By Edgar Miller, Yadkin Riverkeeper/Executive Director

As another significant year for the Yadkin River heads over the dam(s), it’s time to reflect on our efforts to protect this invaluable resource that provides drinking water for more than one million North Carolinians. While we have accomplished much in 2025, much remains to be done. It would be nice to get an assist from Santa for some of these…

Dear Santa,

The Yadkin River board, staff, members, donors and volunteers have worked very hard this year to protect and enhance the Yakin River. From a final, much improved stormwater permit for Alcoa Badin Business Park to reduce the amount of hazardous contamination going into the River and Badin Lake, to the installation of another 25 mile marker signs on along the Yadkin River State Trail, we have worked very hard.

From the new partnerships and relationships we’ve built on advocacy, water sampling and paddles, to our work in support of environmental justice, we have been very good. For Christmas 2025 and a Happy New Year in 2026, we would very much appreciate the following on behalf of the Yadkin River and Yadkin Riverkeeper:

Adoption of the High Rock Lake nutrient management rules to reduce nutrients, sediments, bacteria and other pollutants entering the Lake and the River and causing Harmful Algal Blooms.
Approval of a hazardous waste cleanup permit at Alcoa Badin Business Park requiring removal of hazardous waste buried on and around the site and the community of West Badin.
Increased enforcement and oversight of stormwater and erosion control permits.
No Transco SSEP Pipeline without major changes to require more environmentally sensitive construction and operation and community input.
More Swim Guide sponsors so we can maintain and expand this popular program.
Cost effective DNA test methods to track the source of bacterial pollution.
At least two new Yadkin River State Trail (YRST) paddle accesses.
Extension of the YRST above Kerr Scott Reservoir in western Wilkes County.
A new boat for Ward, just kidding, but a lightly used shuttle van would be nice.
And last, but not least, a successful year end fundraising campaign so we can celebrate our accomplishments again next year.

Your friend,
Yadkin Riverkeeper

To all our donors, members, friends and family, the Yadkin Riverkeeper board and staff wish you blessings for a joyous and happy Holiday season. We are grateful for your support and would appreciate you helping Santa make #10 come true by making a year end donation if you haven’t already done so.

https://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/news/2025-year-end-appeal

Happy Holidays.