RiverLink, a non-profit that promotes water quality of the French Broad basin, was selected as one of four organizations nationwide to receive the annual CF Industries National Watershed Award.

The award recognizes model conservation programs that forge innovative partnerships designed to protect critical watersheds and improve water quality by balancing environmental and economic objectives.

RiverLink was awarded a $10,000 grant for its efforts to improve water quality in the Swannanoa Watershed.

The CF Industries National Watershed Award was established as an outgrowth of the National Forum on Nonpoint Source Pollution convened by the National Geographic Society and The Conservation Fund. The goal of the forum was to identify and implement innovative, nonregulatory solutions to “nonpoint source pollution” — such as runoff from farms, construction sites, lawns and parking lots — based on economic incentives, voluntary initiatives and education.