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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 basin and its contiguous creeks is that no surface water enters from another county. Thus, more than any other watershed in the state 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, incorporates multiple significant tributaries, and 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 estuarine commercial fishery.  Our watershed holds 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 basin.

Environmental Setting
Recreation
River Facts
Water Quality
 
 
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