Haywood Waterways Association could not do the work they do to protect and improve the streams, rivers and lakes in Haywood County without business, community, and individual support. 2011 saw new projects and partnerships, continuing contributions from strong supporters, and some farewells to long-time champions for water quality. In December every year, Haywood Waterways holds an Annual Awards dinner to recognize all those who make its programs and projects possible.

As part of that recognition, Haywood Waterways 2011 Big Creek Award was presented to Evergreen Packaging, or Blue Ridge Paper Products, as Haywood Waterways Partner of the Year.  Haywood Waterways continues to benefit from the support of Evergreen Packaging, Haywood County’s largest employer.  Evergreen is behind the Kids in the Creek Program held every year at the Canton Recreation Park, where they lead the water chemistry station.

Derric Brown, Director of Sustainability at Evergreen said “We truly believe that programs like Kids in the Creek help our children grow up knowing the importance of protecting our natural resources. We’re especially proud not just of our involvement in the program to reintroduce fish into the Pigeon River, but with the success the program is having. The fish are thriving. That means the river is healthy and that is good news for all of us.  We’re proud to win this award now, and we pledge to remain a partner in these programs.”

The 2011 Lake Junaluska Award was presented to Haywood Waterway’s Volunteer of the Year, Gordon Small.  Gordon was a Board member from 2005 to 2011, along with serving on their Technical Advisory Committee.  He was responsible for initiating two projects that have the potential to significantly reduce the amount of sediment or dirt in Haywood County waters.  He is leaving the Board of Directors of Haywood Waterways but also leaving behind a land use legacy.

Gordon was the catalyst for the Resource Assessment for Mountainside Development Program and Landslide Hazard Mapping.  Both these programs are considered more critical than ever due to cuts in government spending and the decision by Haywood County not to have a full-time slope engineer on staff due to the downturn in the economy and development in recent times.  Whatever direction the economy takes from here on, Gordon will be credited for stepping up with a plan to make information available to home owners and developers about building wisely with regard to human safety and our natural resources.  Gordon commented that “It has been a rare privilege to work with a lot of people and organizations in Haywood County on water quality concerns and wise use of our land and resources.”

The 2011 Pigeon River Award was shared by two men, both of whom have made significant contributions to protecting land and water resources in Haywood County.  And, as luck would have it, both are in transition at present, having left their former positions to move on to other opportunities.  George Ivey has been a valuable member of the Haywood Waterways community for over 10 years.  As a Board member and donor, fundraiser and community activist, George has made an incalculable difference for Haywood County residents.  Land owners, schools, farmers, and community citizens young and old will continue to enjoy the benefits of the long and selfless hours George Ivey has given to the Pigeon River Watershed.

Tim Garrett, formerly with the Southwest NC Resource Conservation & Development Council (RC&D) and now with the USDA, was recognized by Haywood Waterways for his contribution to natural resource protection and improvement efforts.  RC&D and Tim Garrett have been one of Haywood Waterways’ primary partners, helping to foster the organization as it secured its nonprofit status.  Tim Garrett and his agency brought credibility to the efforts to restore and continue to maintain clean water quality in Haywood County.

As Tim looked back on the many successes he facilitated in Haywood County during his tenure as Director for the RC&D, he noted “Successful improvement of water quality on a watershed level only happens with local involvement and buy-in. Haywood Waterways Association, Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District and Southwestern NC RC&D Council have partnered well with local landowners, businesses, plus County and Town leaders to create local buy-in.”

He added “Their passion and dedication to the natural resources of the County is what has driven their long term work, but the thing that makes their efforts attractive to outside state and federal funding and technical assistance agencies, plus private organization grants is the science based approach to identifying the water quality issues, planning improvement needs, applying the best management practices needed, and quantifying the results. Creating measurable results is key to showing project improvements and what brings funders back to our efforts here in Haywood County.”

It’s with great pleasure and immense gratitude that Haywood Waterways Association take time out to recognize all of its supporters every year.  Haywood County is fortunate to be able to call upon so many dedicated individuals, businesses, and area agencies and organizations.  All of us who live in this beautiful area benefit from their efforts to keep waters here clean and clear.  If you agree, take time to thank those who work to ensure the best possible quality of life for all of us in Haywood County.