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The New River in Ashe County, North Carolina An American Heritage River Of all the scenic attractions of Ashe County, the New River holds a special place in the hearts of our people. The sparkling clear waters flow gently and wide in places; dashing and splashing in others. The river meanders through Ashe County in the manner of rivers born when the land was flat. This attests to the great age of this river. Before the great mountains rose, the river was here. Now that the mountains have been rounded and worn to more gentle slopes over a vast time, the river rolls on in its northward journey to the great Ohio. It is said that the New River is some 300 million years old, the oldest river in America, second in age only to the famed Nile River. We think the New River is well worth the best preservation efforts a people can marshal, and we do our best to protect it. Within Ashe County, the New River is formed of two branches; the North Fork and the South Fork. Of these, the South Fork is the most developed for recreational use. Six outfitters rent canoes, tubes, and the like. In addition, Five campgrounds are established on the Ashe County section of the New River. The North Fork is a more wild and undeveloped section of the river and preferred by some of the more experienced canoe enthusiasts. A New River Canoe Trail Guide is available from the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce. The New River was dedicated as a National Scenic River in 1976. It flows by beautiful pastoral scenes of gentle hills, bluffs, pastures and woodlands. Its banks are populated many species of birds, animals and plants including many herbs and ferns. Wildflowers paint the banks from spring into fall. Mink, muskrats, river otter, raccoon and beaver may be seen as well as white-tail deer and the occasional bear. Game fish in the river and streams include smallmouth bass, muskellunge, rockbass, and in early spring and late fall, trout. On July 30, 1998 the New River was proclaimed an American Heritage River by President Clinton on the banks of the New River. The President and his party visited the farm of Bill and Lula Severt off Boggs Road to conduct the ceremonies. Amid fluttering red, white and blue bunting and flags, the river was honored before thousands of proud Ashe County citizens and visitors. A full text of the Proclamation is appended to this page for those who might be interested. Excerpts from remarks by distinguished guest speakers include: President Bill Clinton - "...The New River tells stories of a region, the southern Appalachians, where close-knit communities remain true to tradition, where neighbors share a vision of wise stewardship to the land and the waters. It tells stories of our emerging nation, of Colonel Peter Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson's father, who surveyed this river and Daniel Boone, who trapped here for beaver and bear. ...We will start working with the New River Task Force to help farmers, with alternative crops and new techniques, while cutting the flow of pollutants into the river. On each and every one of these rivers, we will help to unite our communities, to further our country's river renaissance. ...If you look out at that river, just imagine what it would be like to be 300 million years old...Kind of heartwarming to know, isn't it, that the New River will be the same because of what you are doing here today? This ancient river has flowed through the heart of this land for millions of years. For millions of years, longer than blood has flowed through any human heart. You should be very proud of yourselves today. I thank you for what you have done. God bless you." Vice-President Al Gore - "...I know many of you have your own vivid memories of this river whether fishing at Raven Rock, riding bicycles along Railroad Grade Road or tubing at the Cox-Bogg cross roads.....In the name of the children we need to be good stewards of this river." Congressman Richard Burr - ".....In North Carolina we realize the responsibility that comes with this designation and pledge our vigilance both now and in the years to come. And to this community, I personally pledge my commitment and assistance wherever needed to uphold this pledge." North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt - ".....One reason this has happened is because so many of you have worked so hard and there's a special group here today that has worked especially hard. They have been planting buffers along the river, up and down it.....The young people I refer to are called the River Builders....." White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles - ".....My dad and I canoed down, or rather up the New River, starting in Todd and fly-fishing by day and sleeping under the stars at night. And thanks to the commitment that all of you have made in keeping the river healthy and clean, moms and dads just like me are taking their kids here for unforgettable canoe trips." Honor was paid the New River by at least five poets upon its selection as an American Heritage River. All were inspiring and beautiful verses which gave a message that rang in our hearts. Space limitations forced us to choose just one as representative of the sentiments of us all. We are the youngest children of the river Which suffers us to return to it again, And yet again, In preparation to be changed forever, As if newly from the hands of the Giver We came without stain, Clean as the rain. Let us refresh the source that freshens us, For from our source we cannot far remove, Cannot farther remove, Without distressing an ancient bond that is The ligature between the eternities In which we live, In which we love and live By river light we read our history And watch ourselves become part of the land, Apart from the land, As we embrace a mutual destiny Or abrogate the solemn fealty That keeps us bound To our native ground. The river flows away beneath the sun But bears the sun upon it and the stars, The coursing stars, at night. The river's flame, the sky's long gleam, are one, Commingled, twinned, as are the world and man: Let both emerge to sight Reborn, forgiven, new-clothed in light. Fred Chappell, Special to the Post DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN HERITAGE RIVERS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION In celebration of America's river, and to recognize and reward grassroots efforts to restore them, last year I announced the American Heritage Rivers initiative. My goal was to help communities realize their visions for their rivers by making it easier for them to tap existing programs and resources of the Federal Government. From across the country, hundreds of communities answered my call for nominations, asking that their rivers be designated American Heritage Rivers. I applaud all of the communities that have drawn together and dedicated themselves to the goal of healthy rivers, now and forever. Having reviewed the recommendations of the American Heritage Rivers Initiative Advisory Committee, I am pleased to be able to recognize a select group of rivers and communities that reflect the true diversity and splendor of America's natural endowment, and the tremendous energy and commitment of its citizenry. Pursuant to Executive Orders 13061, 13080, and 13093, I hereby designate the following American Heritage Rivers: The Blackstone and Woonasquatucket Rivers, in the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island; The Connecticut River, in the States of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont; The Cuyahoga River, in the State of Ohio; The Detroit River, in the State of Michigan; The Hanalei River, in the State of Hawaii; The Hudson River, in the State of New York; The Upper Mississippi River, in the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin; The Lower Mississippi River, in the States of Louisiana and Tennessee; The New River, in the States of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia; The Rio Grande, in the State of Texas; The Potomac River, in the District of Columbia and the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia; The St. Johns River, in the State of Florida; The Upper Susquehanna and Lackawanna Rivers, in the State of Pennsylvania; The Willamette River, in the State of Oregon. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of July, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON

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