The New River is a special river for residents and visitors to the New River Gorge region, in Southern West Virginia. In 2009, a group of regional stakeholders concerned about the health of the New River met to discuss the current status of water quality and what could be done, strategically and effectively, to address issues facing the river. Out of these discussions the New River Clean Water Alliance was formed, and the idea for the Lower New River State of the Watershed Report was born. 

New River Clean Water Alliance Members featured in National Parks Magazine Winter 2012 edtion.

Article "Something in the Water" pdf download digital version

Lower New River State of the Watershed Report:  This report provides an assessment of the river’s current health and a basic roadmap to guide the people of the Lower New as we work to promote clean water. The goal is to improve water quality in the Lower New River and its tributaries, and to sustain its environmental, cultural, recreational, and economic benefits. Our approach is to identify the issues, incorporate community input, focus priorities, and set the stage for improving water quality in the Lower New. Everyone who values clean water in the New River region has a role, including those who fish, boat, swim, live, work, visit, or have family ties in the area. This report serves as an invitation to get evertyone involved and help restore the New River. Learn more here at the National Parks Conservation Association website 

The final Lower New River State of the Watershed report, July 2011, is available to download here (PDF, 19.94 MB/62 pages).

The Executive Summary of the Lower New River State of the Watershed report, July 2011, is available to download here (PDF, 7.22 MB/ 7 pages).

A full press release of the report is availble by clicking this link: Press Release: Lower New River State of the Watershed Report

If you have any questions about the report in general please contact Heather Lukacs directly at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 304.469.4433.

Partners: The New River Clean Water Alliance is a partnership dedicated to promoting clean water and community efforts in the New River and its tributaries in Fayette, Summers, and Raleigh Counties. The following organizations have representatives in the Alliance: Piney Creek Watershed Association, National Park Service, Plateau Action Network, Mountain Resource Conservation and Development, West Virginia Professional River Outfitters Association, National Committee for the New River, and National Parks Conservation Association.

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What do we consider the Lower New River watershed?
The Lower New River Watershed consists of the total land area that drains into the New River from Hinton to Hawks Nest Lake including parts of Summers, Raleigh, and Fayette Counties in West Virginia.