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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)
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Watershed
restoration involves understanding
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land
uses of a particular watershed and how they are changing;
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current
water quality and stream/lake habitat conditions;
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threats
to water quality and stream/lake habitat conditions; and
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techniques needed to restore and protect water quality and
stream/lake habitat conditions.
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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:
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5.5 miles (29,084 linear feet) of stream restored.
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45 acres of riparian buffer created and protected
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160 acres of critically eroding bare areas revegetated
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2,000 acres of pastureland improved
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$1.5 million spent locally (materials and grading/clearing
contractors)
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32 landowners involved
Valley River Watershed Restoration Project:
In 2002,
$400,000 was granted for restoration of the Valley River in Cherokee County,
NC from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund. In 2005, two
more restoration grants totaling more than $1.0 million were awarded to
continue the six year program of work. To-date, the Coalition and its partners have
spent approximately $827,000 in the watershed.
Accomplishments Include:
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Fish and aquatic insect communities sampled at 24 locations
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Inventory of non-point sources of pollution conducted
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2.4
miles (12,450 linear feet) of stream restored
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7.0 acres of riparian buffer created and protected
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150.4
acres of pastureland improved
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$375,000 spent locally
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18
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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