CANTON, N.C. (WLOS) — After the devastating flooding event in 2021 and the closure of the Pactiv Evergreen plant in June 2023, Canton has finally caught some good news. Its fish population in the Pigeon River around the mill is on the rise. The news is casting some hope for the future.
Not only are fish populations increasing, but Haywood Waterways Association says so, too, are micro-invertebrates.
“We're after the bugs in the waters... see the health of the stream through time. We have seen those species and those populations, the bugs, flock back in,” said Preston Jacobsen, executive director of the Haywood Waterways Association.
He said that's a good sign the Pigeon River is beginning to repair itself after the paper mill closure about two months ago.
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“From the water quality standpoint, we saw conductivity drop like a rock, which is an indicator of dissolved minerals in the water,” he said.
According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the fish population in the river around the mill is also returning, with lower water temperatures playing a key role in some species even doubling.
Jacobsen is paying attention to the numbers.
“We are excited to see species across the board grow, and in particular, the Olive Darter, grow in that site as well," he said. "We have a great Tangerine Darter population here in the Pigeon."
“We want outdoor recreation,” said Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers.
He said the town's future is tied to the river.
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“I do see wildlife, especially fishing, being part of our economic recovery,” Smathers said.
“You're seeing a lot of small mouth; you're seeing a lot of blue gills,” said Nate Troxler, an avid fisherman in the area.
Troxler told News 13 on Thursday, Aug. 3, that he's already seeing more activity in the water, and, in turn, catching business for his workplace at Bearwaters Brewing Company along the river.
“It makes people want to come out, and once they're done fishing, they come in and have a beer,” Troxler said.
Jacobsen said whatever direction Canton sets for itself, Haywood Waterways is along for the assist.
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“What we're doing is guiding them on any potential grant opportunities to revitalize that site. Of course, we are focused on water quality first and foremost," Jacobsen said. "It makes sense, we think, for them to lean on that outdoor recreation component."
The return of those micro-invertebrates and fish remains a hopeful sign.
“I can't wait to get a fishing pole myself,” Smathers said.
There are countless variables to what Canton will look like post-mill operations, but Jacobsen said a clean Pigeon River will be integral.