On the Blue Ridge
On the Blue Ridge features conversations with people shaping the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hosted by Asheville-based journalist Jon Page, the show explores the ideas, creativity, and vision driving Western North Carolina forward.
Through long-form interviews and on-location storytelling, each episode captures the evolving story of these mountains. The conversations focus on people doing meaningful and inspiring work across the region, from conservation and outdoor recreation to the arts, agriculture, food and beverage, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
On the Blue Ridge
Marc Hunt on Taylor’s Wave and the Future of the French Broad River
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Marc Hunt is a passionate river steward helping shape the next chapter of the French Broad River, from efforts to remove the Craggy Dam to the creation of Taylor’s Wave, a manmade whitewater wave in Woodfin, North Carolina.
Marc is also a whitewater paddler and former Asheville City Council member who has spent decades working to protect and reimagine our local rivers. A former outfitter on Tennessee’s Ocoee River, he has long been involved in river conservation and recreation efforts and currently serves on the board of RiverLink. He has played a leading role in projects like the Woodfin Greenway & Blueway and Taylor’s Wave, a stationary whitewater wave dedicated to the memory of his son, which is scheduled to open in late summer. He’s also a strong advocate for removing the Craggy Dam in Woodfin, just outside of Asheville.
In this episode, Marc shares his passion for rivers and explains why he believes removing the Craggy Dam could be one of the most important steps we take in our lifetimes to improve the health of the French Broad River, and its role in the community
Marc also discusses how the idea for the wave came together; how it fits into the broader Woodfin Greenway & Blueway; how the wave and surrounding park could benefit the town; and what it means for the wave to carry his son’s name.
Craggy Dam Removal
craggycoalition.org
Opinion: Removing Craggy Dam a chance to restore French Broad River
Town of Woodfin
woodfin-nc.gov
River Volunteer Opportunities
RiverLink
Asheville GreenWorks
MountainTrue
Theme Music
The song "Goa" was written by Lyndsay Pruett and performed by the Jon Stickley Trio.