Catawba Wateree Water Management Group 2015 Annual Report

8th Annual Summit: Ripple Effects

This year, our Summit program will showcase our region’s legacy of collaboration and future solutions for resilience. We’ll explore past collaborative achievements and milestones, the power of partnerships in addressing current water challenges, and the innovations and strategies that will drive future sustainability.

Summit attendees will engage in a series of presentations, panel discussions, and interactive activities to explore the evolution of water collaboration — from the pivotal efforts that addressed past challenges to the bold actions needed to secure our water future.

Check out the 2025 Water for All Summit schedule below!

Summit Program

The summit will begin with breakfast, registration and networking at 9:00 a.m.

Time Topic Speaker
9:15 a.m. - 9:25 a.m.

Welcome Remarks

Hear a welcome from Town of Mooresville Mayor Chris Carney.

Chris Carney

Mayor, Town of Mooresville

9:25 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.

CWWMG Year-in-Review, Citizens’ Water Academy, History Video Unveiling, & State of the Basin

Learn how CWWMG and our member organizations are working to help preserve, extend, and enhance the capabilities of the Catawba-Wateree River. We’ll also recognize our 2025 Citizens’ Water Academy graduates during this time.

Jimmy Bagley, CWWMG Board

Jeff Lineberger, CWWMG Board

10:35 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Panel Discussion

Bridging Generations: Community-Driven Water Resiliency

Examine the critical role of grassroots, community-driven action in fostering water resiliency. This panel will discuss how intergenerational knowledge exchange, local partnerships, and community education can catalyze innovative water management solutions.

Fushcia Hoover, UNC Charlotte

Lorena James, Invasive Impact Initiatives

Elizabeth Pierczynski, Greenville Water

11:30 p.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Featured Speaker

Hurricane Helene: Relief and Recovery through Collaboration

When Hurricane Helene struck, the City of Asheville’s coordinated response showcased the power of preparedness, partnerships, and adaptive recovery efforts. This presentation will provide an inside look at Asheville’s response to Helene, highlighting real success stories, key challenges, and lessons learned.

David Melton, City of Asheville

12:15 p.m.

Lunch Begins

12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion

Catawba-Wateree Lake System: Cleanup, Collaboration, and Future Resilience

The Catawba-Wateree Lake System is a vital resource, and the cleanup efforts following Hurricane Helene demonstrated the power of partnerships. This panel will highlight the coordinated efforts that played a key role in restoring water quality, addressing environmental impacts, and mobilizing community engagement.

Panelists: 

Pierce Lawrence, Duke Energy

Logan Thomas, South Fork Marine & TowBoatU.S. Lake Wylie

Kaity D’Angelo, Catawba Riverkeeper

Billy Wilson, North Carolina Wildlife Federation

1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Presentation & Panel Discussion

The Disruptors: Combating Harmful Species in Our Waterways

Harmful and disruptive species that have impacted the Catawba-Wateree River Basin threaten the health of waterways and aquatic ecosystems. This session will explore how past experiences managing these species have shaped today’s mitigation efforts and can help influence future response and coordination.

Panelists: 

Brett Hartis, Duke Energy

JoAnn Burkholder, NC State University

Mark Heilman, SePRO

Rob Richardson, NC State University

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Panel Discussion

Conserve & Restore: Strengthening Resiliency Through Nature-Based Solutions

Nature has always played a crucial role in protecting and sustaining our waterways, and nature-based solutions are not new — they are a return to proven conservation and restoration practices. This panel will explore how land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and green infrastructure are working together to enhance water resiliency, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability.

Panelists: 

Michele Eddy, RTI International

Raven Lawson, The Nature Conservancy Arkansas

Nancy Daly, Wake County Government

3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Closing Remarks

Jimmy Bagley, CWWMG Board