September 26, 2017 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Elon University, Moseley Center, 2nd Floor Room 215 100 Campus Dr, Elon, NC
MAP/Directions
All residents of the Cape Fear River Basin and their elected officials are invited to the Cape Fear River Forums September 26-28th. The Cape Fear River Assembly is hosting its first annual Regional Forum series to educate and engage participants in a basin-wide discussion on the importance of the Cape Fear River. The Cape Fear River system is North Carolina’s largest river system whose basin covers 9,000 square miles and encompasses streams in 29 of the state’s 100 counties and is the most industrialized of all of North Carolina’s rivers.
The Cape Fear is our main source of drinking water and industrial water. Continuing growth and competing demands for water use across the basin make it more important than ever to engage the community on these topics. Citizen and local government awareness, interest, and concern about the Cape Fear River is critical and increasing.
The Cape Fear River winds for 200 miles through the heart of the North Carolina Piedmont, crossing the coastal plain, and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near Southport. The 35 miles of river between Wilmington and the ocean is called the Cape Fear Estuary because of the tidal influence and saline waters. This area of the river is extremely important for saltwater animals because of its function as a nursery for juvenile fish, crabs, and shrimp. In addition to providing a habitat for fish and other aquatic animals, the wetlands surrounding the Cape Fear Estuary are home to otters, alligators, a host of bird species and even bears.
The Cape Fear River Forums will be held in each of the key subbasins (upper, middle and lower) and will address water issues, industry, and environmental solutions. Each forum is free and open to the public.
Dr. Erin Eldridge, professor of Anthropology at Fayetteville State University will present a poster on coal ash contamination of drinking water. Sustainable Sandhills will present a poster highlighting local climate resilience efforts. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will display a variety of posters on their Green Growth Toolbox, state of fisheries, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and more. Various universities, including NCSU, ECU and UNCW will present research on water quality and supply. The Cape Fear River Partnership will share their 5-year Implementation Plan. Other posters will be presented on topics ranging from water quality concerns like GenX and CAFOs, to flooding and stormwater, agriculture, wildlife, green growth and best management practices, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, Jordan Lake, and more. All posters will highlight issues and solutions relevant to the Cape Fear on a local and regional scale.
The Cape Fear River forums will see the launch of the Cape Fear River Video Project. Willing participants will have the opportunity to share local community insights and reactions to issues confronting the river. Carter Media Consulting will be on hand to record the stories, thoughts, and concerns of attendees related to the Cape Fear River.
Other Locations and Dates:
- Middle Sub-basin Forum: Fayetteville, NC September 27, 2017 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Fayetteville State University, Lyons Science Annex (LSA), Rooms 120/121 1200 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC (off of W.T. Brown Dr.)
- Lower Sub-basin Forum: Wilmington, NC September 28, 2017 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. UNC Wilmington, Center for Marine Science, Main Auditorium 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane, Wilmington, NC
4:00PM - 4:45PM
Welcome
Cape Fear River Assembly Presentation
River Issues in Your Area
4:45PM - 6:00PM
Experts/Community Posters Introduction
Cape Fear Video Project
Poster Social Hour and Light Refreshments
About the Cape Fear River Assembly
The Cape Fear River Assembly (CFRA) is an independent nonprofit with a mission to provide the highest quality of life possible for the residents of the Cape Fear River Basin, through the proper management of the Cape Fear River, its tributaries, and adjacent land uses. This mission is accomplished through efforts to investigate, educate and effectuate. Scientific study coupled with economic analyses will provide the information needed to make the best possible decisions regarding this river system and its uses. Education provides a better-informed public and thereby improved stewardship of the river system as a resource.
The CFRA includes membership from Greensboro and High Point to Wilmington with a 39 member Board of Directors. The Assembly membership and the board are made up of representatives from throughout the Cape Fear River Basin and with varying interests including environmental and conservation organizations, academia, small business and industry, government (local, state, and federal), and the general public.
