Protecting the North Fork French Broad
Through Wild and Scenic River Designation
Proposed Wild and Scenic Designation for the North Fork
Citizens are proposing Wild and Scenic River designation for approximately 3.2 miles of the North Fork of the French Broad River, located in Transylvania County, North Carolina. This section of the river is entirely on federal lands managed by the U S Forest Service.
Wild & Scenic designation for the North Fork of the French Broad River would ensure that it is never dammed, that its water quality is protected, and that it receives exemplary management by the US Forest Service to protect its special values in perpetuity. Local citizens defeated proposed dams here in the past, and their hard-won success should be made permanent.
The North Fork’s Special Values
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WNC's Headwaters
The North Fork is the headwaters of the French Broad River, which is a centerpiece of active life in Brevard and Asheville.
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Water Quality
The water quality and flows in the Upper French Broad are vital for both agriculture and recreation.
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Fish and Wildlife
The North Fork is an important habitat for aquatic wildlife, such as hellbenders and other salamanders, aquatic insects, and trout.
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Local History
Local citizens organized to defeat several proposed dams on the North Fork over the past 60 years.
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Economic Benefits
French Broad River-reliant businesses create or maintain 38,554 jobs each year, contributing to a total annual enconomic impact of $3.8 billion.
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Outdoor Recreation
The North Fork is home to a classic whitewater run that has been a favorite of generations of WNC paddlers, and offers excellent fishing.
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers system recognizes and protects the most outstandingly remarkable rivers around the country.
Did you know that, of the 38,000 miles of rivers in North Carolina, less than 0.4% of them are National Wild and Scenic Rivers? Only 5 rivers in the entire state have been given the designation. With the North Fork of the French Broad, we have an exciting new opportunity to add a sixth river to this distinguished list. But, it needs the community’s help to make it happen.
