The Project
The Little Lick Creek Local Watershed Planning Project is funded by the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program (NCEEP), which funds local watershed plans that identify potential restoration and protection strategies. NCEEP can implement some of the proposed strategies, whereas others may be implemented more appropriately by other project partners. Possible strategies include restoration projects, such as stream restoration or stormwater retrofits, or voluntary land protection projects.
Project partners aim to restore the creek's important watershed functions through:
- Improving watershed hydrology;
- Restoring and protecting aquatic and riparian habitat;
- Improving the creek's water quality;
- Protecting water quality and habitat in Falls Lake;
- Improving natural conditions for people living in the watershed; and
- Fostering community stewardship of the watershed.
An important reason to restore Little Lick Creek's watershed functions is that North Carolina has listed it as "impaired" because it does not adequately support aquatic life. Other reasons to create a local watershed plan for Little Lick Creek include the fact that the creek flows to a public water supply (Falls Lake), lies within jurisdictions (Durham City and County) that must comply with federal stormwater regulations (NPDES Phases I and II), and is recommended for planning by local resource professionals.
The Planning Process
The local watershed planning process is guided by local partners. Various agencies and organizations are already working to protect the watershed. Maintaining strong partnerships among these groups, and between them and the larger community, is critical for success.
The local watershed planning process provides a framework for creating a collaborative plan that achieves multiple objectives. The first stage in the planning process is to define the goals that will guide the project and the plan. Next, problems in the watershed will be assessed by researching data and studying conditions in the field. Then, project partners will recommend potential restoration and management strategies. Subwatersheds will then be prioritized for project implementation and the Little Lick Creek Local Watershed Plan will be drafted. Finally, NCEEP and other project partners may implement several of the plan's recommended strategies. Possible strategies might include stream and/or watershed restoration projects, retrofits of existing development, or voluntary land protection projects.
Project Status
A project kickoff meeting was held in early December, when project partners, technical team members, and community stakeholders met for the first time to discuss possible objectives. The watershed assessment and analysis is currently underway. Project partners completed the first stage of field work in late January. The plan is expected to be completed in late 2005.