Lower Creek Watershed Restoration Implementation Plan

The Lower Creek Watershed drains 99 square miles in Caldwell and Burke Counties. The watershed includes the towns of Gamewell and Lenoir. The state of North Carolina considers Lower Creek and its receiving body, Lake Rhodhiss, to be impaired waters. Several tributaries to Lower Creek are also listed as impaired. They are Zack's Fork, Spainhour Creek, Greasy Creek, and Bristol Creek (NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program, Lower Creek Local Watershed Plan Fact Sheet). Other tributaries to Lower Creek include Blair Fork, Abington Creek, Husband Creek, Celia Creek, and White Mill Creek.

Lower Creek Watershed Map (PDF format)

Why is the Lower Creek Watershed impaired?

Soil erosion is a major contributor to the degradation of streams. Erosion and sedimentation from agriculture has been identified as a potential source of pollution to Lower Creek. Erosion, or weathering away of soil, more readily occurs in areas that lack sufficient vegetation. Without an adequate vegetative cover to hold the soil in place, natural processes like wind and rain can easily transport sediment and soil to nearby streams.

Storm water runoff is also a contributor to the degradation of Lower Creek. Runoff from impervious surfaces (pavement, roofs, etc.) carries oil, gas, antifreeze, etc. from vehicles. In many cases, this storm water outlets directly into streams.

What can we do about it?

The Lower Creek Watershed Restoration Implementation Plan (LCWRIP) is a program of the Caldwell and Burke Soil & Water Conservation Districts designed to improve the water quality of Lower Creek through the installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) within the watershed to reduce Non Point Source (NPS) pollution.

BMPs are measures or structures that protect, maintain, and restore water quality. Structural BMPs reduce erosion, slow storm water, filter storm water, provide wildlife habitat, etc. (BMP descriptions taken from NCACSP Manual September 2007 and NC CCAP Manual June 2007.)

Completed Projects:

List of potential BMPs:

Heavy Use Area Protection, Stream Crossing, Wells, Abandoned Well Closures, Livestock Exclusion Fencing, Watering Facilities, Grassed Waterways/Swales, Conservation Cover, Bioretention Area, Backyard Rain Garden, Critical Area Planting, Cropland Conversion, Cisterns, Rock Lined Outlet, Stormwater Wetland, Backyard Wetland, Riparian Buffer, Field Borders, Stream Restoration, and Stream Bank and Shoreline Protection. (See brochure for BMP descriptions.)

The LCWRIP is funded by a Section 319 NPS Pollution Control Grant administered by the NC Department of Environment & Natural Resources. Grant resources available may pay 75-97% of the average cost. Cost-share percentage is dependent on the type of practice.

Please contact Pamela Bowman, Watershed Coordinator for Lower Creek, at pamela.bowman@nc.nacdnet.net with any questions.

Download brochure for additional information (PDF format)