I am writing to urgently address a pressing issue threatening our North Carolina trout streams. I am a trout angler and a water conservationist. Land clearing in Surry County has caused significant water quality problems in Ramey Creek, endangering the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout, our state's native trout species. To prevent further damage and preserve our trout fishing industry, I implore you to support amending the Sediment Pollution Control Act. By requiring a 25-foot buffer along designated trout streams for agricultural operations while keeping other exemptions intact, we can protect both our farmland and the trout population. Acting swiftly is crucial to safeguarding our natural heritage and sustaining the economic impact associated with trout fishing in North Carolina. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

I am reaching out with great urgency to address a critical issue that poses an imminent threat to the well-being of our esteemed North Carolina trout streams. The wanton clearance of land in Surry County has unleashed a cascade of water quality challenges within Ramey Creek, placing the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout, an invaluable native species unique to our state, in grave jeopardy. To avert further devastation and safeguard the prosperity of our beloved trout fishing industry, I implore you to lend your unwavering support to the amendment of the Sediment Pollution Control Act. By instituting a crucial 25-foot protective buffer along designated trout streams for agricultural operations, while maintaining the integrity of other exemptions, we can effectively shield both our precious farmland and the delicate trout population. Swift and resolute action is of paramount importance to secure our natural heritage and sustain the substantial economic benefits interwoven with trout fishing in North Carolina. As an avid trout angler, I ask for your immediate attention to this matter is deeply appreciated.

As an avid trout angler, I am writing to draw your immediate attention to a pressing concern that poses a grave threat to our cherished North Carolina trout streams, and urging your support of S613. The extensive land clearing activities in Surry County have resulted in alarming water quality issues within Ramey Creek, jeopardizing the survival of the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout, an invaluable native trout species exclusive to our state. In order to prevent further devastation and uphold the longevity of our thriving trout fishing industry, I implore you to lend your unwavering support to the amendment of the Sediment Pollution Control Act. By mandating a 25-foot buffer zone along designated trout streams for agricultural operations, while ensuring the preservation of existing exemptions, we can effectively shield our farmland while securing the well-being of the trout population. Prompt action is absolutely crucial in safeguarding our natural heritage and sustaining the substantial economic benefits associated with trout fishing in North Carolina. Thank you for your immediate attention and decisive action on this matter.

North Carolina's waters are part of our natural identity, culture, and heritage - and the lack of regulations around streambank development is a direct threat to our natural legacy. I ask that you stand up for our streams and for North Carolina wildlife and habitat by ensuring a 25 foot buffer along designated trout streams for agricultural operations while keeping other exemptions intact as is the case for all other activities. By so doing, we can protect farmland and our trout populations. Thank you for your continued service and passion for our state and the vibrant wildlife and habitat we share it with.

We are at a critical moment in addressing the pollution, degradation, and destruction of our trout streams. I am asking for your yes vote on S613, a bill that passed the Senate already in a unanimous fashion. To prevent future disasters while supporting our farmers, we urge an amendment to the Sediment Pollution Control Act. This change would mandate a 25-foot buffer along DEQ-designated trout streams for agricultural activities, while preserving other agricultural exemptions. This essential safeguard would prevent farmland erosion and protect North Carolina's thriving trout fishing industry. Beyond that, it provides protections for crucial elements of our natural heritage. Please consider acting for this important legislation. Thank you for your continued service to our state.