The Haw River Needs Your Help

If you live in the Triangle, sooner or later you’ll paddle the Haw River in Chatham County because it’s the biggest in the region and the one that’s most likely running.

There are two events coming up this week that will have an impact on the river.

FIRST, volunteer for the Haw River Clean-Up on Saturday, March 18. See Conservation Chair Shane Brown’s article about how to help: https://www.carolinacanoeclub.org/events/haw-river-clean-up-3

SECOND, Sen. Amy Galey has invited club members to the N.C. General Assembly to hear the reading of Senate Bill 100. If passed, her bill would authorize the creation of the Haw River State Trail. This is a big deal for the Haw in terms of river access, safety and navigation.

Galey encouraged club members to tell lawmakers “how important the Haw River is to them,” she wrote March 9 in an email to CCC President John McDonald.

“This is a small step but a very important one in the journey to see this state trail become a reality,” the senator wrote.

Tips for those making public comments:

* READ THE BILL: https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/s100

* FASHION: Men – Wear a coat and tie. Women – Wear a dress.

* KEEP IT SHORT: You’ll have no more than 1 to 3 minutes to speak.

* BE ON TIME: As Joe Berry would say, 15 minutes early is on time. And remember you have to navigate rush-hour traffic, road construction and crowded parking decks.

* PLAY IT COOL: Don’t raise controversial issues. This bill benefits boaters!

* KEEP IT SIMPLE: Don’t over-explain and get lost in the weeds.

* GOAL: Tell lawmakers why the Haw is important to you.
DATE and TIME: Wednesday, March 15, at 9:00 a.m.

MEETING: Senate Agriculture, Natural and Economic Resources Committee

LOCATION: 1124/1224 of the Legislative Building.

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Read Shane Brown’s article for more information: https://www.carolinacanoeclub.org/content/haw-river-state-trail-bill-s100/