$36,000 to Help Build the French Broad River Paddle Trail

French Broad Riverkeeper with Aston "Family Man" Barrett

As part of the Save the French Broad Campaign, over 20 bars, restaurants, and businesses  helped raise over $36,000 to help build the French Broad River paddle trail, and over 140 people joined the campaign as part of our 9 day float and raft race down the French Broad River. Paddlers camped along the banks of the river, took water samples, monitored the rivers water quality, educated the public about the threats to the river, enjoyed Sweetwater Beer, and took in the beauty of the French Broad River.

The French Broad River faces a variety of threats that the Save the French Broad Campaign is working to address, including sediment pollution, coal ash contamination, pharmaceutical waste, sewage waste, and others. As we improve the water quality in the river we are also working to connect over 120 miles of the French Broad River through campsites and additional access points, which will soon become part of the French Broad River Paddle Trail. The Save the French Broad Campaign is helping this vision become a reality. Three campsites have been constructed with more on the way.

This is the fourth year of the French Broad Riverkeeper has worked with Sweetwater Brewing Company to help “Save the French Broad River,” and thanks to the support from the community it has been the most successful campaign to date. Join the paddle trip and campaign next summer to again help Save the French Broad River!