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The Katawba Valley Land Trust is active in environmental issues and environmental education efforts in our service area. Several issues are of prime importance:
- Water Quality - The Catawba River has benefited from active enforcement of water quality standards by state agencies in North and South Carolina. Issues remain with compatibility of the two states' water quality standards and the rapid population growth resulting in increased effluent quantities. Perhaps a greater threat is the non-point source pollution from growth areas. The creation of river and stream buffers is an effort to reduce runoff into streams.
- Urban Sprawl - The Catawba River Valley in upper South Carolina is subject to rapid urban growth extending from Charlotte and Rock Hill. This low-density sprawl consumes greater and greater quantities of farmland, woodland, and open space. The effort to protect and preserve open space is a long-term response to sprawl.
- Preserving Wildlife Habitat - There is an amazing variety of wildlife in the Catawba River Valley, based on numerous inventories and surveys conducted as part of the river conservation efforts. KVLT seeks to identify prime habitat areas and protect them through acquisition or easement. The buffers along the river are especially important wildlife movement corridors.
- Preserving Cultural and Historic Resources - As the area grows, there are threats to our Important historic and archaeological resources. KVLT has been active in doing research on our past, recognizing the importance of the resources by placing them in the National Register of Historic Places, and protecting important land through conservation easements.
- Environmental Education - KVLT has partnered with schools to further the understanding of important environmental principles by our youth. A relationship with the Great Falls Elementary School in Chester County provided valuable materials for classrooms. The Lancaster County Schools have undertaken water testing efforts in northern Lancaster County with support from KVLT. The video "The Gentle River" is being made available to a number of schools in the region. In addition, KVLT has offered numerous lectures, slide shows, and public presentations on the resources of our area.
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