MEET THE YADKIN RIVERKEEPER,

DEAN NAUJOKS

My promise to you:

    * I will be dedicated to the protection of this river and its surrounding environment for our children,
      our community, and the aquatic life that depends on this river.

    * I understand that water is a finite resource and less than 1% of all the water on the planet is
      available fresh water. I will communicate the idea that clean water is in the public interest.

    * I will do what I can to protect the river when it is threatened. I will hold myself and others
      accountable to meet the goals that are needed to protect this river.

    * I will listen and learn.

    * I will not compromise the long-term health of the Yadkin River.

    * I will maintain a consistent physical presence on the water.

    * I will work with my community and others in the watershed to advocate on behalf of the river.


    * I will investigate problems, act as a citizen scientist and attorney so that future generations can
       enjoy this important resource.

    * I will become an expert on the river.

    * I will encourage dialogue.



I will be the eyes, ears of the Yadkin, and provide a strong voice for the river . . . but I need your help.


Born in PA and raised on the Upper Delaware (National Scenic) River. Likes to hunt, fish, hike, canoe, travel and go white water rafting. Have enjoyed spending time in most of the US National Parks as well as parks in Alaska, Costa Rica and Canada.

Moved to the Raleigh area in 1987.

Graduated Cum Laude from NC State University, creating own degree in Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development

Worked for the NC Wildlife Federation for eight years from 1991-1999. Participated directly in numerous state wide grass roots campaigns to protect NC’s natural resources including; reforming the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest Management Plan, protection and designation of more than 10,000 acres of coastal estuaries and mountain trout streams as Outstanding Resource and High Quality Waters, the creation of Gorges State Park, the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the Neuse Rules (comprehensive river basin plan to improve water quality in the Neuse River).

Married wife Kathy in April, 2001. Daughter Krista Denali Naujoks born August 2004.

Served as Upper Neuse Riverkeeper for seven years from 2001 to 2008.

In 2002, worked with whistleblowers to uncover more than 20 environmental and labor law violations at Raleigh’s sewage treatment plant—the largest discharger to the Neuse River. According to Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker, “it was the Riverkeeper who alerted us to extensive problems which existed at our waste treatment plant, problems which had not been brought to our attention by then plant management.” Since 2003, Raleigh has invested more than $40 million in sewage plant upgrades and provided free drinking water to 32 families as a result of ground water contamination (over 1000 acres, the largest in the state) from the over application of sludge.

In 2003 and again in 2008, led a “Chronic Violator” campaign to challenge 15 sewage discharge permits of repeat violators to enforce compliance with the Clean Water Act, leading to additional provisions (pollution controls) in 8 out of the 10 permits challenged (in 2003). In March 2006, NRF documented sludge and chemical discharges from Raleigh’s Water Treatment Plant. Raleigh agreed to spend $3.5 million to eliminate its NPDES discharge pipe to Falls Lake—a drinking water supply for over 400,000 Wake County citizens.

Created the annual Neuse River Clean-up, which spans 70 river miles. From 2002-2008 more than 1,200 citizens participated in cleaning up the Neuse River. More than 85,000 pounds of trash has been removed from the Neuse River. It was recognized as the largest river clean-up event in the state.

In 2005, led the grass roots campaign to defeat the largest pollution trade ever proposed for US waters, preventing the Town of Butner from discharging up to 61,130 lbs/yr of additional nitrogen into Falls Lake. Helped generate more than 1,000 public comments opposing the plan, leading to the creation of a TMDL (pollution reduction strategy) for Falls Lake and the passage of the 2005 Safe Drinking Water Reservoir Protection Act.

In 2006: Instrumental in the concept and creation of a visionary source water protection plan to preserve 24,000 acres of critical stream corridors to protect the water quality of nine drinking water reservoirs in the upper Neuse River basin. The plan involves partnerships with the City of Raleigh, state and county governments, and local land trusts, and is strengthening protection of drinking water supplies for more than half a million people. The plan was hailed by the South East Watershed Forum and others as a national model for source water protection. More than $2 million has been invested since 2006. To date 3,785 acres along 34 miles of streams are under conservation plans.

In 2006: worked through 15 months of stakeholder negotiations to create Wake County’s new stormwater ordinance. NRF was instrumental in working with the development community to implement on of the best stormwater ordinance in NC (using Low Impact Development Practices and volume control), which will likely serve as a model ordinance for other communities in NC.

In 2007, Neuse River Foundation received the North Carolina Wildlife Federation Governor’s Achievement Award for the 2006 Conservation Organization of the Year. 

In 2008: Developed and led “Muddy Water Watch”—a statewide construction stormwater runoff campaign involving all the NC Riverkeepers. The Muddy Water Watch Project (www.muddywaterwatch.org) has been recognized nationally as model training program to engage citizens in sediment runoff and stormwater issues. More than 400 NC citizens have participated in Muddy Water Watch trainings. Waterkeeper programs in VA, MD, PA, AL, SC and TN are working to adopt this model to address the nation's #1 water pollution problem as identified by the U.S. EPA.

In 2008: Worked with The Duke Environmental Litigation Clinic to implement a mitigation plan for the states largest known source of polluted ground water due to over application of sludge at Raleigh’s sewage treatment plant.

October 2008: Hired as the first Yadkin Riverkeeper November 2008

"When things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, the citizens, when well informed, can be relied upon to set them right".

Thomas Jefferson

Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks wins National Hero Award