Wendell News Outlet

MWW Meeting Agenda:

Introduce the new Upper Neuse Riverkeeper, Alissa Bierma

MWW presentation by Frank Brown

We will explore different solutions to working in the environments around our homes and community using green Best Management Practices (gardens, water storage, swales, plants) for rain water.

Simple solutions and great for the whole family to participate in!

Break for Refreshments

Followed by MWW Q&A

This is a time for you to ask questions or to talk about your experiences monitoring construction sites.

Wednesday, October 29 at 7PM.
Wake County Corporate Commons Building
4012 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610 (This is a business park off of Poole Road)

Google Map

For Immediate Release

October 27, 2008

Contacts:
Elaine M. Whitford
Director of Development and Communications
Neuse River Foundation
elainew@neuseriver.org
919-856-1180

Neuse River Foundation Hires Upper Neuse Riverkeeper, Alissa Bierma

RALEIGH, NC, October 27, 2008: The Neuse River Foundation has hired Alissa Bierma as Upper Neuse Riverkeeper®. Bierma will work with the Neuse River Foundation to enforce the Clean Water Act with the goal of protecting water quality, wildlife, recreation and public health in the Neuse River watershed. She will monitor water quality in the Upper Neuse River from the headwaters above Falls Lake to Goldsboro, investigate pollution sources, work with government agencies to eliminate pollution of the River, review NPDES permit applications and renewals, serve as an educational resource for all residents of the Neuse River watershed, and initiate environmental litigation when all other possible remedies have been exhausted.

Throughout her schooling and career, Bierma demonstrated a commitment to the protection of our natural resources. She recently received a Masters Degree of Energy and Environmental Policy from the University of Delaware which included studies in integrated water resources management, environmental planning and policy, regional watershed management, nonpoint source pollution, and watershed ecology. Before becoming the Upper Neuse Riverkeeper®, Bierma worked with the environmental policy team at The Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

Threats of explosive development in the Upper Neuse River watershed, particularly in Wake County, resulted in the Neuse River being listed as one of America's most endangered rivers in 2007. Board President Dave McCracken said, "Since 2001, the Upper Neuse Riverkeeper® program has served an important role in making headway in the fight to protect the Neuse River from poorly planned development. Alissa will continue the tradition of ensuring that the ‘voice' of the River is heard."

Founded in 1980, the mission of the Neuse River Foundation is to protect, restore and preserve the Neuse River Basin through education, advocacy and enforcement, in order to provide clean water for drinking, recreation and enjoyment to the communities it serves. The Neuse River Foundation supports the Upper Neuse Riverkeeper® based in Raleigh and the Lower Neuse Riverkeeper® based in New Bern.

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