In Memoriam – C.D. Collins

Mo Drinkard • August 25, 2022

Catawba Riverkeeper is saddened to share that longtime advocate and volunteer and one of our first board members, C.D. Collins, passed away last week.


C.D. was one of the driving forces behind the creation of Riversweep on Lake Wylie that has now grown to encompass the entire river basin and thousands of volunteers each year on the first Saturday of October. Additionally, C.D. helped us select and purchase our very first boat, the Rachel Carson, in 2002, and has worked diligently to keep her running and ready to respond to any need on the water for more than 20 years.


As the Admiral of the CRF Navy, C.D. has not only led the group of volunteers that keeps our boats in tip-top condition, but has taken in dozens of donated boats over the years, got them in great shape, and helped us resell them to support our efforts to be your on-the-water advocate, protecting our waters without compromise.


Today we remember all of C.D.’s efforts and will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers. It is members and volunteers like C.D. Collins who make this organization great! If you would like to remember C.D. with a memorial donation to our boat fund to ensure that our vessels are always ready to spring to action or to Riversweep, you may do so by clicking on the button below or mailing a check to: Catawba Riverkeeper, PO Box 11838, Charlotte, NC 28220.


Thank you C.D., you will never be forgotten.

August 31, 2026
Now Is the Time to Speak Up for Our Forests & Rivers
By Mo Drinkard August 14, 2026
Earlier this month, the Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition hosted their Summer Meeting at Confluence South Fork in Cramerton, NC. During the meeting, attendees received updates on projects occurring in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin, including: Updates from Duke Energy on recreation, invasive species, shoreline management, and the current drought. Highlights from the latest Integrated Water Resources Plan including recommendations for ongoing and future management of our river system. Regional project updates throughout the river basin. You can view the slide decks shared at the meeting by clicking on the links below: Catawba Riverkeeper Update CWWMG Integrated Water Resources Plan Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition Shoreline Management Plan Catawba-Wateree Relicensing Coalition Brief History Catawba-Wateree Recreation Use and Needs Study and Project Updates
By Madison Washington August 6, 2026
Catawba Riverkeeper Floating Classroom