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WATERSHED RESTORATION

 

Brasstown CreekPeachtree-Martins CreekPersimmon CreekValley River

 

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Depending on where we live, we cross quite a few brooks, creeks, streams, branches, or ditches as we drive to work each day.  Each stream we cross is part of a massive network of perhaps three million streams that drain to the rivers and, ultimately, to the sea.

 

Each stream has its own watershed that encompasses all of the land that drains to the point where we cross it. Collectively, these small watersheds provide critical natural services that sustain or enrich our daily lives: they supply our drinking water, critical habitat for plants and animals, areas of natural beauty, and water bodies for recreation and relaxation. Small streams are an important element of our local geography, and confer a strong sense of place to a community. (Center for Watershed Protection)

 

Watershed restoration involves understanding

  • land uses of a particular watershed     and how they are changing;

  • current water quality and stream/lake habitat conditions;

  • threats to water quality and stream/lake habitat conditions; and

  • techniques needed to restore and  protect water quality and stream/lake habitat conditions.

 

 

This photograph was taken at the place along Old Hwy. 64 where Brasstown Creek flows into the Hiwassee River.

 

Brasstown Creek Watershed Restoration Project:

In 1999, the Coalition was awarded $2.1 million by the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund (NC CWMTF) for work in the Brasstown Creek Watershed.  Since 1999, the Coalition and its partners have spent a total of $2.6 million in the watershed.

 

Accomplishments Include:

  • 5.5 miles (29,084 linear feet) of stream restored.

  • 45 acres of riparian buffer created and protected

  • 160 acres of critically eroding bare areas revegetated

  • 2,000 acres of pastureland improved

  • $1.5 million spent locally (materials and grading/clearing contractors)

  • 32 landowners involved

Valley River Watershed Restoration Project:

HRWC received its first grant for restoration of the Valley River from the NC CWMTF in 2002.  To-date HRWC and its partners have spent nearly $2 million in the watershed for water quality and aquatic habitat improvements.

 

Accomplishments Include:

  • Fish and aquatic insect communities sampled at 24 locations

  • Detailed inventory of non-point sources of pollution conducted

  • 2.8 miles (14,800 linear feet) of stream restored

  • 24.2 acres of riparian buffer created and protected

  • 150 acres of pastureland improved

  • $525,000 spent locally

  • 22 landowners involved

HRWC conducts stream restoration work based on a watershed approach.  The Coalition works closely with local staff of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and private landowners to accomplish its restoration mission.  Strong partnerships are essential for successful watershed restoration and long-term protection of water quality. Click here for more about our many partnerships.

 

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