Starting at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, June 19th, and running straight through until 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 21st, there will be a vigil held in downtown Raleigh at the Halifax Mall, which is in the middle of the legislative and other government buildings. Please come out to support us in our fight against the hog industry. (Click for complete details)
MercuryThe Lower Neuse Riverkeeper, Larry Baldwin, is organizing a major Mercury Campaign that will focus attention on the issue of Mercury being released by the coal-fired power plants in our state. Approximately one and a half years ago, Larry and Dean completed their sampling for this toxin in fish throughout the watershed. The results were disturbing. Approximately 60% of the fish sampled had Mercury levels above state and EPA standards. The focus of Larrys Mercury Campaign will now focus on people who rely on the fish they catch to feed their families.
Development Larry is also working on Inner-Coastal Development, issues Development has been occurring in these areas and property along the Neuse at alarming rates. Areas of concern in the lower Neuse involve Carteret, Craven, Lenoir and Pamlico Counties. This type of development can have a very negative affect on water quality if it is not done in a sustainable way. Waste water dischargers throughout the lower Neuse are also under the microscope. Pressure for increased sewer capacity to allow for new development has substantially increased. Some municipalities are actually looking at placing new pipes, or increasing their sewer discharges to the Neuse River and tributaries. This is an unacceptable option. Sustainable development requires the use of non-discharge alternatives.
Roads & Bridges Recently, Larry has learned of a major highway bypass to be constructed in Greenville. The Southwest Bypass, as it is known, has three construction alternatives. Larry is now focusing on convincing the NC Department of Transportation to choose the alternative with the least environmental impact. A large group of residents in the Ayden, Winterville and Greenville areas have joined our efforts in this matter.
BALDWIN HONORED AS "CITIZEN OF THE YEAR"
I was honored at the New Bern Civitan September Awards Dinner as this chapters "CITIZEN of the YEAR"! This is quite an honor, and is given to that person who exemplifies the true concept of being a CIVITAN. The CIVITAN organization is dedicated to community service and providing good stewardship to the community through their outreach. Being chosen for this award is one of the highlights of the year for me, and my association with CIVITAN has enlightened me to what service to your community really means.
Through my work as Riverkeeper, the New Bern CIVITAN saw yet another way to help out in the community by volunteering to help with the New Bern Youth Summer Camp program, where the NRF supplies canoes for the youth to spend some time getting to know the Neuse River. Over a six week period, the NRF, along with numerous volunteers from the New Bern CIVITAN, helped get the kids set up in canoes and launched, while other CIVITAN volunteers were on the river in kayaks to ensure the safety of the kids.
After the program was complete, it was unclear as to who got the most out of the experience...the kids or the CIVITAN volunteers. What a rewarding experience. I want to thank the New Bern CIVITAN for this most prestigious honor, and I will strive to continue to be worthy of the honor.
