Rick Dove's work began in New Bern, N.C. as a representative of the Neuse River basin in 1993, and has expanded in the following years throughout North Carolina and neighboring states.

He was the first Riverkeeper in North Carolina, and has taken an active role in assisting nine other river groups in establishing similar programs. He spearheaded actions against polluters, including city sewage systems, auto junkyards, construction sites, agricultural and animal farm operations. He was instrumental in the Neuse River Foundation's suit of the EPA to require them to enforce the 1972 federal Clean Water Act, which resulted in NC developing the "Neuse Rules."

Rick has been the driving force in documenting pollution from industrial hog operations, which has been useful in a number of legal actions instituted to bring about compliance with environmental rules and halve pollution violations. He has worked extensively with members of the media, at the local, state, national and international level in his efforts to educate and inform as many people as possible bout our environment. He has spoken at numerous public hearings in North Carolina and neighboring states including addressing the Congress of the United States when he testified before the Committee on Resources, Fisheries, Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans.

Rick provides a voice for our rivers, which are in public trust. He has inspired and educated countless adults and students of all ages about the importance of preserving and protecting our water quality and environment. His emphasis on education has not only raised awareness of environmental issues, but also has empowered and enabled people to exercise their environmental rights and responsibilities.

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