Working to Improve the health of the McClure River and its surrounding communities

The McClure River near what locals call Pine’s Park, along Route 63.

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Welcome to the McClure River Restoration Project homepage!  The McClure River Restoration Project began in 2001 and is a locally based, citizen-driven group whose mission is to improve the health of the McClure River and its surrounding communities.

We invite you to explore our website, designed and created with the help of Ervinton High School students and teachers.  Take the time and learn about the rich history of the McClure River which is located in the mountains of southwestern Virginia.   Finally and most importantly, please read about the challenges that face the McClure River and the efforts to overcome them.

Quick Background:

The McClure River is located in the far southwestern corner of Virginia in Dickenson County.  The McClure River flows from the mountains where it eventually converges with the Russell Fork River, before finally entering the Ohio River.  The town of McClure developed along the railroad as a result of the area’s booming mining and timber industry.  The mining boom did not last and over time mining related jobs decreased.  This decrease has added to the high unemployment rates in Dickenson County, often resulting in the highest unemployment rates within the state, sometimes reaching over 20%.

What’s the Problem?

The McClure River faces many challenges including sedimentation, E. coli contamination, illegal dumping, and Abandon Mine Land related problems.  Failing septic systems and/or the lack of proper onsite wastewater systems has led to high concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria, such as E. coli, in the McClure River.  Due to high poverty rates many people in the region cannot afford proper septic systems.  Therefore, untreated sewage enters the rivers directly through “straight pipes”. 

McClure River Restoration Project

Phone: 276-926-6621

Fax: 276-926-4640

Email: Melissa_Robinson@verizon.net