On a hot summer day most people appreciate the shade of a tree. But few realize that trees, especially those along rivers and streams, are vital to a community’s health and quality of life.

To help spread the word, the Dan River Basin Association has been awarded the 2007 Non-point Source Water Quality Grant by CONTECH Stormwater Solutions of Portland, Oregon. The award of $12,500 will be presented by Joe Battiatia, CONTECH’s Regional Regulatory Manager, to the Dan River Basin Association on Tuesday, May 8 at 1:30 p.m., at the first meeting of the steering committee for the newly-initiated Dan River Bacteria Study at the South Boston Public Library in South Boston, Virginia.

According to Mr. Battiata, “Even though CONTECH Stormwater Solutions specializes in engineered solutions to complex stormwater issues, we have always placed an emphasis on supporting local watershed organizations. The public involvement and education goals of the Dan River Basin Association represent an effective and critical component of any watershed restoration effort.”

Grant funds will be used to launch a public education program to protect the quality of water in local rivers and streams throughout the 3,300 square mile Dan River drainage area of Virginia and North Carolina.

The education program will focus on the value of maintaining forested buffers along local streams and rivers. Trees along waterways improve hunting, fishing, recreation and tourism, and they also help protect drinking water supplies and control flooding. Materials will be designed to increase awareness of the impacts of stormwater pollution and to let people know what they can do to keep their rivers and streams clean and safe for fishing and swimming.

The Dan River Basin Association is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River basin by promoting stewardship, recreation and education.