Supporting the South Fork Passage State Trail (NC Senate Bill 329)

Ellie Riggs • March 25, 2025

Help Expand NC's State Trail System!

Last week, because of our advocacy efforts, North Carolina lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 329 to recognize the South Fork Passage State Trail. As the bill moves through the legislative process, now is your chance to use your voice to speak out for the river!

What is a state trail?

A state trail is a linear land or water corridor with statewide natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational significance. North Carolina’s 14 state trails, spanning nearly 4,000 miles, are part of the state park system and authorized by the General Assembly. These trails support the state’s $16.2 billion outdoor recreation industry by attracting visitors, creating jobs, and boosting local economies. State trails also promote healthy lifestyles, provide recreational and educational experiences, and help protect North Carolina’s land, air, and water.

Why Is SB329 Important?

SB329 will authorize the South Fork Passage Trail, expanding North Carolina’s state trail system through Catawba, Lincoln, and Gaston Counties. The proposed trail will follow the South Fork River, a historically significant waterway that connects the region’s ties to the Catawba and Cherokee Nations, Revolutionary and Civil War battles, and the19th and 20th century textile industry. The South Fork River also supports an array of plant and animal species and important habitat. The South Fork Passage Trail is a key step in both conserving the region’s character, history, and natural resources and enhancing its recreational offerings for 20% of North Carolinians who live within an hour drive.

What’s in SB329?

SB329 proposes a 60-mile paddling, hiking, and cycling trail will connect Jacob Fork Park in Catawba County to Beatty G. Ross Park in Lincoln County and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Gaston County.

You can read the full bill text here. Read our bill overview here.

What’s Next?

The bill must pass through the House and the Senate before it becomes law.

Learn more about how a bill becomes a law here.

Why Your Voice Matters

Remember, legislators are driven by the concerns of people they represent. As a constituent, your voice can directly influence SB329 and other legislation affecting your community. We hope you’ll choose to make a difference today by finding your lawmakers and emailing them to urge support for the South Fork Passage State Trail. To make the process as simple as possible, we’ve created this email template that you can use to contact your legislators. You can also show your support by signing our petition !

Visit www.catawbariverkeeper.org/advocacy to learn more.

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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.