Press release: CFWNC’s Pigeon River Fund Awards $182,440 in Water Quality Grants Projects benefit Buncombe, Haywood and Madison counties The Pigeon River Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina recently awarded $182,440 to environmental groups working to improve surface water quality, enhance fish and wildlife habitats, expand public use and access to waterways and increase water quality awareness in Buncombe, Haywood and Madison counties. Since 1996, the Pigeon River Fund has distributed $6,371,037 in grants. The most recent Pigeon River Fund grant recipients are: Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation – $16,000 to engage regional stakeholders and professional planners in developing an integrated, comprehensive plan for the recent 5,329-acre addition to the Blue Ridge Parkway at Waterrock Knob. French Broad River Academy – $14,960 to develop wetland areas on the school’s campus, adjacent to the French Broad River, to reestablish a natural area that will help filter rainwater and runoff before it makes its way into the French Broad River. Haywood County Schools – $2,000 to install a water collection system in the Pisgah High School Pulp and Paper Technology Lab, reducing the wastewater that must be…