Sound Rivers, Inc.
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Mission Statement
Exists to monitor, protect and enhance the Tar-Pamlico and Neuse Rivers and watersheds while promoting environmental justice, through education, advocacy and research. We are a Member of EarthShare North Carolina, a coalition of 70 environmental and conservation organizations. Contributions made to EarthShare NC support all of these organizations and causes.
About This Cause
Sound Rivers, Inc was formed through the merger of the Neuse and Pamlico-Tar River Foundations on April 1, 2015. Sound Rivers is a North Carolina based advocacy organization for the protection and enhancement of the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico watersheds. Sound Rivers is rooted in science, and has been at the forefront of environmental education and conservation efforts in both watersheds since 1980, The Neuse and Tar-Pamlico rivers are two of three major rivers that feed the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuary which is the second largest in the United States. Sound Rivers is a grassroots organization that employs two RIVERKEEPERS(R) who work with local communities, the scientific community, legislators and regulators to identify and address issues affecting water quality throughout the watersheds. Recent acute issues include coal ash, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), mining, sedimentation and unauthorized discharges of pollutants along the 5,900+ miles of streams and rivers in the watershed. Sound Rivers is actively involved in restoration of water quality by building raingardens, bioretention cells and artificial wetlands. Over $350,000 in projects are helping treat stormwater run-off before polluted water finds its way into streams. The organization is working to build recreational use of public waters by building camping platforms and establishing a water trail. Sound Rivers also operates a summer youth kayaking program with environmental education geared toward lower socio-economic strata youth who otherwise would not experience the river or kayaking. Increasing use of the navigable waters is designed to increase understanding and appreciation for the natural beauty of the this region which stretches from the vicinity of Raleigh, NC down through the coastal plain and across the Pamlico Sound. These watersheds cover more than 12,000 square miles and a population of more than 2 million. The Albemarle-Pamlico estuary is the nursery for 90 percent of the seafood species caught in North Carolina, and the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico watersheds include more than 800,000 estuarine acres. The watersheds also include 60,000 acres of lakes including the critically important Pocosin Lakes Wildlife Refuge and Lake Mattamuskett, the largest natural lake in North Carolina. Both the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico Rivers remain nutrient sensitive waters. As of 2015, the North Carolina legislature has taken steps to weaken or eliminate rules that have helped reduce nutrient runoff into these rivers and streams. These steps, combined with on-going population growth, threaten to increase the nutrient load in these rivers leading to algae blooms and increased fish kills. Sound Rivers is a leading voice fighting for continued protection of these public waters.