Mid-Year Advocacy Updates

June 10, 2024

A Note from Columbia

Early in May in the SC State House, the Recreational Trail Easement bill passed the state legislature and became law! This bill, H.3121, creates a trails tax credit to incentivize private landowners to agree to a perpetual recreational trail easement and right of way. Landowners who participate will receive a 10 cent credit per square foot included in the easement, which must connect to a preexisting public trails network. 

 

This tax credit will not only promote the growth of recreational opportunities in South Carolina, but it will also work to protect more land in the state, too. This is big win for South Carolina conservation efforts!


We strongly supported this bill because we see this as a way to have trails along our waterways. These trails will provide recreational access, but they will also help prevent future land disturbing activities along the banks. We are encouraging 100 ft. buffers across our basin, targeting new development. We see this as a great tool to encourage buffers on existing properties.


This bill passed UNANIMOUSLY so be sure to thank your legislators for voting for it!

 

Click here to read the bill text about H. 3121.


A Note from Raleigh

The North Carolina Legislature reconvened on Wednesday, April 24. There are several bills that we are tracking, but one of particular interest and importance is S. 613. This bill would mandate 25 ft. buffer minimums on state designated trout streams. We know buffers are critical to the health of our waters and trout populations. Trout alone generates more than $1.1 billion a year in North Carolina's economy, and these buffers would protect them as well as the headwaters of our river!

 

Find your State House member here and send them a note expressing your support of protecting the headwaters of our river!


This Election Season

This election year, it is critical that our candidates for office hear from you about the importance of conservation. Most candidates, regardless of political affiliation are not talking about conservation. Not sure where to find your candidates? You're in luck! 


Join us on July 14 for Pig Pickin' and Politicin' at The River Room! We're hosting an old school fair event where you'll be able to learn about your candidates' thoughts on conservation and ask them your questions too!

 

Candidates & constituents from Gaston, Lincoln, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, Cleveland, York, & Lancaster counties will be there to connect with you in a relaxed environment. You'll be able to enjoy local BBQ, engage with legislators, and ask questions about their conservation plans during a moderated Q & A with local conservation professionals.

We're Moving Our Headquarters!

February 5, 2026
We're excited to announce that we are relocating Catawba Riverkeeper's headquarters to Confluence South Fork, our community center taproom in downtown Cramerton , NC . Th is move follows four years of operating out of The River Room in McAdenville and reflects an organizational transition focused on aligning our facilities with Catawba Riverkeeper's mission and long-term sustainability . “Our two taprooms have served as creative and welcoming spaces for engaging the community and inviting more people into the work of protecting our local waterways,” said Wendy Cauthen, Retail Manager. “We are grateful for all the opportunities we’ve had to connect with people over a beer brewed with water from the Catawba-Wateree River basin while enjoying a view of McAdenville Lake at The River Room. While we’ll miss that space, we’re excited to be just a few minutes down the road at Confluence, where we can more fully integrate our mission into a single, dynamic community hub.” Confluence, known affectionately as a “taproom with a purpose,” reminds all visitors who step through the door that “good beer needs good water.” Visitors are greeted by the phrase prominently displayed next to a striking mural by local artist Heidi Nisbett, which illustrates both the beauty and geography of the Catawba–Wateree River basin. “With staff now working on-site at Confluence, we can more intentionally connect the art, music, and recreation people already love with mission-driven programming that highlights education and conversation surrounding water conservation,” said Executive Director Dr. Mo Drinkard. “Our mission has always been to preserve, protect, and restore the waters that millions of Carolinians depend on every day. This move allows us to streamline our efforts, deepen public engagement, and continue serving as a trusted, science-based voice for the river.” We are deeply grateful for our time at The River Room and for the support of the Town of McAdenville, Pharr Corporation, and the surrounding community. Now headquartered just minutes away in Cramerton, we look forward to continuing these and other partnerships across the entire 5,610-square-mile Catawba–Wateree River basin. We invite longtime supporters, Confluence regulars, and new visitors alike to stop by and say hello to staff following our February move.

2025 Year in Review

January 13, 2026
Reflecting on a year of growth and impact.

Catawba Riverkeeper Welcomes Dr. Mo Drinkard as New Executive Director

December 17, 2025
Catawba Riverkeeper is pleased to announce that Dr. Mo Drinkard has been hired as their new Executive Director. A standout among over 100 applicants, Mo was offered the position by the Catawba Riverkeeper Board of Directors search committee on Thursday, November 20th, and she assumed her role as leader of the organization on Monday, December 1st, 2025. Catawba Riverkeeper Brandon Jones, who participated on the search committee, shared that “Mo’s education, experience, and passion are directly aligned with the organization’s mission and needs. We are excited for her perspective and leadership in continuing the critical work of protecting our waters.” Mo is a mission-driven non-profit leader, professor, and scholar with a passion for building strong organizations, nurturing future leaders, and tackling big challenges in conservation, equity, and education. With over 20 years of experience spanning academia (Kent State University, Brevard College, Miami University), community partnerships, and environmental science, she's worn many hats: executive director, grant writer, program architect, DEIB strategist, faculty and student mentor, and not often enough, field biologist in muddy boots. Mo's work lives at the intersection of applied research and social change. She specializes in transforming great ideas into funded, functional, and impactful programs, whether that’s designing experiential learning curricula, guiding strategic organizational turnarounds, or helping community-based groups access the resources they need to thrive. From leading national workforce development initiatives to restoring urban watersheds (Doan Brook Watershed Partnership) and mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists, Mo brings an entrepreneurial spirit and deep subject matter expertise in biology, ecology, sustainability, and inclusion. Mo believes that science is for everyone, and that real change happens when we build spaces where all voices can lead. “I am honored and excited to offer leadership for the next chapter of Catawba Riverkeeper’s work. I believe deeply in the mission and am fully invested in the health and future of this watershed. I look forward to getting to work supporting the waterways, communities, and people that make up this expansive and impactful basin,” Dr. Drinkard said. Catawba Riverkeeper, currently one of the ten largest riverkeeper organizations in the United States, boasts over 8,000 members across the 26 counties of North and South Carolina where the waters of the Catawba flow. As the fifth Executive Director of the organization, Mo will bring new and innovative ways to advance the work of her predecessors and the mission of the organization in this new chapter of Catawba Riverkeeper’s leadership. Mo will be supported by 11 full-time staff and 22 volunteer board members to preserve, protect, and restore the Catawba River so that it sustains plentiful, clean water for generations to come.