Yadkin Riverkeeper, an environmental group that keeps watch on the Yadkin River, has announced new leadership.
Edgar Miller is the organization's new executive director and Brian Fannon has been named the Yadkin Riverkeeper after serving as the interim riverkeeper since April.
Miller takes over from former director Terri Pratt.
He previously served as director of government relations for the Conservation Trust for North Carolina, which lobbies on behalf of the state's land trusts at both the state legislature and Congress.
In a press release, he said: "It’s important that we continue to build on Yadkin Riverkeeper’s efforts to make the public more aware of the river’s historical importance to our region’s economy and to engage stakeholders in communities along the river to protect this critical natural resource for future generations."
Miller has a bachelor's degree in botany from Duke University and a master's degree in environmental management from Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment.
As riverkeeper, Fannon replaces Will Scott, who is now at Duke Environmental Law Center.
Fannon has worked as a biologist, teacher and environmental educator. He has a Ph.D. in physical geography from UNC Greensboro, a bachelor's in biology from Wake Forest University and a master's degree in historical geography from Appalachian State University.
His specialties have been aquatic systems and natural and cultural resources interpretation.
Fannon also has worked as a fisheries biologist, college professor and environmental educator.
"My vision for Yadkin Riverkeeper is to pursue swimmable, fishable and drinkable water for all residents of the Yadkin watershed. Yadkin Riverkeeper has been working towards this goal for 10 years. I plan to continue that work through monitoring, education and action to protect our water resources," Fannon said in a press release. "I also hope to encourage people to not only appreciate the Yadkin, but also to enjoy the river – the history, boating, fishing and just plain playing in the water that reconnects us with our world."
The Yadkin River flows from the North Carolina mountains in Wilkes County east and south into South Carolina. It passes through Surrey, Yadkin, Forsyth, Davie, Davidson, Rowan, Stanly and Montgomery counties.
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See more on http://www.yadkinriverkeeper.org/
