Watauga Riverkeeper

10/07/2026

🚨 Take Action to protect the Clean Water Act & our waterways 🚨

The Clean Water Act is under threat—and here in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, that could have major consequences for the rivers, streams, wetlands, and communities we call home.

On September 9, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers released a supplemental proposal that would dramatically narrow which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act. Under the proposal, many streams and tributaries would lose federal protection if they do not have water flowing continuously throughout the entire year. Wetlands could also lose protection unless they meet extremely narrow requirements for their connection to other protected waters.

We need your voice right now. The comment deadline is this Friday, October 9. Tell EPA and the Army Corps: Keep our waters protected.

The Clean Water Act is under threat—and here in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, that could have major consequences for the rivers, streams, wetlands, and

09/17/2026

In a world where you can be anything… be a tangerine darter✨🎏

09/02/2026

Join us for a Rally for the Roadless Rule on September 14th at 5:30 in IG Greer on the campus of Appalachian State University. Details at mountaintrue.org or on our social media. Thanks!

The United States Forest Service is proposing to rollback the Roadless Rule, which currently protects 66 million acres of National Forest land, including critical areas in North Carolina's Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, sparking widespread opposition from local communities and environmental....

09/02/2026

Beautiful day for Watauga River Swim Guide sampling. Clear, cold water on the tailwater, clear and low on the lake. Stay safe and enjoy!

08/26/2026

Want to come RIVER snorkeling with us? Now’s your chance! We just had 4 spots open for our Community River Snorkel at 321 Upper Gorge Park on the Watauga River with our friends High Country Wild

This Saturday 8/29 from 12 pm-3 pm. Please sign up online in advance here: https://mountaintrue.org/event/community-snorkel-adventure-in-the-watauga-river-in-sugar-grove-nc-8-29/ or link in bio. 🐟🤿💧

08/21/2026

Out here on the lower Nolichucky scouting debris and access for our next suite of cleanups. Absolutely beautiful River with some cleanup work to be done. Such incredible habitat and probably peak osprey, kingfisher, wildlife sightings. We are grateful for your support of these amazing cleanup crews.

07/30/2026

Beautiful day for swim guide sampling. Water is looking great after the storms early in the week. Doe River was running high and brown. Should settle out quickly. Saw lots of folks enjoying the rivers. Tune in for results on Friday. Enjoy this beautiful day. Summer is fleeting so we recommend you head to your favorite river and spend some time there asap.

07/24/2026

We love our hard working crews

06/30/2026

Stay safe folks

🌊 FLOOD ADVISORY — Watauga County — Until 8:15 PM EDT

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for Watauga County until 8:15 PM EDT this evening.

Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have already fallen from the slow-moving storm that has been sitting over the Boone and Foscoe area since this afternoon. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

📍 LOCATIONS IMPACTED:
Boone, Blowing Rock, Foscoe, Sugar Grove, Seven Devils, Lovill, Valle Crucis

🌊 STREAMS AND DRAINAGES TO WATCH:
Laurel Creek, Beaverdam Creek, Meat Camp Creek, Cove Creek, Valle Crucis area streams, and numerous other drainages across western Watauga County

⚠️ Low-water crossings may become impassable. Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas is expected.

🚗 TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. If you encounter a flooded road, find another route.

If you observe flooding, mudslides, or flooded roads, report them to NWS Blacksburg at 1-866-215-4324.

Forecast courtesy of the National Weather Service

06/29/2026

Join us tonight for a public interest meeting about our Old Fort Finishing Dam Removal project.