Press Release

~Deep River Riverkeeper, Inc.~Announces Official Licensing

[Jamestown, NC ~ July 21, 2025] The Deep River Riverkeeper, Inc. “The New Protector of the Upper Cape Fear Basin” announces its official licensing by the Waterkeeper Alliance®, the international riverkeeper association that authorizes jurisdiction and supports environmental protectors for rivers. The Deep River Riverkeeper (DRRK), a North Carolina non-profit organization based in Guilford County, formed in December 2024, to support the health and well-being of the Deep River and its tributaries in its 125-mile journey through 6 central North Carolina counties (Forsyth County, Guilford County, Randolph County, Chatham County, Lee County, and Moore County). Its mission is: “To protect the Deep River and its Neighbors through science, education, and stewardship.” 

The DRRK Board of Directors represents professional expertise in science, public health, water systems management, community development, land management, education, arts, information technology, marketing, and law. The DRRK employs a dedicated Riverkeeper who leads its activities in water testing and reporting, river clean ups, public outreach, and recreation opportunities. Ms. Stephanie Stephens is the DRRK Riverkeeper and holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Environment and Sustainability from UNC Greensboro.

The DRRK completes the missing piece of riverkeeper oversights for the Cape Fear River Basin, the largest watershed in NC. The DRRK joins the Haw River Assembly and the Cape Fear River Watch in advocacy for this major water source in central NC. The DRRK focus also includes science research and education partners, such as UNC Greensboro’s Environmental & Sustainability Program and Duke University’s Superfund Research Center in the Nicholas School of the Environment. The DRRK’s home office is at UNCG. 

Media Contact: Dr. Patricia Gray, Executive Director

Website: www.deepriverkeepersnc.org