Community Power in Action: Southern Basin Clean-Up Efforts

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Community Power in Action: Southern Basin Clean-Up Efforts

May 31, 2023

Back-to-back weekend cleanups prove there is power in community.

Community partnerships and collective action can create a powerful force for positive change! A few weekends ago, the Southern Basin of the Catawba River witnessed two remarkable clean-up events that brought together dedicated volunteers from various backgrounds. From tire removals to a river cleanup, these efforts showcased the strength of collaboration and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Let's delve into the details of these inspiring initiatives and the impact they had on the community.

Saturday Clean-Up: Tackling Legacy Trash

At a cove off of Bird Island Road in the Lake Wateree area, a tactical clean-up operation took place to address the longstanding issue of discarded tires. These tires, likely remnants from the 70s or 80s, were initially intended as fish habitats or catfish traps. With previous attempts to remove them deemed unfeasible due to water levels, the current low water levels, caused by current Lake Wateree Dam repairs and updates, presented a unique opportunity for a more thorough clean-up.

A team of seven dedicated volunteers, including six members of the newly formed Tactical Tire Brigade, along with two staff members, came together to address the issue. Despite the challenging task, the group succeeded in removing a staggering total of 303 tires, weighing in at 9,605 lbs. Additionally, they collected 675 lbs of additional trash, resulting in a remarkable total of 10,280 pounds of waste cleared from the cove. This clean-up effort was crucial, as water levels are expected to return to normal next year after the dam repairs and updates are completed.

Sunday Clean-Up: Unity and Cultural Appreciation

The following day, a diverse group assembled for a clean-up initiative led by the Catawba Nation and Synchrony, as part of Synchrony's Diversity Networks+ program. Remote workers from different locations, some traveling up to two hours, came together to participate in this impactful event. This gathering allowed team members to meet one another and unite in their dedication to environmental conservation.

The clean-up began with a 7-mile paddle on the water, starting at River Park in Rock Hill and concluding at the Catawba Nation boat launch. As they paddled, participants discovered a large collection of deflated tubes washed up on Goat Island in the middle of the river. With a later start time, but happening concurrently, the land portion of the clean-up took place along the Catawba Greenway, further enhancing the effort's scope.

After the clean-up, members of the Catawba Nation came together to perform a traditional song, highlighting the cultural significance of the river and the importance of preserving tribal lands. The event fostered a sense of unity, with people from diverse backgrounds joining forces for a common purpose. First-time kayakers who had participated in the 7-mile trash paddle left the water inspired, ready to share their stories and encourage others to engage in similar projects.

These Catawba River clean-up initiatives in our Southern Basin exemplify the power of community collaboration and the importance of environmental responsibility. Through the tireless efforts of volunteers, legacy trash was removed, and a sense of unity was fostered. By coming together and dedicating their time and energy to safeguarding the environment, participants showcased their commitment to creating a better world. Let us be inspired by these remarkable endeavors and continue to take action in preserving our natural treasures.

*To explore the rich heritage and traditions of the Catawba Nation, we invite you to visit the Catawba Nation Cultural Center. Here, you can delve into the fascinating history, vibrant art, and compelling stories of the Catawba Nation. Learn about their deep connection to the river and gain a deeper appreciation for the land they cherish.

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Announcing our NC State Lab Certification in Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling!

February 5, 2025

Northern basin lab becomes first state-certified non-profit macroinvertebrate sampling lab in North Carolina

Navigating the Legislative Process: How You Can Help Shape Laws to Protect the Catawba-Wateree River

By Ellie Riggs • January 17, 2025

On January 8th, the Policy Team traveled to Raleigh to kick off the 2025-2026 Legislative Session and celebrate the swearing-in of North Carolina’s 170 new lawmakers. Just a week later, South Carolina’s 126th General Assembly convened in Columbia. Congratulations to all the new legislators! We are excited to work with you to protect the waters of the Catawba-Wateree River. Before we dive into the details of our advocacy work this year, let’s take a step back to your middle school civics class. What exactly is a General Assembly? What is a legislative session? And how does an idea become a law? In both North and South Carolina, the General Assembly is the government body responsible for making state laws. It’s divided into two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each member of the General Assembly is elected for a two-year term to represent the constituents from their district—including you! In January of each odd-numbered year, the new NC and SC General Assemblies convene for the first time in Raleigh and Columbia to begin their legislative sessions. During this time, legislators meet with constituents, lobbyists, government staff, and each other to discuss issues and solutions, introduce bills (drafted proposals for new laws), and vote on legislation. The goal of a legislative session is to create and pass laws that address state needs and shape the future of our communities. In NC, the General Assembly meets on a biennial schedule, with a “Long Session” from January to August of odd-numbered years and a “Short Session” in May of even-numbered years to adjust the budget. SC’s General Assembly convenes annually from January to May. So, how does a bill become a law? The process begins when a concerned citizen or advocacy group, like Catawba Riverkeeper, presents an idea to a legislator. If the idea gains support, it’s drafted into a bill and introduced into one chamber, where it’s debated and refined by a committee. If the bill passes the first chamber (in NC, this must happen before May 9th of the Long Session), the process repeats in the second. Once both chambers approve the bill, the governor can sign it into law. However, it’s rarely as simple as the Schoolhouse Rock “I’m Just a Bill” song suggests. Proposing a bill requires a tremendous amount of work, including extensive background research, numerous meetings with legislators, and meticulous conversations and email exchanges to fine-tune the text. Even after this, the bill can face delays, revisions in committee, or a veto from the governor. No wonder “Bill” from “I’m Just a Bill” looks so worn out! There is still one crucial step in the process that Schoolhouse Rock left out, and it involves YOU! As a constituent, your voice can directly influence laws that impact your life. Legislators derive their power from the people they represent, and their decisions are shaped by your concerns. Urging your Senator and Representative to support bills that matter to you is a powerful way to help pass legislation. It’s easy to do! Visit ncleg.gov or scstatehouse.gov to find your lawmakers’ contact information. You can email them to express your support for bills you care about. These websites also let you track the progress of bills as they move through the legislative process. Despite the challenges and complexity of the legislative process, advocating for our river is a central part of Catawba Riverkeeper. Every piece of our 2025-2026 Legislative Agenda and every bill we support has the potential to make meaningful impact on the health of our streams, rivers, lakes, and communities. Advocacy is also a team effort. While the Policy Team is brainstorming new ways to address stormwater runoff, meeting with legislators to discuss the importance of outdoor recreation, and drafting legislation to support disaster recovery, the work of advocating for our waterways requires all our voices coming together to create positive change. We hope that you will join us in being a voice for our waters this legislative session! Visit our Advocacy Page to learn more.