Get RiverLinked!

2009-12-03T10:27:00.004-05:00

This holiday season; give a gift that will not only be meaningful to the recipient, but meaningful to your community, your environment, your world. We here at RiverLink make that easy for you! We have partnered with http://www.greenraising.com/ to bring the option of sustainable, earth friendly gifts and presents for everyone on your checklist! To further the fun; RiverLink will receive 40% of all purchases made from December 3rd- December 15th when you select us as your affiliate! So start your sustainable shopping spree today, and make green your holiday giving way!

We here at RiverLink encourage you to give gifts that will continue to contribute to your community, continue to sustain sustainability and continue to encourage environmentally friendly living every day!

RiverLink has already scrolled through the website and has gift ideas for everyone on your list! Here are a few of our faves for friends and family:

• For someone who is always on the go: Who needs a little tender, love and care, yet would not dare to pamper themselves? Treat your go-getter to a Shidon Natural 3-in-1 soy candle, and tell them to relax (for a minute!)

• For your adventuress niece: Crocheted Flying Discs: An exciting gift for all ages, all year round, inside or out: AND you don’t have to worry about breaking anything in the house!

• For your cooking companion: Treat your loved one to a Recycled Cutting Board, and they’ll treat you to dinner!

• For your wander luster: Wish Sprouters: Write down your dreams on seeembedded paper and watch them grow!

• To your fashion-forward thinking friend: A Bracelet for Change: Hand beaded on a wooden loom by members of a woman’s cooperative in Guatemala

• For your camping companion: A Hybrid Solar Flashlight; say goodbye to batteries, and hello to a sunlight powered flashlight that will last for over three years, cheers to that!

• For your cool cousin: A Blow Out Wallet, made from repurposed mountain bike inner tubes. The perfect wallet to stash their cash in a sustainable style!

• For your marvelous mother: A Green Moment Set: Packed with all the essentials for a relaxing evening, give your mom a reason to take a mini-break this holiday season!

• For your soccer star son: A Fair Trade Soccer Ball: He will get a kick out of this ball made by adult workers making living wages and earning benefits; a benefit for everyone!

Find these great green gifts and more at www.greenraising.com, don't forget to pick RiverLink as your affiliate! Support sustainable shopping. Support the water you drink this holiday season. Think Greenraising. Think RiverLink. Happy Holidays!

2009-10-26T15:01:00.013-04:00

RiverLink is eager to know what city council candidates are proposing as part of their campaign platform to protect and enhance the French Broad River Watershed. RiverLink developed a survey for the city council candidates. Below are their responses (in alphabetical order). Thank you for your input!

Cecil Bothwell's response:

What is your vision for implementing the Wilma Dykeman Riverway (a regional model consisting of 17 miles of greenways along the Swannanoa and French Broad River)? How would you ensure funding to implement this plan? How/or should the City of Asheville work with the Buncombe and other counties to expand and replicate this plan throughout the watershed? Why or why not?

I have been an enthusiastic supporter of the plan for many years. I would be a strong advocate of using a dedicated bond to fund the Riverway and greenways in the city and rally the people of Asheville to approve such a bond in a referendum. We should certainly work with Buncombe County to extend the system. As for other counties, I would think we could principally lead by example.

Over 25 municipalities in North Carolina require buffers ranging from 30 to 100ft along streams. A new proposal (click and scroll to page 13 to see new proposal) by the City of Asheville calls for changes to Asheville's current 30 ft stream buffers. What do you feel is the right size stream buffers in Asheville?

I will be attending the Planning Board meeting to express my strong opposition to reduction in the buffer width. I don't have a complete understanding of how stream sizes are rated, but I would advocate 100 foot buffers on major streams, 30 feet on the smallest and perhaps a step in between for middle-sized waterways.

What is your vision for future uses within our city's floodplain? How will you implement that vision?

According to the best climate modeling, pending climate change is going to increase the frequency of weather extremes. That makes it imperative that we plan floodplain uses that can endure severe flooding (while doing all we can to protect upslope areas to slow the impact.) Restoring the riverfront to simply let the river be the river is the first, and cheapest step. Opening some areas to access as parks, ball fields and picnic areas allows people to be with the river, and then bike and walking trails help connect the dots. I am a strong advocate of multi-modal transportation options that will help walkers and bikers get to the river. (Also, per the ADC proposal, an elevator on the Smoky Park Bridge to let people and bikes access the riverfront.) I believe that as the riverfront is restored, private investment will provide money to develop residential and business sites facing the river.

What regulations and enforcement do you think are adequately protecting our streams and rivers and what, if any, areas need additional regulation and enforcement?

Enforcement of slope protection rules seems to lag way behind the laws themselves. The recent debacle in Kenilworth is a good (bad?) example of lax enforcement. I believe we need to do much more to reduce the use of impermeable parking surfaces, to require developers to impound run-off into recharge basins, to encourage use of rainwater catchment, and to reduce water consumption. (I have advanced a plan that would encourage voluntary conservation. We pretend we have plenty of water, but we continually starve the river during droughts.)

With Asheville having the largest tax and population base in the region, is there a leadership role for Asheville when it comes to land use planning along waterways throughout the region?

Clearly so. It sometimes astounds me how much better other river cities have shaped their relationship to the waterway. If we adopt best practices for protecting our tributary streams, enhance the redevelopment potential of riverfront property and show others how great their relationship to the river could be, it sets a strong example.

How does the French Broad River and its watershed contribute to the region's sustainability?

Water is the new oil. We are entering a period of permanent global drought and have already seen food riots which are, at their base, water riots, in countries around the world. Water is, beyond any question, the most valuable resource on the planet, yet we squander it. (Perhaps because rain is "free.") Our geography creates rain as clouds push up over the mountains, cool and condense, so we are likely to remain one of the wetter areas even as warming shifts the weather and population rockets up. Water is critical to agriculture, and local food is a centerpiece of regional sustainability. In a way, the river doesn't so much contribute to sustainability as offer a barometer on the state of the system. If we practice sustainable agriculture, reduce storm run-off, capture rain and use it once or twice before it rejoins the flow, buffer tributaries, and protect forested steep slopes, the resulting health of the river will be our indicator that we are getting it right.

Robin Cape's response:

The Wilma Dykeman River way is the centerpiece of our community’s river redevelopment and will play an integral part in the future health and economic vibrancy of the whole region. If we look at other communities that have invested in a river related greenway system as part of their community development, we can see the results and outcomes and the positive impact on the surrounding regions. The City of Asheville and Buncombe County are currently establishing a River District Commission that consists of a variety of the stakeholders along the river, including Riverlink, who can work together consciously to direct and guide the redevelopment of the river way. This will offer opportunities for engaging the Wilma Dykeman plan with potential redevelopment options. Funding opportunities exist in the State tax incremental financing program, in partnerships with Department of Transportation

One of the opportunities we have locally is to utilize the visualization modeling applications of the local National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC)to see exactly what these charts propose. I am supportive of utilizing these decision making tools to help us fully understand which buffers are the right size on the properties listed in the charts. It is important that we make information understandable and usable and NEMAC has been developed to assist in value based decision making. From simply looking at a chart it is difficult to assess the value of these proposals. I will be asking staff to provide council with better tools in the decision making process.

What is your vision for future uses within our city's floodplain? How will you implement that vision?

Keeping in mind the overall state and federal laws regulating building within these areas we can encourage mixed used development that is built to withstand a flood event without permanent and lasting damage to the structures and infrastructure. Designing in concert with the possibility of flood occurrences, we can create livable viable community assets that bring more people to that area to live, work, play and be a part of our vital riverfront. The River Redevelopment Commission can focus attention on the necessary policies, funding and support needed to bring the visions for the River to fruition. I support the establishment of the River Redeveloment Commission.

What regulations and enforcement do you think are adequately protecting our streams and rivers and what, if any, areas need additional regulation and enforcement?

We need to continually assess the success of the regulations that protect the streams and rivers to ensure their effectiveness. Enforcement of existing rules and regulations is essential and the city has made great strides in enforcing the rules that protect our waterways by increasing the penalties and fees that accrue when violations occur.

With Asheville having the largest tax and population base in the region, is there a leadership role for Asheville when it comes to land use planning along waterways throughout the region?

Absolutely and Asheville is taking that leadership role by encouraging the formulation of the River District

ReDevelopment Commission to aid and abet the planning and implementation of quality community development, infrastructure and assets along the river.

How does the French Broad River and its watershed contribute to the region's sustainability?

Water is one of the crucial human needs. We always need to protect and maintain our access to this natural resource. The French Broard River is an exceptional opportunity for our community to build on our reputation as a beautiful city within a wonderful environment. Like many other communities, the river is the natural wonder within our city borders. Protecting it and supporting the development of quality community assets along it will be a major part of our future.

Esther Manheimer's response:

Greenways, whether under the Wilma Dykeman Riverway project or the Greenways Master Plan, should play a prominent role in Asheville’s future. A functional, connected system of greenways throughout Asheville will not only provide practical transportation solutions and enhance the overall health and well-being of our citizenry in the process, but will, additionally, increase property values and generally further enhance Asheville’s already vibrant community. Greenways, walkable urban cooridors, bike paths, and other non-vehicular traffic infrastructure will encourage and foster human to human interaction which will, in turn, create community. Funding options must be analyzed but I do not favor the current pay as you go method of funding and prefer comprehensive funding options. The City and the County should work together to construct a greenways system as there is collective goal to see the areas around our rivers enhanced, revitalized and enjoyed by our citizens.

Earlier proposals for Asheville’s stormwater ordinance (which include the mentioned buffer) were confusing making it difficult for the City to enforce and making it difficult for applicants to comply with. Therefore, as a supporter of watercourse protection, whatever setback is adopted, the regulations must be clear for the reasons already stated. I prefer a standard that seeks to regulate projects that disturb land over a certain size (e.g. one-half acre) and simply provide a setback from the top of the bank. Some versions of the proposed ordinance might require an applicant to retain a landscape architect or an engineer just to determine whether the potential applicant is subject to the regulations. I have asked the City to consider adopting the model ordinance provided by the North Carolina Institute of Government as it meets the requirement of adhering to State law while maintaining the necessary clarity.

What is your vision for future uses within our city's floodplain? How will you implement that vision?

The City has already taken great strides in re-envisioning the future uses of our City’s floodplain where it falls in the River District. Certain types of development are appropriate for a floodplain while other types are not. The vision of Asheville’s citizens for the River District is to revitalize the area with appropriate uses such as greenways and parks and a thriving arts community, while sharing space with traditional businesses that rely on the present railway system such as recycling centers. The City’s zoning ordinances and environmental ordinances seek to protect our watercourses while encouraging these appropriate uses of the floodplain.

What regulations and enforcement do you think are adequately protecting our streams and rivers and what, if any, areas need additional regulation and enforcement?

The federal government, the State (through the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)) and the City all regulate streams and rivers and the lands that surround them. The current regulations are adequate but the enforcement of the same is lacking. As a land use attorney with experience in environmental law, the biggest hurdle to enforcement is jurisdiction. Often the City and the State have differing interpretations as to the jurisdiction of a project allowing for enforcement of thorough regulations to fall between the cracks.

With Asheville having the largest tax and population base in the region, is there a leadership role for Asheville when it comes to land use planning along waterways throughout the region?

Yes, Asheville must lead the way in setting an example for zoning and regulatory protection of our watercourses while demonstrating that such regulations will not hinder, and, in fact, can encourage, the revitalization and growth of our waterways.

How does the French Broad River and its watershed contribute to the region's sustainability?

The word sustainability means many things to many different people, but used in this context, the French Broad River and its watershed help diversify the economy of Buncombe County, which, in turn, helps foster a sustainable community. The River and its watershed does this by providing ample water for our homes and businesses, by providing a geographical location around which to locate greenways, parks, the arts, businesses and otherwise help grow appropriate uses for the River, and provide an attraction near which citizens want to live, work, play and otherwise promote community.

Carl Mumpower's response:

I have no resistance to the Riverway - admire the concept. It does not, however, fall on my top ten priority list. Jobs, the economy, our open air drug markets in public housing, street and sidewalk maintenance, keeping taxes low, etc. are higher on the list. I do not believe the plan is realistic to current economic realities locally or nationally.

I do not believe in taking people's private property (per the Constitution) without proper compensation. It is my sense that buffers represent a well intended effort thar results in such. I recognize the effort to expand the flexibility of the ordinance, but would not support it for the reason noted. I am in favor of enthusiastic enforcement of environmental abuses over property seizure in any form. 5th Amendment to the Constitution - "...nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation..."

What is your vision for future uses within our city's floodplain? How will you implement that vision?

Get out of the way and allow the natural forces of a free market economy to do what it does if allowed to work. Participate in those initiatives that are affordable, realistic, and sensitive to personal property rights as well as the common good. I value the potentials of the floodplain.

What regulations and enforcement do you think are adequately protecting our streams and rivers and what, if any, areas need additional regulation and enforcement?

We have mostly adequate laws in place, however, enforcement is inconsistent or selective. Laws without enforcement are more about motion that action. Sincere protection requires the latter.

With Asheville having the largest tax and population base in the region, is there a leadership role for Asheville when it comes to land use planning along waterways throughout the region?

As a healthy model of what is fair and what works - certainly. As big brother - no.

How does the French Broad River and its watershed contribute to the region's sustainability?

Water is likely to be the gold of the 21st century. Our watershed can be compared to an individual's vascular system – it is crucial to our longevity. Nontheless, there are other pieces to the puzzle - all of which matter. A vascular system without a brain, heart, and hand is a limited resource. I have an interest in the balanced governance and support of all our region's resources - most especially our people - all our people. Including those that like to watch races down by the river. [;

Thanks for this opportunity,

Carl Mumpower

Asheville City Council

Gordon Smith's response:

The Wilma Dykeman Riverway ought to be the lead project in a comprehensive multimodal transportation network. It will provide an alternate route for cyclists and pedestrians from one end of town to the other. The areas now marked by industrial decay will be ripe for important new development once the Riverway is in place. Locals and tourists alike will be able to enjoy the river in a whole new way. The Wilma Dykeman Riverway embodies a sustainable future in that it addresses economic, environmental, and community needs. The benefits are apparent to people across the political and socioeconomic spectrum.

Whether we utilize TIF Districts, funding from an increased hotel occupancy tax, or a bond referendum, we must create a dedicated stream of money to implement this vital project.

Buncombe County and other decision-making bodies will see the amazing results of our efforts and will come to us as experts on moving projects like this forward.

I believe we ought to keep the current ordinance in place. The proposed revisions are too subjective and confusing to be uniformly applied. Further, the current ordinance has had only two requests for variance, both of which were granted. This fact refutes the proposition that the existing ordinance is onerous to property owners.

What is your vision for future uses within our city's floodplain? How will you implement that vision?

Carrier Park is an excellent use of our city’s floodplain. As borne out by the floods of 2004, we must be keenly aware of how impervious surfaces create the conditions for flooding downriver. Our uses of these areas must take into consideration future floods as well as the community need for adequate open space and green space.

What regulations and enforcement do you think are adequately protecting our streams and rivers and what, if any, areas need additional regulation and enforcement?

Our current Stormwater ordinance and Steep slope regulations, if uniformly enforced, may provide adequate protection regarding runoff and streamside vegetation. I believe that we need another couple of years with the existing ordinances. At that time we ought to review how successful they have been in protecting our streams and rivers.

With Asheville having the largest tax and population base in the region, is there a leadership role for Asheville when it comes to land use planning along waterways throughout the region?

Yes. First leading by example, then partnering with regional entities, Asheville can be the hub of a sustainable western North Carolina.

How does the French Broad River and its watershed contribute to the region's sustainability?

Four sustainable aspects of the French Broad River immediately spring to mind â€"

1) The river is the drinking water for thousands of citizens. It’s quality is vital to their health and well being.

2) Thousands of acres of farmland depend on a healthy French Broad River for irrigating crops.

3) Economic benefits such as boating, rafting, fishing, camping, and their supportive services support businesses and

offer locals and visitors alike opportunities to experience the river.

4) Our communities benefit from the parks and open spaces adjacent to the river.

Thanks to the candidates who responded! The following are the candidates that we did not hear back from:

Jay Neal Jackson

Terry Bellamy (mayoral candidate)

Robert Edwards (mayoral candidate)

Be A Risk-taker: I dare you...

2009-10-26T10:14:00.006-04:00

This editorial appeared in the Asheville Citizen Times on Sunday October 25, and was written by RiverLink Executive Director Karen Cragnolin as the 6th article in the Risk Takers Series

Risk-takers who made downtown what it is today should take a bow. They've done an extraordinary job. Reviving downtown Asheville was anything but easy. It took Julian Price and other philanthropists' energy, along with lots of sweat equity, creativity, money, bonds, controversy, bankruptcy and historic preservation. It also took saying “no” to a proposed downtown mall and recognition that at times something isn't better than nothing. It took leadership as well as people willing to follow. It takes entrepreneurs, change and gentrification — all combined — to make the downtown what it is today.

Asheville's downtown is the best, most vibrant and diverse downtown in the state, and possibly the Southeast, with the highest restaurant and retail sales per capita in the state and a taxable value of $3,525,901 per acre in the central business district. Big risks led to equally big rewards. As we move more into a maintenance and preservation to protect this fabulous gem, our risk-takers' job description changes. Now we must be vigilant that we don't lose the essence of what makes the downtown so wonderful while at the same time keeping it vibrant and current.But when you compare revitalization of downtown to riverfront revitalization, downtown is and was “low hanging fruit” — easy by comparison. Revitalizing the river encompasses all the downtown issues, challenges and needs — plus all the issues unique to rivers: flooding, multiple and often contradictory regulations at various governmental levels, erosion, sediment, railroads, interrupted access, junk yards, gentrification, land use and protection of the region's drinking water.

The French Broad has shared philanthropists like Julian Price with the downtown. Julian was a very early risk-taker on the river 20 years ago. He financed RiverLink's purchase of the Warehouse Studios and gave us a mortgage when banks in town thought cash flow from artists' rents couldn't possibly cover a mortgage payment. Progress Energy was another risk-taker, donating land to build the first greenway in Asheville along the river (now French Broad River Park) when RiverLink didn't have a plan or a penny to build it. Progress took another big risk by cleaning up a former manufactured gas site by removing 10,000 tons of contaminated dirt and spending $3 million to help bring the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay greenway to the downtown side of the river.

The Janirve Foundation has been a nonstop risk-taker for our community and the river. What would Asheville be like without the generosity and risk-taking of the Janirve Foundation? The Stanback family have been incredible risk-takers, too. They refused to give up on the chestnut trees and are having great success bringing these wonders back to life. The family has invested in open spaces across our region and state and along the river corridor. These opens spaces are forever — gifts of eternity.For over 20 years the grass-roots risk-takers on the river, backed by philanthropists, businesses, volunteers and dreamers have shared a common vision. We believe the river is a melting pot of people and ideas. We collectively envisioned and documented utilizing the river for walking, biking, hiking, paddling, living, working, eating, shopping, viewing and producing arts and crafts, not to mention fishing, recycling, manufacturing and playing. It is happening today, greenway by greenway, junkyard by junkyard, entrepreneur by entrepreneur.

Twenty years ago over 1,000 of RiverLink's grass-roots river risk-takers bought “Deeds of Support” at $50 per foot to build the first greenway in Asheville. These river risk-takers were regular people. They didn't necessarily own river businesses and had no profit motive; they just loved the river and knew it should be better used and protected. They've grown exponentially in numbers and have persevered as grass-roots leaders helping RiverLink develop the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay and with plans and to buy junkyards, speedways, cotton mills and old repair shops and storage facilities for adaptive reuse.

The combined efforts of these early risk-takers and the sheer beauty and potential of the river, along with low rent, have helped create the “buzz” on the river. The river has attracted loads of national media attention, artists, music venues, high tech manufacturers, restaurants, microbrewers, boat rental companies and shopping areas. It is funky and cool and uniquely Asheville. Risk-takers on the river have understood the importance of remembering what Wilma Dykeman always said, “It is important to know and understand the difference between cost and value.” They support good ideas even if they are someone else's. They're in for the long haul.

Sustainability is the new buzz word. But the Native Americans knew sustainability meant planning not just for today, but for the well being of the next seven generations. Sustainability is what old timers call common sense. You don't eat your seed corn. So as we take risks for the future of our community and river we need to make sure we continue to understand and incorporate into our actions and plans the difference between cost and value. We believe we have taken great risks on the river and there are many more risks to be taken.

And, just like with downtown, the big risks will bring equally big challenges and rewards.

Put your best foot forward at Carrier Park!

2009-10-23T13:24:00.005-04:00

Asheville’s beloved Mountain Xpress readers have voted, and Carrier Park was voted number one for THE BEST PLACE TO WALK/RUN! The Ole’ Xpress had some lovely things to say about Carrier Park; “one of Asheville's hidden gems, where the whole family can relax and have fun. The park features easy walking/biking trails, the "mellow" drome (the old racetrack), picnic shelters, a cool playground and even shuffleboard.”

I will go over a brief history of Carrier Park (with the help of RiverLink's Executive Director, Karen Cragnolin), from speedway to greenway, followed by a play by play way to spend your day at Carrier Park (there is so much to do!)

It was just 10 years ago in October 1999 when RiverLink bought the old Asheville Motor Speedway, and in those ten short years the old speedway has transformed into the most used recreational facility in the entire region and is now known and loved as Carrier Park. It is 50 acres of sheer fun and a critical link in the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay. NC DOT has funded a trail which we encourage you to use from Carrier Park to Hominy Creek Park. Now we have four miles of greenway as part of the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay.

RiverLink bought the old EDACO junkyard, which is next to Carrier Park in 2006 and renamed it Karen Cragnolin Park, after our amazing Executive Director. RiverLink worked with DH Griffin and recycled 100,000 tons of concrete that covered the junk yard. RiverLink was just awarded $300,000 in stimulus funds to clean up the oil, grease, diesel fuels left over from being an auto junk yard for 50 years. RiverLink is going to be the first in the region to utilize a Brownfield for Open Space and the first in the region to do a Brownfield using phytoremediation. What is phytoremediation, you ask? It is plants. Yes, plants can clean up a contaminated site! RiverLink will use this site as a demonstration site to demonstrate how to clean up junkyards. Unfortunately, junkyards in Asheville are all along the river corridor - and as land uses change in the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay phytoremediation may be the least expensive way to clean up the all the oil, gas and diesel fuels that are left and contaminate the soil!

So, If you are looking for something to do, then head out to Carrier Park and fill your day with fun underneath the sun or shade (depending on the way of the day…). Mellow out with a walk around the “mellow” drome, or if you are feeling frisky, lace up the old roller skates and pretend you’re hand and hand with your old high school sweet heart with Luther Vandross swinging sweetly in the background. Once you’ve had a skate down memory lane, head over the basketball courts and play a game of pick up (no shirts v. skins, please.) After you are done pretending to be Michael Jordan in his glory days, head out to one of the picnic tables and enjoy that nice North Carolina juicy apple that you packed for a picnic. Picnic tables are scattered throughout the park. Carrier Park also has a large picnic shelter for your enjoyment!

What next you ask? If you’re feeling up to it, head over to the playground and have a good swing; feel the wind at your back and the observe the clouds in your horizon. If you have any friskiness left in you, head down the slide, or take an airplane ride (stationary, but hey we all have a bit of imagination churning through us!) Still going strong? How about a game of sand volleyball, or doing a little shuffle on the shuffleboard. Perhaps you could stretch out those fingers for some bowling; lawn bowling that is (also known as bocce ball over in Italy, Prego!)

Once you have worked up a sweat, head out for a stroll along the many nature trails the park offers. Stop for a breathtaking view of the French Broad River, and breathtaking it is; it literally took my breath away the other day. I found a hidden spot high on the bank where I sat down to ponder the day and let the river wash my worries away. The river seemed to calm me as I sat and admired all the vibrant leaves floating freely down the Ole Broad. The fall colors reflecting on the river is true beauty to the eye. If you are a picture person, this is the perfect time of year to start snapping away. The sights are truly inspirational!

Carrier Park is a park for everyone’s enjoyment, for it seems to bring out the youth in all of us. The park brings together generations young and young at heart to enjoy their day; follow the youthful advice lining the fence of the playground.

“Giggle”
“Go for it”
“Paddle”
“Laugh”
“Awe”

Basically, Carrier Park was made with fun in mind. No wonder the Mountain Xpress readers voted it the best place to walk/run because when you are at Carrier Park; you feel at your best. So go ahead and put your best foot forward and enjoy the ever-inspiring Carrier Park!

Cheers,
Kyle E. Wolff
AmeriCorps member
RiverLink’s newbie to the blogosphere

On Azalea Road

2009-10-19T18:34:00.003-04:00

We are conducting a big cleanup on Azalea Road tomorrow the 20th -lots of great volunteers to remove invasive species and litter of course . We are also out on the river with the kids from RiverCorps at the Asheville Middle School- lets hope it is warmer than this week end!

Big Sweep = Big Success!

2009-10-15T13:06:00.003-04:00

The call for rain did not deter the 120 dedicated volunteers from participating in the Big Sweep Cleanup of the French Broad River coordinated by RiverLink, Asheville GreenWorks, Asheville Outdoor Center and 1-800-Got Junk this past Saturday. In their brightly colored rain jackets, volunteers from ages 3 years old and up collected 3,440 pounds of trash and about 400 pounds of recyclables from the French Broad River!

Volunteers cleaned up on the riverbanks and in the river in canoes, waders and john boats in the six mile stretch from Hominy Creek to the intersection of Riverside and Broadway. In addition to the usual trash suspects of tires, bottles and cans, volunteers also removed car doors, corroded oil drums and televisions. One cleanup team discovered a huge pile of tires on the river banks near Pearson Bridge Drive where they were able to remove 25 tires with about 100 tires still remaining. RiverLink and Asheville GreenWorks are working on getting these tires removed. Illegal dumping of tires and other trash is a big problem in the French Broad River Watershed especially along riverbanks.

"Trash negatively impacts the water quality of the French Broad River. It also makes fun recreational water activities not enjoyable. Who wants to see tires when kayaking or canoeing down the river?" says Hartwell Carson, RiverLink's French Broad Riverkeeper. "These volunteers are directly helping to improve the river's water quality and making our river a more beautiful waterway for everyone."

RiverLink thanks everyone who participated in the Big Sweep Cleanup including Asheville Outdoor Center for lending canoes and 1-800-Got-Junk for collecting and transporting the trash and recyclables to their proper disposal places.

RiverLink Questions City Council Candidates

2009-10-13T14:10:00.004-04:00

It's election time; the air is crisp, the leaves are changing and city council candidates are making their priorities known in an effort to be elected to the Asheville City Council. RiverLink is eager to know what these potential city council members are proposing as part of their campaign platform to protect and enhance the French Broad River Watershed. RiverLink developed a short and simple survey, with the following questions:

1. What is your vision for implementing the Wilma Dykeman Riverway (a regional model consisting of 17 miles of greenways along the Swannanoa and French Broad River)? How would you ensure funding to implement this plan? How/or should the City of Asheville work with the Buncombe and other counties to expand and replicate this plan throughout the watershed? Why or why not?

2. Over 25 municipalities in North Carolina require buffers ranging from 30 to 100ft along streams. A new proposal (click and scroll to page 13 to see new proposal) by the City of Asheville calls for changes to Asheville's current 30 ft stream buffers. What do you feel is the right size stream buffers in Asheville?

3. What is your vision for future uses within our city's floodplain? How will you implement that vision?

4. What regulations and enforcement do you think are adequately protecting our streams and rivers and what, if any, areas need additional regulation and enforcement?

5. With Asheville having the largest tax and population base in the region, is there a leadership role for Asheville when it comes to land use planning along waterways throughout the region?

6. How does the French Broad River and its watershed contribute to the region's sustainability?

The French Broad Watershed is a valuable resource for the region. Both city and regional river fans need to understand how the folks they elect view the river. RiverLink will publish the candidate's answers on Monday, October 26th, using all its media outlets. RiverLink encourages the public to participate in the survey as well to find out how their opinions compare to those of the candidates (click here to voice your opinion concerning the watershed or to participate.) The public's answers will remain anonymous. RiverLink will link the potential candidate's names with their respected answers .

RiverLink, is a regional non-profit spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River and its tributaries as a place to work, live and play. RiverLink is home to the French Broad Riverkeeper, and employs full-time education and volunteer coordinators. Volunteer information sessions are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10am & 5pm at RiverLink offices, join RiverLink this Wednesday, October 14th. RiverLink also conducts monthly bus tours with an over-view of the past, present and future of the French Broad River Watershed, with a tour this Thursday, October 15th from 12-2pm. Sign up
for RiverLink's monthly newsletter at http://www.riverlink.org/newsletter.asp, follow RiverLink’s tweets at www.twitter.com/RiverLink, befriend RiverLink on facebook at www.facebook.com/RiverLink and check out RiverLink's space at www.myspace.com/RiverLink. Hop aboard this election season, and be a voice of the French Broad River Watershed.

2009-10-08T11:14:00.003-04:00

Fall has Fallen

Due to a minor power outage this morning, I had the opportunity to get out of the office here at RiverLink and in step with nature. I decided to head down to French Broad River Park to enjoy the fresh crisp fall air, and observe the first foliage findings. Many people were out and about, enjoying the sunshine and scenery. The dogs seemed to have an extra bounce in their step as they happily trotted alongside their owners.

Every so often, the wind scurried along causing the leaves to dance about the park. Yellows, greens, oranges and a hint of red were floating about, making me stop in my step and sit to enjoy this natural beauty. I found a bench right along the French Broad River, donated by RiverLink in honor of Corrine Zenga, which glistened under the sunshine. Looking out onto the French Broad River, I was taken back by the power and righteousness of the river. A river fills itself with strength, stamina and simplicity.

I could have sat there all day, observing the French Broad River and the lingering leaves, but was re-insured by the fact that it was not going anywhere. These parks were made for our convenience. Parks and greenways are great places to nurture our curiosity of the great outdoors. The French Broad River Park offers swings to sway, a dog park for dogs to play, picnic tables to ponder the day, scenery to study nature’s way and walkways to wander away.

If you have some free time today, I encourage you to get outside and have a heart-to-heart with nature. You won’t be disappointed!

Cheers,

Kyle E. Wolff

AmeriCorps Member

Communication Outreach Coordinator

Give your liver; help save the French Broad River...

2009-09-25T12:05:00.003-04:00

RiverLink, along with Sweet Water Brewing Company, are in cahoots to get your liver to help save the French Broad River. Save the French Broad is Sweetwater Brewery’s Annual Campaign to raise money and awareness for RiverLink’s efforts to build parks, green ways, conduct water quality monitoring, river cleanups, environmental education, muddy water watch and more! The French Broad Watershed is the drinking water source for over a million people and a critical fish and wildlife habitat as well as a world class recreation area.

For the first time in decades, the health of the French Broad River is declining. Visit one of the participating accounts in and around Asheville: Mezza Luna, Hannah Flanagans, Scully’s, Carolina Cinema, Westville Pub, Greenlife, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Wild Wing Cafe, Spa Theology, Square 1 Bistro, Asheville Yacht Club, Bier Garden, Brixx Pizza, Mellow Mushroom Asheville, Little River Tavern – Saluda, Never Blue, Orange Peel, Grove Corner Market, Digable Pizza, Universal Joint Northside Bar and Grill, Cinebarre, Cats and Dog, Weinhauss, Beef o Bradys, Hendersonville Burgermeisters– and buy a paper fish that says, “I gave my liver to save the river!”

Help us save the French Broad River! For more information visit Save the French Broad

Palmyra’s Story

2009-08-25T10:36:00.002-04:00

On May 27th, 25-year old Palmyra Romeo – an Asheville-based AmeriCorps intern at RiverLink, avid outdoors woman, talented bluegrass bass player, and an honors graduate of NC State University – unexpectedly had a seizure, lost her ability to speak, became paralyzed on her right side, lost consciousness and was rushed to Mission Hospital. An MRI revealed a ping-pong ball sized abscess on the left side of her brain. Since then, Palmyra has undergone two brain surgeries, and is making amazing progress. While a full recovery is expected, it will be a long road ahead.

Although Palmyra has minimal health benefits through AmeriCorps, the coverage is not sufficient to cover the astronomical cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and the need for ongoing care. Shortly after Palymra’s first surgery, she said:

I think it is very important that people know about the health care system… I want to see some benefit to others when catastrophe happens. To have all of that happen and to have to worry that you can’t even pay the bill, what are you going to do because you want to live? The opportunity to worry about your health and your care should be very separate from worrying about whether or not you can afford to get the care.

Palmyra needs our community’s support and financial help.

Join us for a benefit concert for Palmyra Sept 15 at the Grey Eagle. http://palmyrabenefit.org

2009-07-29T16:18:00.002-04:00

Rockin' RiverFest is Aug 1st, a FREE day-long festival sponsored by Asheville Radio Group and RiverLink at French Broad River Park featuring the ever popular raft competition, music competition featuring local bands, kids parade, live performances, local food and beverages, corn hole, frisbee golf, kayak demonstrations and much more! There's something fun for everyone!

WIN BIG! Raft Competition Prizes include:
Grand Prize: Diamond Brand boat
2nd Place: $100 Diamond Brand gift certificate
3rd Place: $50 Diamond Brand gift certificate

Celebrity Judges will be selecting Grand Prize, 2nd and 3rd place winners for the raft competition based upon creativity and ingenuity.
For more details on the raft competition, visit

www.riverlink.org

Rockin' RiverFest Event Schedule:
10am - Raft competition begins with launching at Hominy Creek Park
11:00 Rockin RiverFest opens & Kids' Parade Registration begins
Ongoing - local food & beer; kayak demos with Diamond Brand; aerial dance lessons with Asheville Aerial Arts; frisbee golf; cornhole competition and kids' activity area including WNC Nature Center live animals, facepainting, hula hoops with MelMacPink and interactive RiverLink art project.
11:30 – Kids' Parade/Intro
Noon – The Secret B-Sides kicks off Music Competition
12:30pm Belly Dancing with Baraka Mundi World Spirit Student Troupe Dancers
1:00pm Jason Ross Martin
1:30pm Musicians' Workshop Demo and RiverLink presentation
2:00pm Blackjack
2:30pm Asheville Aerial Arts aerial dance performance
3:00pm Hollowpoint
3:30pm MelMacPink Hula Hoop
4:00pm Brushfire Stankgrass
4:30pm Announce winners of competitions - raft, music & cornhole
5pm Festival closes
6-8pm After Party at Wild Wings on Biltmore Ave

Enjoy Tasty Treats:
Anna's Sweets
Blue Daisy Cafe
Luella's BBQ
Rolling Stone Pizza
Ultimate Ice Cream
Wild Wings
Yuengling

Rockin' RiverFest Parking:
Parking for the public will be available at Karen Cragnolin Park (former Edaco Junkyard) on Amboy Rd with shuttles provided to French Broad River Park courtesy of Buncombe County Department Recreation & Parks and EcoTrips. Shuttles will begin at 10:45am and run continuously till 5:30pm. Dogs are not permitted on shuttles. Carpooling is encouraged. Please contact volunteer@riverlink.org with questions about volunteering, raft competition and festival.

The results are in!

2009-07-22T15:40:00.003-04:00

Asheville has voted & the ballots have been counted. We have some spectacular bands playing at the Rockin’ River Fest this year! Check them out:

Brushfire Stankgrass www.myspace.com/brushfirestankgrass

Jason Ross Martin www.myspace.com/jasonrossmartin

BlackJack www.myspace.com/blackjackrocks4

Hollowpoint www.myspace.com/hollowspin

The Secret B-Sides http://www.myspace.com/entertheboom

Rockin' RiverFest is Aug 1st!

2009-07-14T13:31:00.000-04:00

Start making your "yacht" for this year's Rockin' RiverFest, a FREE day long festival sponsored by Asheville Radio Group and RiverLink at French Broad River Park featuring the ever popular raft race, music competition featuring local bands, kids parade, live performances, local food and beverages, corn hole, frisbee golf, kayak demonstrations and much more! There's something fun for everyone!

Have your say who plays at Rockin' RiverFest! Vote online through Fri July 17 for your favorite band to play and win great prizes! http://theriverasheville.com/Band-Voting-For-RRF/4782373.

Now accepting raft race registration. Prizes are awarded for winners in 8 categories including most creative, funniest, fastest, Green Machine Award, That Floats? and Best Theme. Non-profits can enter for free and receive up to $1000 in free on-air advertising with Asheville Radio Group! Raft race registration is only $15 per raft with proceeds benefiting RiverLink and ends July 31st.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to make this a fun & successful event! New this year are team captains to help coordinate parking, kids' activities, raft race, etc. Captains will receive a Rockin' RiverFest 2009 t-shirt, 2 drinks of choice and RiverLink hat and volunteers will receive a Rockin' RiverFest 2009 t-shirt and drink of choice as a thank you for your hard work!

2009-07-07T16:46:00.000-04:00

Here is the official logo for Rockin' River Fest! Lily Davis created this logo & won the contest. Way to go Lily!

2009-07-07T14:33:00.001-04:00

Volunteer info session tomorrow, Wed July 8 at our offices at 10am and 5pm - RSVP volunteer@riverlink.org to attend and indicate which session you will be attending. Come learn fun ways on how you can get involved in protecting the French Broad River!

Volunteer info sessions are 2nd wed of each month at 10am and 5pm.

$6,500 to go!

2009-06-29T09:56:00.001-04:00

Your support in any amount will be matched dollar for dollar. Tuesday, June 30 is our challenge for your gift or your pledge.

You can make your donation on our secure website. www.riverlink.org

You can call it in. (828) 252-8474 ext. 110 for Karen Cragnolin, Executive Director or ext. 115 for Carrie Allen, Operations Manager

Call us & we will come pick it up. (828) 252-8474 ext. 110 for Karen Cragnolin, Executive Director or ext. 115 for Carrie Allen, Operations Manager

You can walk it in. 170 Lyman Street, Asheville, NC 28806. http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&sll=35.591156,-82.560539&sspn=0.059118,0.078449&q=170+lyman&ie=UTF8&ll=35.584351,-82.565904&spn=0.014781,0.019612&om=1

2009-06-05T09:59:00.001-04:00

Contributed by Hartwell Carson, RiverLink’s French Broad RiverKeeper

Three fishing poles and just over three fish were taken and given by the Nolichucky. Another great day of paddling ended at Davy Crockett Park. Hanging with Davy Crockett, a.k.a. Steve Ricker was great fun! I just wish I was dressed as cool as he was.

Riverfest at Davy Crockett Park was a success. About 650 people showed up, including U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, R-1st, of Johnson City. I am now looking forward to the Rankin Bottoms bird tour Saturday, June 6. It is one of the best birding areas in the state. Hope to see you there!

2009-06-01T10:03:00.000-04:00

Blog contributed by Hartwell Carson, RiverLink's RiverKeeper

Paddling down the Nolichucky with Davy Crocket is pretty cool. Davy and I paddled around the bend and the shot of his musket signaled the start of the RiverFest 2009. Davy was a pretty good paddler, but that is not surprising, since he is the king of the wild frontier. The RiverFest was at Davy Crocket Birthplace State Park, so Davy was on hand for the day.

Soon the guys from the TN Wildlife Resources Commission were pulling huge fish out the river. They caught more fish in 2 minutes than we had caught all week. They did have the help of an electro shocker. There boat has a devise that runs electricity into the water and stuns the fish. They are momentarily paralyzed and scooped into the boat. This allow them to take fish surveys along the river, but today it was used to educate everyone about the 40-50 species of fish in the Nolichucky River. The kids had a ball touching the fish and throwing them back in the water and watching them swim away. We also built rain barrels, learned about rain gardens, and ate some delicious BBQ.
Tuesday, June 2 we will be in Greenville, TN leading a rain barrel construction workshop, where you can build you own rain barrel. For $60 you will get instruction and take your own barrel home. The workshop is at Ace Hardware in Greenville and if you want to come contact Carrie Allen at carrie@riverlink.org or call 828-252-8474.

2009-06-01T09:31:00.001-04:00

Blog contributed by Hartwell Carson, RiverLink's RiverKeeper

I awoke this morning to the sound of the rain, but before I could even get up the morning sun began to beat down on all my wet gear. Wet gear has been a theme throughout the trip, but all the rain has afforded some really good water in the river. After departing from the group this morning I set off downstream by myself. There was one big rapid between me and my campsite and I was slightly concerned to paddle this alone. The thought of all my gear floating downstream while I swam to shore, had me a bit worried. I did not see a soul all day, until about 100 yards before the top of the rapid. Another boater came out of now where and I followed him safely down the class III rapid. A few fish were finally dumb enough to bite my hook and I made sure to capture this on film, since I had been making up stories all weekend about all the big fish I caught "while no one was looking."

A varied group of folks were meeting at the Nantahala Outdoor Center on the Nolichucky River for a great day of rafting. The sun was up and the rain had provided ideal water levels. NOC was generous enough to donate several trip so a group from the Nolichucky Watershed Partnership group, could see the Nolichucky Gorge firsthand. This partnership has formed, with the help of Altamont Environmental, to help cleanup the Nolichucky River.

We got a very close first hand look at the water quality as splashed through continuous class III-IV rapids. After acting like hard core paddler, in a raft, we setup to view some films about real hardcore paddlers. The films were part of a series of films from Rapid Transit Video, that showcased some extreme local kayaking. The feature length movie showcased a beautiful, but very challenging run down the Linville Gorge.

Saturday the RiverFest is taking place at Davey Crockett State Park, near Greenville, TN. Come join the fun. Monday we will be back on the water for more fun.

RiverLink at Mountain Sports Festival

2009-05-28T10:20:00.001-04:00

When: Friday May 29, Saturday May 30 and Sunday May 31

Where: Carrier Park on Amboy Rd.

What: RiverLink will have an information booth and be conducting environmental education activities during the Mountain Sports festival dedicated to promoting the outdoor and adventure recreational activities in Asheville and Western North Carolina. For more details, full schedule of events including recreation, entertainment, clinics, demonstrations and more, please click here.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help staff RiverLink info booth and assist with our fun, environmental education activities during the following times. We appreciate the time you can dedicate to us from 2 hours to 5 hours.
Friday May 29th 5-8pm
Saturday May 30th 10am-7pm
Sunday May 31st noon-6pm

Please contact Rachel Doebber, Volunteer Outreach Coordinator, at volunteer@riverlink.org or 828-252-8474 ext. 118 to sign up to volunteer and include which date(s) and time(s) are best for you.

Paddlin' the river

2009-05-27T15:20:00.002-04:00

Blog contributed by Carrie Allen, Operations Manager for RiverLink.

I was fortunate enough to be able to tag along with Hartwell Carson, RiverLink’s RiverKeeper and Palmyra Romeo, RiverLink’s Assistant RiverKeeper, along with quite a few capable & wonderful people on the first part of RiverLink’s annual two week paddling trip. It all started in Spruce Pine, NC on the North Toe River. RiverLink held the kickoff event, including The Wisemans, an awesome bluegrass band, hot dogs, raffles and good people.

We set off on the river in a group of about 30 people – unofficially called a "floatilla". It was not my first time on a river, but definitely my first time on an overnight camping trip. I had never canoed whitewater either, so I was a bit nervous! We did fabulous. I was blessed to be on the river with some strong boaters. Everyone helped each other & worked as a team, especially when one of us tipped over. After much rain, a few tipped boats & some soggy bread, we made a success of the first few days. We saw many different kinds of fish, a snake, and the rare and endangered Hellbender salamander.

I definitely plan on joining up with them again next year.

Dinner on the cheap Fri night @ an awesome restaurant. And the proceeds go to RiverLink. How can you pass it up?

2009-05-27T11:50:00.001-04:00

Dine at 131 Main Restaurant with all proceeds benefiting RiverLink!

When: Friday May 29 lunch 11am-1:30pm and dinner 5pm-8:30pm

Where: 308 Thetford Street Asheville 28803 next to Regal Cinemas in Biltmore Town Square. From Long Shoals Rd, turn onto Schenk Pkway and turn left onto Thetford St. Follow Thetford past Regal Cinema with garage parking located next to 131 Main.

What: Asheville's newest restaurant, 131 Main, is graciously offering to donate all proceeds from their family and friends practice dining sessions to RiverLink. For just $5/person for lunch and $10/person for dinner, you can enjoy delicious appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts to help 131 Main prepare for their opening. Seating is limited and reservations are required. For reservations, please call 828-707-2508 between 2 and 4pm. Please note; parties are limited to 4 guests or less and excludes alcohol- cash bar will be available.

Thank you for supporting RiverLink!

2009-05-21T16:10:00.002-04:00

Don't miss the opportunity to float the Nolichucky

with RiverLink's French Broad RiverKeeper

Join us in the fun!

2009-05-21T16:03:00.002-04:00

The Asheville Planning & Zoning Commission meeting has been postponed.

2009-05-21T13:56:00.001-04:00

You still have time to sign the petition. Voice your opinion. Let them know that it is NOT ok to harm our streams.

“The ordinance is moving forward and is scheduled to be heard by the Planning and Zoning commission on June 3rd at 4pm. {date changed to July 23} This will probably be the last time they monkey with it and therefore a critical time to make any improvements. The buffer proposal that is in the ordinance is still very convoluted and flawed. I believe it is too confusing to enforce and understand and therefore ripe for mistakes and misinterpretation. It also reduces the buffers across the City of Asheville. Considering the amount of growth we have had, the projected growth for the future and the decline of water quality in the French Broad, we think it is the wrong proposal to be moving forward.”

Hartwell Carson
French Broad RiverKeeper®
RiverLink

Sign the petition to save our streams: www.petitiononline.com/link710/petition.html

Want an easy way to save the French Broad?

2009-05-19T10:28:00.002-04:00

It only takes a minute:

www.petitiononline.com/link710/petition.html

The amount of failing streams in the French Broad River Watershed has increased by 75% in the last two years and the City of Asheville is proposing rules that would reduce one of the most vital protections for the river. Stream side vegetation is currently protected to prevent harmful pollution from entering the river. The proposed rules would reduce those protections and leave the French Broad River vulnerable to further water quality decline.

There is a proposal under consideration by the City of Asheville to reduce stream side protections throughout Asheville. This change refers to changes of the stormwater ordinance buffer rules. The current ordinance specifies 30ft buffers on all mapped streams and the new rule would be very convoluted and confusing. It is based on slope, disturbed area, and stream type. It would be too confusing to enforce, too confusing for many developers to understand and ultimately a reduction for the protection of our streams.

With the water quality of streams getting worse throughout the state, many other communities are increasing the stream side protections in response to this threat. Communities like Hendersonville, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Charlotte, and dozens of other NC towns have 50ft vegetative setbacks, but Asheville is considering reducing their protections down to 8 and 10ft in many circumstances. This is the wrong proposal at the wrong time. Asheville should be leading way not heading in the other direction. See page 13-14 of the proposed stormwater ordinance for the new buffer chart.
http://www.ashevillenc.gov/uploadedFiles/Residents/Public_Services/Stormwater/ProposedRevisedStormwaterOrdinance.pdf

Join us for Paddlin' the Nolichucky kickoff event!

2009-05-18T10:38:00.008-04:00

Paddlin the Nolichucky is two week monitoring, education, and outreach trip. The trip will start at Riverside Park on the North Toe River in Spruce Pine, NC and finishing at the mouth of French Broad River, 140 miles down stream. This trip is design to monitor the water quality of the river, but to also educate the public about the challenges facing the river and highlight the river as a world class recreation destination.

The trip will feature a variety of activities for the public to join in the fun. From a camping trip to the RiverFest, make sure you don’t miss the fun!

Events:
May 23rd- 11-1pm - Kick Off Celebration in Riverside Park, Spruce Pine, NC
The event will feature music, speakers, grilled food, raffle, and boating on the N. Toe River. Bring your own boat or rent one in the park.

May 23rd-25th – Paddling/camping trip from Spruce Pine, NC to Loafers Glory.
Sign up to join the Riverkeeper for a 1 day 1 night camping trip or a 2 day 2 night trip down 19 miles of the N. Toe and Nolichucky River. Bring your own boat and gear and get ready for an exciting two or one day paddle trip. RSVP is requested

May 26th – Rafting/paddling/Film Festival along the Nolichucky Gorge.
Bring your own boat or jump in a raft for an exciting ride down class II-IV rapids. Hang around that night for food a paddling film festival at NOC on the banks of the Nolichucky. Films will start at dark and feature kayaking films from rapid transit video along with additional environmental films.

May 30th – 10-6pm-Riverfest in Davy Crockett State Park near Greenville, TN.
A huge variety of demonstration, including catching fish and bugs in the river, making rain barrels, food, vendors, and fun!

June 2nd - 4:30 - 6pm -

Rain Barrel constructon workshop in Greenville, TN.

Don't you wish you could keep these spring rains around for the summer? By learning to build a rain barrel and taking home your very own, you can. A rain barrel captures rain runoff from your roof and can then be used to water your garden, flowers, or lawn. $60 gets you a rain barrel and the knowledge to build others. This a great way to also help the drought. The workshop will held at Ace Hardware (click for a map) )at 1023 W. Main Street. RSVP to sign up and pay.

June 6th - 8am- Rankin Bottoms Wildlife and Bird Tour

The French Broad and the Nolichucky River come together to form Douglas Lake, and Rankin Bottoms is a skinny peninsula that sticks its nose right into the middle of things. It is the best example of river bottomland in East Tennessee. Fish get trapped here, and waders, ospreys and eagles have a fine old time. It is one of the best birding areas in the state. Join a naturalist for a guided tour of this beautiful wildlife habitat. RSVP to sign up and for directions.

Stay tuned for much more information! or contact the French Broad Riverkeeper at 828-252-8474 ext. 114 or at riverkeeper@riverlink.org.

2008-05-21T11:45:00.000-04:00

THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER YACHT CLUB™
INVITES YOU TO
GET LUCKY ON THE RIVER
on Friday the 13th-
Dance, Drink, and Dine!

Join Us in Celebration of the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay
with dancing, local savory fare, beer and wine and tours of a new, completely sold-out eco-friendly community on the Swannanoa River.

Friday, June 13
Fun starts at 7pm at The Lofts at Mica Village

at 75 Thompson St. in Biltmore Village

$25/person advance RSVP
$30/person at the door

Click here to RSVP
Ticket is food & beverage inclusive

Enter our raffle for a chance to win some lucky prizes!
Casual "yacht club" attire

All proceeds will benefit RiverLink's efforts to revitalize
the French Broad River and its watershed.

Click here to view photos from the 2007 Yacht Club party

2008-01-30T16:38:00.001-05:00

Railroad Quiet Zone Meeting Rescheduled

2008-01-30T16:34:00.001-05:00

Due to bad weather, RiverLink is rescheduling the Railroad Quiet Zone Meeting from January 17th to February 21st at 6 PM at the AB Tech Campus, Simpson Auditorium.

Our guest speakers are Thomas Drake, Grade Crossing Manager for the Federal Railroad Administration, Audio Engineer Dr. Bruce Ikelheimer, Community Consultant Ed Harris and local developer and HUD inspector Regina Trantham.

Please visit our webpage at http://www.ashevillequietzone.org/ for additional information about the Railroad Quiet Zone. Click here to take the survey.

Riverfront Bus Tours

2008-01-30T16:33:00.000-05:00

Third Thursdays, 12:00-2:00pm

2008 dates: February 21, March 20, April 17, May 15

Register online

Come tour the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers with RiverLink and witness their magic first hand. This is an opportunity to see the improvements that have occurred and hear what is coming over the next several months and years to make our rivers a better place to work, live and play. You will also learn some local history and visit some streets and neighborhoods you have never seen before.

If you ever wondered about the river development project – this is your opportunity to see and hear about the plans for the future. The bus will meet you in front of Asheville City Hall and return to City Hall.

This tour is free for RiverLink members. Non-members cost $15.00 per person. Lunch is not provided but you can bring your own. Reservations are a must – so call us at 828- 252-8474 or click here to make your reservation online.

Volunteer Information Session

2008-01-30T16:32:00.000-05:00

RiverLink is an exciting place with an abundant amount of opportunities in which to get involved. If you would like to be involved in the work of restoring our watershed as a place to live, work, and play then come join our team! We rely on the help of volunteers and gratefully appreciate the talent, skills, and interests that our volunteers bring to the table.

The information session will detail all of RiverLink's volunteer positions in a 30 minute Powerpoint presentation. Volunteers will have a chance to fill out a volunteer application, and the Volunteer Coordinator will be available to answer questions and help volunteers find their best fit at RiverLink.

Please RSVP to the Volunteer Coordinator:

(828) 252-8474 or volunteer@riverlink.org

View current volunteer positions

Download and fill out a volunteer application

2008-01-30T16:30:00.000-05:00

Become a Muddy Water Watch Volunteer

Want to help cleanup and stop the spread of the biggest polluter in the watershed? RiverLink is pleased to announce the receipt of a grant from the Pigeon River Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, for the RiverLink's Muddy Water Watch program. This January 29th (5-8:00pm), February 12th (5-8pm), and February 23rd (10am-2pm), volunteers will be trained to help them recognize and report stormwater and erosion control violations. These volunteer will visit active construction sites in an effort to bring sites into compliance, by ensuring sediment is not leaving these sites. RiverLink hopes to have a team of trained volunteers watching construction sites to prevent the number one polluter in the French Broad Watershed- sediment.

Participants need to complete all three trainings to be certified as a Muddy Water Watch Volunteer. The first two training will present what are the regulations, who enforces, what does a violation look like, and how to report a violation. Representatives from the Division of Water Quality, City of Asheville Stormwater Services Department, Neuse Riverkeeper, and French Broad Riverkeeper will all be available for training. The last day participants will visit active construction sites and practice the skills and tools they now have.

If you are interested in becoming a Muddy Water Watch Volunteer fill out the volunteer application (download link below) and send to Hartwell Carson:

French Broad Riverkeeper
Email: Riverkeeper@riverlink.org
Fax: 828-253-6846
Address: PO Box 15488, Asheville, NC 28813.

Download Volunteer Application

Richmond Hill Inn Tea

2007-11-09T11:48:00.000-05:00

Richmond Hill Inn tea party and silent auction to benefit RiverLink

by Staff Reports (Citizen Times

published October 26, 2007 7:53 am

ASHEVILLE – There's a tea party and silent auction next month at Richmond Hill Inn to benefit RiverLink.

The event is planned from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18. The silent auction will feature locally made arts, crafts and jewelry in the area. The Inn will be fully decorated in classic holiday style.

Guests can enjoy live performance paintings by nationally known River District artist Jonas Gerard with live auctions of the pieces to follow. Jonas' theatrical painting style is appreciated by children and adults alike. With exciting music Jonas creates energetic art that guests take home, with a winning bid, as a memento of this unique event (www.jonasgerard.com).

The cost is $14.95 per person. Reservations are necessary, and can be made by calling Richmond Hill Inn reservations at 252-7313. If you are out of town, their toll free number at 888-742-4536.

Concrete cleanup at former junk yard

2007-11-09T09:37:00.000-05:00

Pounding the ground

by Brian Postelle in Vol. 14 / Iss. 15 on 11/07/2007
http://www.mountainx.com/news/2007/110707buzz1/

The concrete is coming up on the Amboy Road site where a junkyard once sat.

Big crush: Concrete removal is underway at the former EDACO junkyard — site of the future Karen Cragnolin River Park. Photo By Jonathan Welch

The nonprofit RiverLink purchased the EDACO salvage-yard property last year for the bargain-basement price of $900,000. The 5.33-acre site will provide a crucial link in the organization’s greenway plan, connecting Carrier and French Broad River parks and completing a seamless stretch of parks from one end of Amboy Road to the other.

The piles of junked cars were quickly removed, but the lot remained sealed in concrete while required testing and research was conducted. Now, for the next couple of weeks, a gigantic machine will pound the concrete, breaking it away from its 50-year home.

“And then,” exclaims RiverLink Executive Director Karen Cragnolin, “We’ll build a park! It’s very exciting.”

Of course, she concedes that things aren’t that easy. Once the concrete is ripped up, it will take another few weeks to ship it to the companies that will recycle it as asphalt or fill for construction projects.

The Southeast-based D.H. Griffin and Co. is demolishing and removing the 120,000 tons of concrete for free and helped acquire necessary permits for the demolition, Cragnolin says.

Once the site is cleared and seeded, phase-two surveys will test for residual effects of the junkyard on the land underneath, a process that will take at least a year. That testing will be funded in part by a brownfield grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The new park, named after Cragnolin by the RiverLink board of directors, will be a new chapter for a parcel with a varied pedigree. Before its junkyard days, the land was once part of Asheville’s first airport, did a little time as a duck pond and served as part of the Asheville Speedway, which once operated at the present-day Carrier Park site.

With some time before construction starts, RiverLink is polling the public to find out what uses the park should serve (see the survey at http://www.riverlink.org). Like the neighboring parks have been, the Karen Cragnolin River Park will be turned over to the city of Asheville once completed.

RiverLink voted Best Environmental Group in WNC by Mountain Xpress readers!

2007-10-19T12:04:00.001-04:00

RiverLink voted Best Environmental Group in WNC by Mountain Xpress readers!
Mountain Xpress, October 17

RiverLink Acquires Another Missing Link

2007-10-05T14:21:00.000-04:00

The RiverLink board of directors is proud to announce that RiverLink, Inc. acquired the former B&H Sheet Metal Buildings at 115 through 119 ½ Riverside Drive, locally known as the “Blue Buildings”.

RiverLink’ mission is the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River and its watershed as a destination to live, work and play.

Dick Hall, Chairman of the Board at RiverLink said, “This is what people see when they cross the Smoky Park Bridge. It is Asheville’s front door with over 100,000 cars a day crossing the bridge and looking down at the river – the view is about to become much more welcoming. We are anxious to continue our work with area governments and the community at large to reclaim this precious piece of the floodway for the public in perpetuity and continue to implement the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay.”

GO TO WWW.RIVERLINK.ORG TO READ MORE AND PURCHASE A DEED OF SUPPORT

RiverLink Receives Grants for Stream Restoration!

2007-10-05T14:20:00.000-04:00

Hominy Creek in West Asheville and Robinson Creek in Arden will soon be taking on a new and improved look.

RiverLink was recently the recipient of two grants from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund to restore and improve the water quality and habitat in several area streams. The banks along both streams will stabilized with rocks and logs, strategically placed to protect the stream, look natural, and improve the habitat in the stream.

The water quality in Hominy Creek will be improved by working on two feeder streams in West Asheville. These include Buttermilk Creek in Malvern Hills Park and Rhododendron Creek in West Asheville Park. Buttermilk Creek was recently named as part of RiverLink’s name that stream contest, and is now getting a face lift. Over time the stream banks have become so eroded a safety fence was installed to prevent anyone from falling off the tall steep banks. As the banks are restored there will also be a significant amount of native plants to shade the stream and guarantee stability over time.

Robinson Creek in Arden will receive a heavy dose of river trees and shrubs. This creek was the former site of the Brookwood Golf Course, and is now being developed for residential housing. With the help of this grant, part of this development will include a 20 acre conservation easement and improved water quality and habitat.

RiverLink recently completed the stream restoration on the Swannanoa River at Azalea Park. This prevented tons of pollution from entering the stream each year and provided for a much improved recreation and fishing hole. These projects help RiverLink continue its mission toward the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River as a place to live, work, and play.

For more information visit www.riverlink.org or contact Hartwell Carson at Riverkeeper@riverlink.org or at 828-252-8474 ext. 114.

Become a Member of Team RiverLink

2007-06-27T15:42:00.000-04:00

Have you ever thought about getting more involved in Western North Carolina? RiverLink has numerous volunteer opportunities and welcomes any amount of time you may have to give.

On Wednesday, November 7, RiverLink's is holding its' monthly training session for future volunteers. Come to RiverLink's headquarters (170 Lyman Street) at 3:30 p.m.

A 30 minute presentation will give an overview of RiverLink's mission and background and ongoing and special events volunteer opportunities. You will have a chance to ask questions, fill out a volunteer application, and speak with the Volunteer Coordinator about your interests and availability.

RSVP to volunteer@riverlink.org or call us at 252-8474, ext 118

2007-02-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

RiverLink Announces RiverWise Award Winners for 2006

RiverLink is proud to honor and announce the 2006 RiverWise Award winners. RiverLink chose these projects for exhibiting outstanding achievements and efforts to protect the land and water quality in our community. According to the NC Public Interest Research Group (NCPIRG), the French Broad River watershed is the fastest growing area in the state of North Carolina. With this fact in mind, the RiverLink Board of Directors and staff decided to recognize individuals, institutions, and private for-profit developments that celebrate and protect the wonderful watershed we call home.

Individual RiverWise Award Winner This year as an individual RiverWise Award recipient, we are please to recognize Whitney Galloway, from Transylvania County. Whitney conducted his senior project in the fall of 2006, cleaning the east fork of the French Broad River. He organized two river cleanup teams on two different weekends enlisting the help of 16 other volunteers to clean 4 miles of stream and remove 8,700 lbs of trash, which included washing machines, hot water heaters, toilets, 60 tires and an old bed frame. Whitney’s team conducted water quality tests both before and after the clean–ups.

Institutional RiverWise Award Winner This year we are pleased to recognize the Asheville Middle School River Corps Team. This group of 15 students provides a wonderful example how middle school kids working together can empower themselves with “hands on activities” and take actions designed to improve water quality. The River Corps Team has conducted river clean-ups and tree plantings. They have had field trips to the outdoor wetlands classroom at Carrier Park and their teachers are including educational environmental lessons into their curriculum.

Private Developer RiverWise Award This year we were unable to identify any private developments in the French Broad River watershed meriting recognition as a RiverWise recipient. No private development was nominated by any other entity and no developer nominated himself or herself. We set the bar for recognizing private development very high in 2005 when we recognized the Dover’s Road Project.

In 2005, RiverLink awarded Constance Rauscher the RiverWise award for an individual; for an institution we recognized Evergreen Charter School and for an outstanding private development we honored the Drovers’ Road Preserve.

RiverLink offers three awards programs each year:

Critical Links reconizing volunteers who go above and beyond;
RiverBusiness (with Asheville SCORE) designed to recognize new businesses on the river that help implement the vision of the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay; and RiverWise awarded to individuals, institutions and private development whose actions help protect water quality and preserve and protect our watershed.

For more information about RiverLink or to get involved please, visit our website at www.riverlink.org.

Monthly volunteer info/ training sessions

2007-01-16T12:33:00.001-05:00

Monthly volunteer info/ training sessions

*Starting in November 2007 the info sessions will be on FIRST Wednesdays of each month at 3:30 p.m.and FIRST Fridays at 12:15

2007 dates: November 2 (Friday), 7 (Wednesday) December 5 (Wednesday), 7 (Friday)

RiverLink offices, 170 Lyman St.

Open to the public- please RSVP to volunteer@riverlink.org

Come to RiverLink to find out all about how YOU can get involved in our efforts to revitalize the French Broad watershed! A 30 minute presentation will give an overview of RiverLink's mission and background and ongoing and special events volunteer opportunities. You will have a chance to ask questions, fill out a volunteer application, and speak with the Volunteer Coordinator about your interests and availability.

Riverfront Bus Tour

2007-01-16T11:13:00.000-05:00

RiverFront Bus Tour

Where: Meet at Asheville City Hall

Third Thursdays, 12:00-2:00pm

2007 dates: Nov 15, Dec 20

Come tour the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers with RiverLink and witness their magic first hand. This is an opportunity to see the improvements that have occurred and hear what is coming over the next several months and years to make our rivers a better place to work, live and play. You will also learn some local history and visit some streets and neighborhoods you have never seen before.

This tour is free for RiverLink members. Non-members cost $15.00 per person. Lunch is not provided but you can bring your own. Reservations are a must – so call us at 828- 252-8474 x118 or email volunteer@riverlink.org to make your reservation today. Members click here to register online.

Stream restoration on the banks of the Swannanoa River at Azalea Park

2007-01-08T16:33:00.000-05:00

Swannanoa Dresses Up After Stream Restoration

Fisherman are always hesitant to give up the location of a good fishing hole, but after the completion of a 1.2 stream restoration along the Swannanoa River, the restoration workers from North State Environmental were proud to share their secrets. As they moved heavy rocks and trees with the flick of their back hoes, they bragged about the fishing improving overnight. This project, in Asheville’s Azalea Park was designed to protect the rapidly eroding stream banks from continuing to dump hundreds of tons of sediment (dirt) into the Swannanoa River. Sediment is the number one polluter throughout the French Broad Watershed, including the Swannanoa River. It is detrimental to aquatic life, but by installing rocks and logs to protect stream banks, a prime trout fishing location was enhanced, right in the city of Asheville.

North State Environmental and RiverLink recently finished planting the stream banks to ensure continued stream bank protection, as well as enhancing aquatic life habitat. This is the end of a long effort by RiverLink to secure funding, hire an engineering firm, and a construction contractor. RiverLink received a grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, to help improve the water quality and make it a place to swim and fish again. Wolf Creek Engineering provided the design and expertise on how to protect stream banks and improve water quality. North State Environmental then came in and constructed the log and rock veins that will ensure a fully functioning stream in the future.

Because of the ever expanding pace of poorly planned developments, erosion continues to be a problem in our local waterways. This stream restoration will protect the stream banks, including the largest wetland in Buncombe County, and provide oxygen and fish habitat. Root wads from trees were also inserted into several sections of stream to improve fish habitat. Since the secret is out, cast a line and see the improvement along the Swannanoa River.