Medicine Waters: The Cacapon River
The Cacapon River flows 81-miles through the Central Appalachian Mountains into the Potomac River. The name “Cacapon” derives from the Shawnee language, meaning “medicine waters,” which remains reflective of its status as one of the cleanest and most biodiverse tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.
Friends of the Cacapon River (FCR), a West Virginia Choose Clean Water Coalition member, recognizes the importance of preserving, protecting and promoting the river. Tim Reese, president of FCR, describes the role of the volunteer-run organization to “create river advocates by connecting people to the river.”
He explains, “Once you have a tactile experience with the river, it becomes an emotional experience, one that will stay in your heart. At that point, if something is threatening the river you love, you will make your voice heard.”
Fly-fishing clinics bring river enthusiasts of all ages.
As embodied in the Coalition, relationship building is instrumental. FCR has built strong partnerships with other organizations that share a similar vision for the watershed, including The Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust, Cacapon Institute, and the Upper Potomac Riverkeeper. In 2020, these authentic partnerships gave rise to “Keep the Cacapon Clean,” a cooperative initiative that provides opportunities for community members to connect the river.
The initiative has been a great success, in part due to shared leadership. Partners host at least one monthly event from March to November. This year, events ranged from fly-fishing clinics to the Cacapon Riverfest, a riverside community festival attended by over 1,000 people. In November, this year’s initiative will culminate with an environmental film festival in Berkeley Springs.
As noted by Tim, connecting people to the river is just the first step. Once that connection is established, people are more eager to become advocates. For example, beginning in 2017, FCR became concerned about the Capon Bridge wastewater treatment plant discharging inadequately treated wastewater directly into the river.
FCR, along with other concerned community members, began attending town meetings to voice their concerns. Elevating the issue received the attention of the WV Department of Environmental Protection. Ultimately, Capon Bridge secured Clean Water State Revolving funding to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant.
As Choose Clean Water Coalition members are well aware, individual voices speak louder with one collective voice. Friends of the Cacapon River looks forward to further developing relationships with organizations across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to support clean water advocacy efforts.
Jenna Dodson is West Virginia River Coalition’s Staff Scientist and the Coalition’s West Virginia State Lead