Grassy Creek

The purpose of this project will be to improve a lower section of Grassy Creek that is experiencing significant degradation by improving aquatic habitat, riparian and floodplain condition, and by eliminating nearby road stormwater impacts to water quality. This proposed project will complement another formative improvement project upstream that is capturing and treating 14 acres of impervious surface and beginning a new trail system. By continuing improvement efforts in a smaller watershed, we will be able to produce the greatest measurable water quality improvements and conduct outreach specific to commercial and residential landowners along Grassy Creek that encourages sustainable stewardship practices. 

The Grassy Creek restoration project will also support and make more attractive the developing sections of the Mitchell County Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVT). The first short section of trail was developed during the Grassy Creek stormwater project (phase one) but plans are underway to extend the trail to Spruce Pine and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This section of the OVT will increase tourism and boost the local economy by creating jobs and services. Furthermore, this project will provide an aesthetically pleasing educational stream along a green trail system similar to the successful and widely used Roby Shomaker Wetlands and Family Recreation Park in Newland, Avery County. The National Park Service (NPS) is a major partner in establishing this section of the OVT and once complete will certify it as a National Historic Trail.

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