The Partner of the Year Award went to BearWaters Brewing, whose owners, Art O’Neil and Kevin Sandefur, have provided Haywood Waterways ample opportunities to collaborate with the community via workshops and a streambank restoration project at their Canton location, hosted numerous fundraising events and are major The Plunge sponsors and avid plungers themselves. Currently they are partnering with Haywood Waterways to do a stream bank restoration project in spring 2023 at their soon-to-open Hazelwood location. 

The Richard T. Alexander Volunteer of the Year Award went to Steve Winchester, who has been volunteering since 2005 when he adopted a Volunteer Water Information Network site on Eaglesnest Creek. He still collects collecting water samples today. In 2010, Steve joined the Board of Directors, where he served until 2013. Since 2015, Steve has led hikes as part of Haywood Waterways’ Get to Know Your Watershed initiative. His band has performed at many of the nonprofit’s events, including The Plunge fundraiser, and he continues to serve on the Fundraising and Events Committee.

The Pigeon River Award is given to an individual or organization that makes significant contributions to protecting land and water resources in Haywood County and went to the Town of Waynesville. The town’s staff and partners have provided opportunities for water quality projects, as well as providing labor and expertise to complete several stream improvements projects over the past few years. The town currently partners with Haywood Waterways on their Phase II Stormwater Management program, are The Plunge sponsors and avid plungers, has representation on Haywood Waterways’ Board of Directors, and continues to have a forward-thinking approach to water conservation and water quality protection. 

For more information, visit haywoodwaterways.org.