.

Creedmoor Waste-Water Treatment - Monitoring the proposals related to transferring wastewater from Creedmoor in the Neuse basin to the Tar River. City officials were notified of our concerns and opposition.

Construction Stormwater - Our Riverkeeper was appointed to a technical advisory group charged with providing recommendations regarding federal rule changes relating to construction stormwater runoff and the renewal of the construction stormwater general permit.

Confined Animal Feeding Operations- Work continues to monitor CAFOs for violations of North Carolina rules and regulations. CAFO collaborators opposed weakening of rules and proposed stronger legislation that would lead to phasing out hog lagoons.

Sedimentation Control Commission - The conservation community and Division of Land Resources recommended Heather Deck, our Riverkeeper, to the Governor for the conservation seat on the Sedimentation Control Commission. She was appointed.

Education

Fishing Clinic - PTRF's first "Fishing Clinic 101" was offered in February of 2011. The event attracted over 90 people who enjoyed and benefitted from the expertise of local guides and experienced fishermen. The event attracted a number of new members and was a highlight of our educational programs.

Paddling Groups - Averaging about one trip per month the PTRF paddling group continues to flourish. PTRF owns 10 kayaks and we are willing to support group paddling programs or events for diverse groups across our watershed.

Youth Kayaking Program - The program attracts youth and families to an experience that teaches paddling skills, safety, and positive group interactions and communications.

New Media - Fiscal Year 2011 could be described as the year PTRF came into its own in the New Media realm. A major revision of the website, coupled with an increasing use of Facebook, and Twitter led to more visibility and involvement from a broader range of individuals.

Tabling - The PTRF staff and volunteers were active throughout the year in promoting the organization and educating people about the issues the river faces. The staff and volunteers presented these educational events across the watershed from early spring into late fall.

River Jam - Building on the success of the inaugural 2010 event in Greenville, River Jam 2011 successfully celebrated PTRF's 30 years of monitoring and protecting the river. The event attracted over 300people and an array of bands.

River Clean Ups - PTRF continued its annual tradition of organizing two major river cleanups, Big Sweep in the fall and the Riverkeeper Cup Cleanup challenge in the spring. Since 2006 our river cleanups have removed more than 25,000 pounds of trash from streams, the river and its banks.

Classroom Presentations - As part of our educational initiatives, PTRF staff are regularly found in local classrooms as well as on field trips. FY 2011 was no different, as staff participated in 15 presentations to K-12 and college age classes, including several outdoor classroom activities. The outdoor classroom activity includes a water quality stream assessment that teaches students how to test for water quality using today's instruments. Students take water and benthic invertebrate samples, as well as conduct stream habitat assessments and measure stream flow.

Research & River Enhancement

Edgecombe Community College Stormwater Infrastructure Improvement Project - PTRF received $5000 from the RBC Blue Water Fund to help with the planning of this project. Partners include George Anderson, Sustainability Coordinator at Edgecombe Community College and N.C. State's Stormwater Engineering Group (Dr. Bill Hunt and Associates).

Louisburg Rain Garden Project - PTRF participated in the construction of a rain garden at Kid's Corner Day Care Center within the city limits of Louisburg, NC.  PTRF partnered with Franklin County Soil and Water and NCSU Extension to implement this rain garden

Tar River Camping Platform System - PTRF received $5000 from the Adopt a Trail Grant Program to partially fund just one of the 4 proposed platforms.  PTRF also received a generous private donation of $15,000 from the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation to enable us to build the first platform and develop our on-line reservation system.  This first platform will be completed in February 2012.

Membership and Fundraising

PTRF depends heavily on its members not only for financial support, but as evidence that our "voice for the river" represents many who live, work, and play within our watershed.  Members provide a significant portion of our unrestricted revenue through dues and other donations and by participating in our fundraisers. 

Our membership is also an incredible resource - providing countless hours of volunteer service and expertise to support our programs and staff.  Though our membership numbers declined during the early part of the recession, we have enjoyed a steady increase in membership over the last 2 fiscal years.  Our fundraising results are also showing improvement.  Revenue generated from special events jumped 38% this year after remaining flat for the previous two years.  In addition, attendance at this year's oyster roast was the largest since 2007. 

FINANCIAL POSITION FISCAL YEAR 2011

Proposed Martin Marietta Mine Seeks to Discharge to Blounts Creek

By Heather Jacobs Deck

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc has applied for state and federal permits to develop a new 50-year open pit marine limestone mine in southern Beaufort County, east of Vanceboro and within the Blounts Creek watershed. The company's stated purpose of the mine is to develop a crushed stone operation to supply aggregate material to the construction industry. The company will impact 6.69 acres of wetlands and 11 miles of jurisdictional waters. It is estimated that 9 million gallons per day of Castle Hayne groundwater and stormwater will be pumped from the open mine pit and discharged into 2 locations in upper Blounts Creek.  The estimated drawdown (or cone of depression) of the Castle Hayne aquifer (Beaufort County's drinking water supply) is at least 5 feet for up to 6-7 miles, impacting as many as 195 family and landowner wells. The drawdown of the Castle Hayne due to this proposed mine would overlap the cone of depression of the Potash Aurora phosphate mine.

PTRF has numerous concerns regarding this proposal and along with concerned citizens, has been successful in raising awareness of the potential impacts of the mine. The Division of Water Quality has agreed to hold a public hearing on the mine, prior to the approval of any additional state permits. No date has been set as of publication time. For more information, please visit our website.

The Castle Hayne Aquifer of North Carolina

By Alex Manda, Assistant Professor, Department of Geological Sciences and Institute for Coastal Science and Policy (ICSP) at East Carolina University

The Castle Hayne aquifer is the most prolific and extensively used aquifer in North Carolina. Underlying the eastern parts of the North Carolina Coastal Plain, the Castle Hayne aquifer is used as a source for public, private, agricultural and industrial water supplies. Large volumes of water can be withdrawn from the Castle Hayne aquifer because the aquifer consists of highly permeable and porous shell limestones and sands. The aquifer is sandwiched in places between the less permeable Yorktown, Pungo River and Beaufort geologic units.

The Pungo River unit, which lies above the Castle Hayne aquifer in Beaufort County, is one of the richest phosphate ore deposits in the world. In 1965, a large mine was built in the Pamlico River Watershed in the town of Aurora to extract the phosphate deposit. However, dry pit mining of the large phosphate deposit proved difficult without pumping millions of gallons of water from the Castle Hayne aquifer. As a consequence, water levels in the Castle Hayne aquifer have declined over 80 feet since pumping commenced in the vicinity of the mine.   

In response to the declining water levels in the Castle Hayne aquifer, the State of North Carolina instituted a capacity use area (Capacity Use Area No. 1) in 1967. The capacity use area was established to manage the effects of withdrawing large quantities of water from the Castle Hayne Aquifer. In 2002, the Capacity Use Area No. 1 was superseded by the Central Coastal Plain Capacity Use Area (CCPCUA) which includes other aquifers that are under threat from declining water levels.  

The Castle Hayne aquifer is also threatened by contamination from numerous sources because of its high permeability and proximity to the ocean. The eastern part of the aquifer is unsuitable for use as a potable water source without treatment due to high levels of salts. Saltwater intrusion in the aquifer is occurring through recharge by brackish water from the Pamlico River and the Yorktown unit. Saltwater is also entering the Castle Hayne aquifer from the underlying Beaufort hydrologic unit. Another source of salt water in the aquifer is from the westward migration of the saltwater-freshwater interface in the aquifer.

In the past, groundwater in the Castle Hayne aquifer has been contaminated by leaking underground storage tanks, spills from industrial operations, and leachates from industrial waste disposal sites. One well known site of contamination occurred at Camp Lejeune near Jacksonville, NC.  These contaminants were suspected to contain cancer causing chemicals. Such instances of contamination were usually not quickly detected, thus unsuspecting residents continued to be exposed to the potentially toxic chemicals in the water. In a lot of cases, many years went by before the residents were informed that their water supplies were contaminated.

Cleaning contaminated groundwater can be extremely difficult and expensive. Thus, in some instances where groundwater has been contaminated in the Castle Hayne aquifer, water wells have been abandoned to prevent further exposure of residents to contaminated water. Other sources of water were then sought to meet the water supply needs of the affected resident.

The Castle Hayne aquifer will continue to be an important resource to North Carolina if effective groundwater management policies continue to be developed and implemented. Only then will we be certain of a reliable source of water for generations to come.  

PTRF Launches its First Camping Platform on the Tar River

The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the first camping platform along the Tar River as part of Phase 1 of the Tar River Camping Platform Project. The goal of this project is to promote greater recreational use of the river and boost ecotourism in Eastern NC.  Phase 1 will encompass 4 new platforms and 2 existing platforms/campsites between Rocky Mount and Washington.  The first platform will be constructed on Mr. Joel Bourne's farm near Dunbar between Rocky Mount and Tarboro. PTRF would like to extend a great thanks to the Bourne Family. The Bourne's have generously allowed PTRF to lease a very small parcel of land adjacent to the river, which is where the platform will be constructed.  This platform is located 12.5 miles downstream from the put-in at Battle Park, Rocky Mount and 6.5 miles downstream from the Leggett Road Bridge.  Paddlers desiring a quick take out on Day 2 can take out at the WRC boat ramp in Dunbar or those wishing to extend their Day 2 paddle can take out at the WRC boat ramp at Bell's Bridge in Tarboro.  

The Bourne platform will be a 16' x 32' raised wooden platform approximately 4 feet off the ground.  Half of the platform will be enclosed, much like a screen porch with a sheet metal roof.  Campers will be able to camp on the front open area during beautiful star-lit nights and escape inclement weather or insect onslaughts inside the screened area.  Each platform will be constructed to these specifications, and PTRF hopes to encourage thru-paddling on the Tar River and continuous year-round use of these facilities. 

PTRF has currently raised enough money to construct 2 of these platforms as well as launch the online reservation and permitting system and initial marketing campaign to prospective users.  PTRF will continue to seek funding for future platforms through grant monies as well as solicit corporate or private sponsorships for planned and future platforms.  Future platform locations in Phase 1 of the project (Rocky Mount to Washington) have been strategically selected for their paddling distance apart; however, PTRF is still looking to secure 2 more locations along the river, one in the vicinity of the Red Iron Bridge area just downstream of the confluence of Fishing Creek and the Tar River near Tarboro and the other around the Falkland area.  If anyone knows civic minded landowners in these sections of the river, please contact the project manager, Richard Andrews, at (252) 945-9715 or email his at richard@ptrf.org.  PTRF is continually looking for funds and sponsorships for these platforms, so please let us know if you have any creative ideas or if you know anyone who may be willing to support this wonderful project on the Tar River. We anticipate the 1st platform to be built and ready for use by mid-February. 

Reflections of a Tar-Pam Water Fowler

By Peter Boettger

I have always been a little na�ve as a duck hunter, the romantic image of a Chet Reneson marsh hunter lying deeply buried in my consciousness. I've built box blinds, shore blinds, and boat blinds with all the essentials that were essentially useless. I've put them in places where I felt the ducks should be, in places where I wanted the ducks to be, and many times in places where there were no ducks. In retrospect, the unintentional logic has been that if enough energy, inconvenience, expense, and even physical pain were endured, the ducks would oblige me with the ultimate sacrifice of showing up over my decoys. Somehow this relationship has not held true. To quote Clint Eastwood, I have "adapted and improvised", but often have not overcome. Still, I have found myself drawn to this philosophy is if it were an insidious need for self punishment.

"Bad Timing" - Chet Reneson

Ever the rugged individualist and dedicated free-lancer, I have disdained the idea of guided hunts and sworn off the entire concept as a sell out to gonadal inadequacy. The hunting opportunities to be found on the far-flung publicly owned refuges and waters of the Pamlico have been the scene of many a glorious battle, and allowed me to maintain my independence, not to mention a fitting ambiance. What could be more satisfying than rising at 2 AM, towing an eighteen foot boat for two hours to be at the ramp by 4:30 AM, navigating in the dark on the open sound for 30-40 minutes in freezing temperatures, constructing a blind out of natural materials, setting out 80-90 diver decoys, and maintaining a vigil for the birds while chilling in my own sweat? When the calling works, the divers decoy, the shots hit their mark, and the dog retrieves, it is all worth the trial and tribulation.

Like most duck hunters blessed with a son, I dreamed of what would be his magical first hunt. It didn't quite turn out that way. Two weeks prior to Thanksgiving I had been on the outer banks fishing and had seen multitudes of ducks, as well as the first arriving snow geese on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. I reserved a blind on neighboring Bodie Island, and felt reasonably confident that we would see some action on a quick, pleasant walk-in hunt. At four AM on Thanksgiving, we awoke in the Fin & Feather Motel. A cold front had blown in that night and a nippy wind was gusting out of the northwest. We quickly dressed in all the appropriate duck hunting garb and made sure all the gear was packed in the car. After a stop at 7-Eleven to fill thermoses and pick up a supply of snacks, we checked in at the Bodie Island ranger station for the drawing. Joey was bleary eyed, bewildered, and excited all at once. He obviously enjoyed the small talk of the hunters, as well as their transformation into unusually robust human beings by layer upon layer of insulated camo.

We drew one of the most distant blinds, a half-mile walk on a rough trail in the marsh, flooded with ankle to knee-deep water. Although I had taken the precaution of carrying in what I felt was a minimum of equipment, it was exhausting. It was an effort that would have disgruntled many grown men, but Joey held up amazingly well. After reaching the blind, I frantically threw out two-dozen decoys, as a flock of ducks whistled by overhead, against the clear blue of the dawn sky. At fifteen minutes into shooting time, we were settled and ready to shoot. That was also the end of what few ducks there were. The birds seem to have left ahead of the front, and there had been no new arrivals. After two long hours of seeing almost no ducks, growing cold, and listening to nonstop lousy calling from the next blind I was ready to pack it in. To top things off Joey fell into a hole that filled one wader with ice cold water during the hike back to the car. Needless to say, he was not a happy camper at this point, and was expressing some strong doubts about the rewards of water fowling. Even though other hunters reported similar results back at the ranger station, it was little consolation to a father terrified at the prospect that he may have turned off his son to duck hunting forever.

During the Christmas holidays I summoned the courage to invite him on another hunt, this time with a long time hunting partner. We had been consistently bagging canvasbacks, though not much else, from a shore blind on a tributary of the Pamlico River less than an hour from home. Joey graciously accepted my proposal after some convincing that this was a much smarter plan. Following a short drive and an easy launch, he was able to ride in my fourteen foot jon boat with the gear as we waded along the shoreline, pulling him in tow. An uncharacteristically warm southerly breeze was kicking up small waves. Once at the blind Joey busied himself with untangling our bag of puddle decoys that had somehow gotten wadded up since the last hunt, while my partner and I placed the divers. We were in the blind, warm and comfortable, and ready for the ducks twenty minutes ahead of shooting time. I had a much better feeling already, but I could tell that Joey was holding his opinion in reserve.

Shortly into shooting time I shot a pretty little hen bufflehead as it winged low across the pocket. Billy, my simple minded Chesapeake made the retrieve. I acted like it was no big deal. Inwardly I was thrilled that Joey was finally getting a taste what it was all about. He clearly enjoyed holding the little duck and having a boyish conversation with it. Then a very strange thing happened. I connected on a fantastic overhead shot at a ring neck that miraculously morphed into a merganser when brought to the blind! I could see Joey's enthusiasm and intensity building as he tried hard to spot birds, hold still, and asked about the different species we were seeing.

Suddenly the feathery rush of wings was behind us and then in front of us, as a dozen cans rocketed out high over the spread, then banked hard back toward the blind and descended in a left to right crossing pattern just shy of the last decoy. It was a rangy shot, but our mutual instinct told us there might not be a second chance. As we stood and emptied our 12 guages in rapid volley, not a single duck splashed down. We looked at each other sheepishly, and then at Joey, whose eyes were as big as saucers. The booming guns, shot patterns on the water, the smell of spent powder, and the speed and agility of the big divers had him fired up beyond containment.

Another opportunity presented itself soon after calm had been restored. We watched as a flight of eight cans flew in from across the river and circled around us three times, dipping and weaving in tight formation before making the fatal commitment. Finally they dropped in and cupped up over an open lane in the spread, again moving left to right, except this time a full five yards closer. Two large forms bobbed in the gray waves when it was over, and Billy had the privilege of retrieving the finest bull canvasbacks we had ever taken. There were high fives all around. We stayed a few minutes longer, mostly to relish the moment. It was the happiest time I've spent in a duck blind, and Joey retold the story for weeks to come.          

Joey never became an enthusiastic duck hunter. His search for purpose led him to a far more principled mission in the U.S Marine Corps. In more recent years I have retreated to the mysterious gloom of flooded headwater timberlands and beaver ponds. To let one's primeval thoughts run wild while standing in the haunted darkness of a predawn hardwood swamp is coldly thrilling. As sunshine filters in, the sights and sounds of life awakening here are truly a treat for the senses. The shooting is fast and fleeting. Breakfast at home beckons shortly. New challenges abound here, not the least of which is unraveling the kinder, gentler stealth of the wood duck. The free-lance swamp hunter lives by the farmer's generosity, as well as the tolerance level of deer-hunting clubs for access to quality hunting locations.    

The future holds optimism for our waterfowl. A significant quantity of high quality waterfowl habitat has been protected and restored, which can only help to stabilize duck populations for the long term, thanks to the tireless efforts of a host of conservation organizations. Along with wetland conservation for ducks, the general public benefits from cost efficient cleansing of surface waters, groundwater recharge, flood control, and conservation of non-game species.

"Comforts of Home" - Terry Redlin

There are undoubtedly those hearty souls that will remain undaunted by the big water. As for me, the warm comfort of a Terry Redlin cabin looks more inviting each year.

Peter Boettger is author of Fishing the Western Pamlico, available in the PTRF office.

Fishing Forecast for Winter 2012

By Capt. Richard Andrews

Winter Fishing on the Inner Banks is one of the most overlooked and underrated recreational activities in our area. We are fortunate to have many opportunities for adventurous anglers in pursuit of winter gamefish. While not every day's weather will be the most angler-friendly, paying careful attention to the forecast, picking the pretty days, having your boat ready for action, and knowing winter fish patterns will yield some incredible results for dedicated fishermen.

First let's discuss what species overwinter in our estuary from January through March. While scattered flounder and puppy drum can be found in our river year round and some of them do stay in the Pamlico system for the winter and do not migrate out to the nearshore waters of the ocean, striped bass and speckled trout are by far our most numerous winter gamefish. Speckled trout are abundant year-round and tend to congregate in the upper extremities of our deeper creeks in their traditional wintering grounds. They overwinter is these areas for several reasons: deeper warmer water, the warming effect of the black mucky creek bottom (on the shallower flats) from the sun's energy, and an abundance of bait. They are particularly susceptible to hard freezes, and their metabolism and feeding activity greatly reduces in water below 50�F, thus the consistency of the spec fishing is very dependent on the harshness of the winter. A milder winter will have far more consistent fishing that an exceptionally cold one.

A slower presentation using artificial bait such as a soft plastic jig or a hard sinking twitch bait can be deadly when you can find actively feeding fish. Fishing hard the few days before and after the full moon of each winter month is also very important and will usually lead to more consistent success, as the trout tend to feed more around this time. Some of my favorite soft plastics include the 3" Z-Man MinnowZ paddletail and the 5" Scented JerkZ jerkbait on 1/8 or � ounce lead jigheads. My favorite hard baits include the Yozuri 3D minnow and the crystal 3D shrimp as well as the Mirrolure MR-17. For particularly wary trout, I also like to fish anything very small such as the 2.5" Little Fishy or a double 2" curly tail grub on a 1/16 ounce lead jig head. I believe that many of the winter trout feed on small minnows such as bay anchovies and glass minnows. Presentation is extremely important when fishing both soft plastics and with hard baits, so do a little research and experimentation to figure out what works.

The pinnacle of Pamlico River fishing in the wintertime is our striped bass fishery and especially our topwater fishing. When fishing warmer days during a milder winter, topwater bites are possible all winter but only during the early morning, late afternoon, or on overcast days (really anytime the sun is not shining directly down over the water). This year, we have seen some excellent striper fishing beginning in the late fall. What makes this fishery so wonderful is not the number of fish but their size. Double digit catches of fish ranging from 22-30" have been very attainable. Many striper anglers will encounter lots of small fish in the 13-16 inch class, but the brutes up in the mid-20's are the ones everyone is looking for. Catching stripers in that size class is a whole lot of fun on a medium light or light action spinning rod, and nothing rivals the explosion(s) you might see when one blows up on your topwater bait.

When targeting stripers in the Pamlico on topwater baits, anglers need to pay close attention to banks with heavy structure such as stump fields and old pilings and also water level. Water level dictates much of how the stripers behave on the Pamlico River. After a hard West or Northwest wind, the wind pushes the water downriver (like a fan on one end of a bathtub) and the water level can drop considerably. After a hard East or Northeast wind, just the opposite effect is true. The water (or wind tide) will rise considerably. Low water in general makes fishing this river very challenging but when the water is up, the stripers move to the banks and they can easily be caught on topwater walk-the-dog style baits such as the Zara-Spook or Skitterwalk and plugs such as the Storm Chug Bug. Fishing for stripers in deeper water and during low water conditions might be a discussion best saved for another newsletter.

I encourage every avid angler to pursue the Pamlico's winter fishing opportunities. I winterize my boat by using it all the time. If you want to learn how these fish behave, there is no substitute for time spent on the water. Even a day in which the fishing is slow can educate the observant angler. There's an old saying, "You can't catch em on the couch", so put on some warm clothes and head out to explore the winter fishing on the Inner Banks. You might be pleasantly surprised!  

Capt. Richard Andrews is the owner of Tar-Pam Guide Service, a year-round guide service offering fishing excursions on the Pamlico, Pungo, Neuse, and Roanoke Rivers and specializing in light tackle fishing for speckled trout, puppy drum, flounder, striped bass and big game fishing for giant red drum and tarpon. 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.

RIFFLES AND RUNS

R & R - Sanderson Farms Pushes Ahead, Buys Land for Hatchery

Despite continued opposition and legal challenges, Sanderson Farms purchased the land necessary to build a new hatchery for their proposed slaughterhouse in Nash County, along the Tar River. While the company has not made its formal announcement that the slaughterhouse will be located in Nash County, something they will not do until later this year, their actions demonstrate their commitment to locate the facility in the Tar River watershed.

The hatchery is one necessary component to support a new slaughterhouse. A wastewater facility and sprayfield, proposed to be located in the drinking water supply watershed for the city of Wilson, along with approximately 500 new industrial chicken houses within a 50-mile radius are also needed. Dry litter poultry facilities are not regulated and the State provides little to no public protections from the discharge of pollutants and fecal matter into our water. In fact the NC Division of Water Quality does not know of the location of existing poultry facilities, or the amount or location of where manure is stockpiled and land applied.  

The land acquired by the company for the hatchery is located within the critical water supply area of the Tar River Reservoir, the drinking water source for the City of Rocky Mount. Since a hatchery is considered an agricultural use by definition, certain North Carolina environmental regulations do not apply. For example, sediment and erosion control plans are not required for the construction of this facility.

We cannot support the spread of this industry without a safe and effective resolution of its environmentally harmful practices. Therefore, PTRF will continue to work with Nash and Wilson County citizens, as well as the City of Wilson, to protect the Tar-Pamlico River from this emerging and serious threat.  

R & R - EMC Rejects Decision that NC Lacks Authority to Limit Pollutant Discharge from Industrial Egg Facility

In 2004, the state permitted the largest egg-laying facility in the history of North Carolina to be sited in Hyde County, within the Tar-Pamlico River basin and located one-half mile from the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Due to concerns regarding potential pollution and significant impacts to surrounding waters and the wildlife refuge, DWQ began collecting water samples from the surrounding canals.

DWQ's study along with a special study by the US Fish and Wildlife service found that Rose Acres was releasing ammonia at levels that is impacting the refuge as well as contributing high levels of nutrients and bacteria to the surrounding waters.

As a result, when the State renewed Rose Acre's permit, it included specific provisions to monitor ammonia emissions from the hen houses' ventilation system. This system uses large fans to blow ammonia and other pollutants out of the chicken houses, thereby polluting the surrounding areas and wildlife refuge with excessive amounts of ammonia, litter and dust.

Rather than submit to monitoring of its emissions, Rose Acre then petitioned for review of the agency's action and the North Carolina Poultry Federation intervened, attacking the state's authority to permit the facility. In October 2011, an administrative law judge granted Rose Acre's motion for summary judgment and held that the State lacked authority under the Clean Water Act to limit Rose Acres' pollutant discharge, including ammonia emissions. Due to the seriousness of this case, PTRF moved to intervene, aided by counsel from EarthJustice and Jerry Eatman. The case then moved to a hearing in front of the NPDES committee of the Environmental Management Commission for review of the judge's decision in January, 2012.

The EMC rejected the Administrative Law Judge Augustus Elkin's grant of summary judgment for Rose Acre Farms and his decision that the state of North Carolina lacked authority under the Clean Water Act to limit the discharge of pollutants from Rose Acre Farms. The case now goes back to the administrative courts for a full evidentiary hearing. PTRF will continue its efforts to support the state's authority to issue permits for CAFO facilities that discharge pollutants to the public trust waters.

* We are very grateful to our lead counsel Earthjustice, and to Jerry Eatman, who is acting as local counsel for PTRF, pro bono.

R&R - *NEW* Kayak Fishing Clinic

Join us for the second edition of our fishing clinic series, Kayak Fishing, at the Washington Square Mall in the DENR Building, Division of Marine Fisheries conference room on February 18th from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.  

You are invited to join local fishing experts and PTRF for the second edition to our fishing series, "Kayak Fishing". Local fishing experts from Great Outdoor Provision Companys, Ashley "The Drumminator" Williams and Matt Sadler, will provide information on the most popular species found in the river and the best way to fish for them in a properly outfitted kayak. Information will range from how to outfit a kayak for fishing to how to fly fish from a kayak.  

Display tables and kayaks from GOPC will be available before and after the presentations for a close up look at baits, lures, rods, reels, lines and other fishing accessories. Every question you may have will be answered! Informational handouts will be provided, and there will be plenty of time for questions and answers after each fisherman presents. You won't have to worry about missing out on a thing! This event is free to all PTRF members; $30 for non-members, which includes a one year membership to PTRF. Call 252-946-7211 to register today!

R & R - RIVERKEEPER Cleanup Cup Challenge

Get ready to clean the river March 31st from 8 AM - 12 PM in our 4th Annual RIVERKEEPER� Cleanup Cup Challenge! We'll have Louisburg, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Greenville and Washington competing each other to see who will win the cup! Last year Louisburg won, by collecting 4100 lbs of trash; who will take the cup this year? Exact locations to be determined soon.  

R & R - Sustaining Donor Program

The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation's monthly giving program allows for a stable flow of support for our critical work protecting the Tar-Pamlico River and watershed today and for future generations.

By joining the program, you are giving the organization and staff the opportunity to focus on other priorities, such as our new restoration program and youth activities on the river. In addition, becoming a sustaining donor of PTRF lowers our fundraising expenses, which creates a financially stronger organization!

Becoming a Sustaining Donor is so simple:

• The amount and method of payment of your gift is completely up to you - you can change your preference or stop the program at any time, no questions asked.
• Each month, the amount you choose is charged to your credit card to save you time. Or if you prefer, a monthly Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) from your checking account is also available.
• You will receive an annual statement acknowledging all of your monthly gifts for the year.
• Your membership will automatically update each year, ensuring that you will continue to support watershed protection efforts throughout the 16 counties we serve.
• By providing us with your email address, you will automatically receive Currents, our monthly e-newsletter.
• You'll feel positive knowing your gift is going where it is needed most, by the fastest, most cost-efficient means possible.

We hope you become a Sustaining Donor! Call our office at 252-946-7211 or visit ptrf.org/sustainindonor.php. Thanks!

R & R - Save the Dates

This upcoming spring is sure to be a busy one for us at PTRF and we have so much for you to look forward to! Be sure to save the dates for our two popular events: the 2012 River Jam at the Greenville Town Common on April 21st and our 6th Annual Race for the River Kayakalon at Goose Creek State Park on April 28th. Both events are a great time for family and friends and help the Tar-Pamlico River at the same time!

R & R - Operation Medicine Drop

A diverse group of RIVERKEEPERS �, substance abuse professionals, Safe Kids Programs, and law enforcement departments and officers made possible the hugely successful North Carolina's October 2011 Operation Medicine Drop. The Pamlico Tar River Foundation leads the collaborative advisory group that produced these results. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency cooperated with North Carolina law enforcement in aligning the NC take-back events with the national effort.

The October take-back events when added to the results from the spring 2011 initiatives produce these results for the year 2011:

• 77 out of 100 counties participated
• 253 separate events were held
• 18,251 pounds of pills were taken back and destroyed (that's over 9 tons of pills!)
• 16,698 volunteer hours made the events possible

While the full extent of the beneficial impact these efforts are having on kids and communities, and waters is difficult to determine precisely, it is possible to infer that somewhere in the neighborhood of 28,490 miles of freshwater streams in North Carolina benefited from the planning, implementation, and ongoing evaluation for North Carolina Operation Medicine Drop.

The funding from Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation and the RBC Foundation Blue Water Project makes this success possible. The PTRF board of directors, volunteers and staff are very grateful for the support and confidence in our organization that this funding represents.