Catawba Wateree Water Management Group 2015 Annual Report

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