The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation was founded in 1981. It is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, preserving and promoting the environmental quality of the Tar-Pamlico River and its watershed. PTRF is a grassroots organization, supported by nearly 2,500 citizen members -- "River Givers." 

The Pamlico-Tar River is the lifeblood of the people and communities who live within its watershed. PTRF continues a 28-year tradition of monitoring and protecting the river through:

• education of individuals and groups,

• advocacy for enforcement of existing laws
• the development of new legislation and
• conducting research that monitors and evaluates the health of the river.

A full time PTRF RIVERKEEPER® monitors and protects the river and serves as a scientific and educational resource to all the people living in the watershed.