White Oak River
The White Oak River has a total length of approximately 40 miles and travels through three counties. Though most of the land this river travels through consists of forest and agricultural lands, rapid changes are on the way. The population growth estimates for this largely rural area will most likely result in considerable land disturbance in the immediate future .
The White Oak River begins as a small spring in the White Oak Pocosin which is located within the Hofmann Forest, which is privately managed by the NC State Natural Resources Foundation, Inc. This very unique river has the attributes necessary to be designated a National Wild and Scenic River. The White Oak River is eligible for inclusion in this exclusive club due to the “scenic, botanical, wildlife, historical and cultural values” it possesses as it travels through vast forest and agricultural lands, abandoned rock quarries and very delicate blackwater swamps . Many rare plants can be found along the banks of the river as well as abundant wildlife.
Even though the White Oak River drains predominately into rural and forested lands it is on the North Carolina 303(d) List of Impaired Waters . Most of the tributaries of this river are also shown to be impaired with the primary stressor being fecal coliform bacteria. This type of bacteria which is similar to E. Coli lives in the gut of humans and animals. The continued decline in the quality of water found in the White Oak is cause for great concern. The rapid population growth projections, failed agricultural practices and ongoing mining operations encountered along the shores of the White Oak River must be addressed and can only be corrected through strong, relentless advocacy and education.
New River
The New River is a 50 mile long river that begins and ends in Onslow County, North Carolina. One very unique feature of this river and its connecting creeks is that no surface water enters from another county. The citizens of Onslow County hold the keys to preserving and protecting our New River, its many tributary and contiguous creeks.
The New River begins as a small spring and eventually opens to a series of three mile wide bays before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way the river passes through many miles of farmland and vast swamps before its shoreline touches the city of Jacksonville, Marine Corps Air Station New River, Camp Lejeune and finally the village of Sneads Ferry.
The lower half of the New River is home to a longstanding but threatened commercial fishery. Our waterways hold 720 acres of Outstanding Resource Waters with the remaining waters classified as Nutrient Sensitive Waters (NSW) and/or High Quality Waters. Within the designation of NSW are 630 acres and 137 miles of freshwater.
The New River and its tributaries are under relentless assault from many sources including swine and poultry concentrated feeding operations, rapidly expanding urbanization, and weak existing infrastructure. Continued significant commercial agriculture operations, expanding urban development, and increased military operations remain central realities for our river.
