A Response . . . A Reaction . . . A Plan To Find Solutions

On June 25th, 1995 over 25 million gallons of hog waste spilled into the New River in Onslow County, North Carolina.  This environmental disaster awakened some citizens of Onslow County to the threat the hog industry had on their way of life.

At the local level the citizens were faced with a contaminated river.    The New River was placed off limits by state health authorities.  Concerned citizens met to determine the course of action needed to resolve the river problems.  The true state of the river was not fully known until the citizens became involved.

The group of citizens formed the New River Foundation.  They included citizens from all walks of life: home builders, realtors, active duty military, retirees, teachers, businesspersons, and homemakers.    As more facts surfaced about the weak rules concerning the New River, the need for an ongoing action became abundantly obvious.

The group of citizens started meeting in July of 1995.  The purpose was to improve water quality, educate the public, seek legal remedies for polluters, and give the New River a voice to be heard.  In June of 1997 New River Foundation was incorporated with a 501 (c ) (3) status.

Tom Mattison emerged as the group leader and spokesperson for identifying the problems and improving water quality. Tom served as the RIVERKEEPER® for the foundation until his retirement in 2002.  Russel Rivera, was the second New RIVERKEEPER®.  In 2004 Mike Sanderford took the keeper’s helm.

In the formative years, two other organizations acted as mentors and role models, and offered assistance to the New River Foundation.  The first, Alliance for Responsible Swine Industry (A.R.S.I.) has focused on identifying harmful corporate farming practices.  The second, the Neuse River Foundation, has existed for over 20 years and serves to improve water quality for the Neuse River.

NRF funding comes from our membership, fundraising, and grants from organizations such as Z. Smith Reynolds.  Special grants have been awarded from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Boat US for specific projects.  We are fortunate to have local corporate support as well.  Some of our donors choose not to be recognized, and we honor their requests to remain anonymous.

The New River Foundation has a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, national origin or physical or mental handicap for its members, clients, employees, and members of the governing body.