Durham is the first county in NC to ban bottle water purchased with taxpayer money
In a move to reduce the use of single-serve plastic water bottles, Durham County has become the first county in NC to ban plastic water bottles purchased with county funds. All five commissioners on the Durham County Board of Commissioners voted for the ban. In their place, Durham County departments will use reusable, paper or biodegradable cups and water pitchers or urns. The new rule specifies all new and replacement drinking fountains will be specified to have reusable bottle filling capabilities.
The new rule goes into effect July 1. There are exceptions for bottled water needed during emergency situations.
See the full policy here: https://www.dconc.gov/home/showdocument?id=30012.
River lotteries for some of the country’s best whitewater close Friday, Jan. 31
If a western river trip is in your future, make sure you throw your hat in the ring before lotteries close on 1/31. Lotteries for the following rivers close on Friday, Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. MST.
- Desolation Gray- Green River, UT
- Salt River Canyon, AZ
- Middle Fork of the Salmon River, ID
- Salmon River, ID
- Hells Canyon- Snake River, OR
- Selway River, ID
- Rogue River, OR
- Dinosaur Green and Yampa River, CO
- San Juan River, UT
- Rio Chama, NM
Permits for these rivers allow visitors to use floating watercraft. Lottery results are expected to be available mid-February. Apply for lotteries here: https://www.recreation.gov/lottery/available
Get ready to voice your opinion about the future of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests
The U.S Forest Service is working on a revised management plan for Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, two of the four national forests in North Carolina. The plan will cover roadbuilding, logging, resource extraction, hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing.
The management plan will be released on Feb. 14. After its release, the public will have 90 days to weigh in. Stay up-to-date on the plan here: https://addup.sierraclub.org/campaigns/ncs-national-forests-explore-enjoy-protect-the-pisgah–nantahala.
