Conard asked commissioners for their support and endorsement of the grant and its long-term purpose to pursue healthy, viable water resources within the county.

She added that the GRWA intends to begin a Green River Watershed project fund to help pay for the efforts.

“Polk County citizens need clean-sustainable waters, eco-recreational business success depends on clean water, recreational users come to where there is clean water and GRWA was born to promote a plan to work for this,” Conard said. “The Green River and Lake Adger – our water resources – are our economy, so investing in them is investing into Polk County.”

Conard said the project has the support of Green River Adventures and Green River Canopy/Zip Line in Saluda, the Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Pacolet Area Conservancy.

Some commissioners last year rode on a boat tour of Lake Adger, which aimed to point out land loss resulting from erosion and sedimentation issues.

Commissioner Ted Owens asked if Conard has worked with the Polk County Soil and Water District on the project. Conard said Sandra Reid (soil and water director) and the soil and water department would be involved with the assessment project.

The grant deadline to compile the report is due in September.

Conard asked anyone with historical pictures or observations about the Green River or Lake Adger to please send the information to Natalie Bouchard with Altamont Environmental by email at nbouchard@altamontenvironmental.com.