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About the Rich Fork Creek lies in the northeastern portion of Davidson County, the most urbanized county in the Upper Yadkin Basin. Rich Fork Creek is listed as impaired by the US EPA for poor biological habitat. The Creek’s listings of impairment for low dissolved oxygen and high fecal coliform bacteria levels were removed in 2008, as the levels no longer violated federal standards. This is great news, but more work must be done to restore Rich Fork Creek to full supporting status, to the benefit of all Davidson County residents.
Rich Fork Creek is a key tributary in the High Rock Lake watershed, which is also biologically impaired. Davidson County has a history of being a critical piece in the Triad’s economy, with lands dedicated to textiles, furniture, agriculture, and various other industries. While these industries were vital to creating a strong Triad economy and in the establishment of the current cities of High Point, Lexington, and Thomasville, they caused significant harm to the area’s waters.
Late in 2007, the Piedmont Triad Council of Governments (PTCOG) received $107,000 in US EPA and NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund monies to identify the current sources of impairment and restore Rich Fork Creek to fully supporting status. This total is being matched by various public and non-profit partners, who have committed significant time, staff, and resources to this effort. The plan that will result from these efforts will aid Davidson County communities in water quality management, flood control, and stormwater protection. Improved watershed health means better community health, providing trails for hikers, play areas for children, and neighborhood amenities such as parks. It may also lead to greenway developments, which will protect water quality, improve connectivity amongst regional communities, and promote transportation alternatives by creating a network of bicycling pathways. Better water quality also improves resources for agricultural landowners, who will have more reliably clean waters. A Project Atlas, Watershed Assessment, & Implementation Timeline should be available for use and guidance by September 2009. For more information on the watershed planning process, please see our Watershed Planning page.
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Please check in with us for any updates! It is still early in the planning process, but we have some announcements, maps, and minutes from the first two stakeholder meetings below! Currently, we are holding public meetings so we can receive your input on the planning process and answer any questions you have. These meetings will be held: Rich Fork Creek Stakeholder Meeting (04/30/2008)Rich Fork Creek Stakeholder Meeting (03/26/2008) Minutes Rich Fork Creek Stakeholder Meeting (02/21/2008) Minutes Link to Rich Fork Creek Reference Map Link to Rich Fork Creek Land Coverage Map - coming soon
Link to
Link to Rich Fork Creek Land Use Map
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Watershed Contact:
Cy Stober | ||
