Dan River Basin Association

Outdoor recreation in 2024, drba completed 8 trail, river access and park projects which included new trails and overlook decks at fisher farm park and m.c. Martin park in va. A new adaptive fishing dock for other-ability users was constructed at the smith river sports complex, the first dock for users with physical disabilities along the smith river in henry county, va. Drba started 8 outdoor asset projects including renovation of chinqua-penn walking trail and philpott fitness trail. Drba planned and hosted over a dozen outdoor events during the dan river weekend event in nc and another dozen events for its monthly, public, free first saturday outings. Over these events, more than 600 people participated in 2024. Five dan river state trail river access designations were made in stokes county, nc and 6 kayak safety classes were hosted for beginner paddlers. Drba's tails on trails campaign, sponsored by purina in rockingham county, nc had five hikes and an interactive online map of dog friendly trails and parks was completed.

Stewardship & outreach in 2024, drba hosted and/or managed 5 land and water cleanups in the watershed engaging more than 800 volunteers and provided tools and coordination for an additional 12 cleanup events held by volunteer groups in the region. Hundreds of trees were planted as riparian buffer and 54 volunteers participated in drba's citizen water quality monitoring monthly program using the same protocols as virginia and north caolina water quality departments. Drba also partnered with southern environmental law center to maintain the ban on uranium mining in virginia, explore options to pipeline development in eden, nc and worked to defeat a bill that would decrease water quality regulations in rural southern virginia. Drba participated in 14 public events and festivals including eden riverfest, smith riverfest and the regional latino event, sovala. Drba managed a kayak pool at the smith riverfest helping both youth and adults learn how to safely paddle. Drba hosted a "inspired by nature" webinar which featured local artists and how they incorporate the outdoors into their art. Drba staff continued to serve on several committees and boards of organizations. Drba staff were also virtual guest lecturers and speakers for more than 26 regional and national organizations. Drba staff also worked with the department of noth carolina wildlife resources commission and nc department of natural cultural resources to reintroduce the logperch into the mayo river in nc and the master naturalists to improve the bog turtle habitat in patrick county, va. Drba also conducted water sampling in partnership with nc wildlife resources commission and va department of conservation and recreation.