Watauga Riverkeeper


The Watauga Riverkeeper is the key protector and watchdog of the Watauga River Basin in Western North Carolina. MountainTrue’s Watauga Riverkeeper endeavors to monitor and protect the quality of our region’s waterways through dedicated volunteers and engagement with Watauga and Avery county communities and local and state government. The riverkeeper wants all High Country residents and visitors to enjoy clean waterways free of sediment pollution and supporting a thriving mountain ecosystem. The Watauga Riverkeeper carries out the following programs and initiatives to protect the Watauga and Elk Rivers:

  • VWIN Water Quality Monitoring Program where volunteers take 65 water samples monthly from 13 sites located throughout the Watauga River watershed to ensure that our waterways are clean and healthy.
  • Recreation/Access: The Watauga Riverkeeper works with local individuals and groups to improve access to fishing and recreational opportunities on the Watauga River.
  • Stormwater management occurs through the Muddy Water Watch program.
  • SMIE Biomonitoring Program through which the Watauga Riverkeeper leads workshops and trainings so that citizen scientists can help determine the presence of certain aquatic insects, which are great indicators of river health.
  • Patrolling the watershed for polluting activities and serving as a resource and point of contact for the public on issues related to the Watauga River.
  • Swim Guide: Weekly bacteria monitoring.

    • phone: 828-406-2429
    website: mountaintrue.org/waters/watauga-riverkeeper
    facebook: facebook.com/wataugariverkeeper
    instagram: @wataugariverkeeper
    address: 164 Depot Street, Boone NC 28607



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