Why is the CWMP important?
As human activities in the region continue to expand, it is increasingly important for us to understand the effects of such activities on the Pamlico-Tar’s resources. Currently, less than one-third of the Tar River watershed is monitored on a continual basis by the NC Division of Water Quality. Most of these monitored sites are located on the Tar River. Therefore, water quality data for most of the stream miles in Nash, Edgecombe, and Pitt counties does not exist. We know very little about the condition of these streams and how they may be changing over time.
Due, in part, to continuing budget cuts, the federal and state agencies charged with monitoring and protecting water quality have found it increasingly difficult to fulfill their mandates. More and more, agencies have come to value the contributions of citizen based programs. The data we collect can be used by federal and state agencies, local governments, schools and businesses. Everyone involved in PTRF’s CWMP is making a real contribution toward protecting the Pamlico-Tar watershed.