11/27/2011 - River Respect

There’s a lot to be thankful for in Winston-Salem these days: crisp air, fall foliage, Moravian cookies. But one thing that’s often overlooked is the river that flows silently on our outskirts—the mighty, modest Yadkin. Not only does it give our area a stalwart source for drinking water, it gives all of us an easy, leisurely escape. It’s a river that flows more than 200 miles, creating a basin that’s the second largest in the entire state. It’s also the site of some incredible bouts of history—from the place Daniel Boone honed his hunting skills to the site of the first documented gold discovery in America. More than anything, though, it’s a river that deserves a second look (and we don’t mean from a bridge on I-40). Take a stroll down the Yadkin River Greenway in Wilkesboro; cast a line out from the bluffs at Boone’s Cave; take a paddling trip through Surry County, where you’ll wind through islands, rapids, and rocky outcrops. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can outrun all traces of civilization…and you might think twice before applying the “muddy Yadkin” adage. “This river is truly amazing, and it’s so convenient for us in Winston-Salem,” says Dean Naujoks, head of the Yadkin Riverkeeper. “It’s easy to forget just how beautiful a resource it is.” Since coming on board three years ago, Naujoks has been hard at work to better the life and water quality along the Yadkin. He says the river is currently looking at some of the most critical legislation it will ever face, from the licensing battle with Alcoa Inc. to war against the House Bill 655, which endangers the Federal Clean Water Act. (Read more about these issues at YadkinRiverkeeper.org.) We’ll take a closer look at the legislation next spring, but for now, this is a reminder to us of how lucky we are to have the river on our side. When you’re busy counting blessings this Thanksgiving, make sure you give thanks for the Yadkin—a river that flows hundreds of miles yet remains a hidden treasure. Writer: Michal Breedlove (Twin City Talk)