We are excited to share that progress continues on move forward on the Reedy Creek Stream Restoration Project. As of this month, easement closings are in progress, permits are in the review stage, and the Site Specific Mitigation Plan (SSMP) has been approved by the Interagency Review Team (IRT) comprise of the US Army Corps and other state and federal agencies.

Be sure to visit the Reedy Creek Stream Restoration Project booth at the Hummingbird Festival (August 20, 2016 at Reedy Creek Nature Center) to learn more about the project!

Exciting news for Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve fans! Mecklenburg County recently acquired 3 parcels of land adjacent to the current park, adding 95 acres to Park & Recreation’s holdings and protecting this portion of the Reedy Creek watershed from development impacts. The newly acquired parcels contain portions of the stream restoration project, which will stabilize and improve water quality and habitat on the stream network throughout the park. The following map shows the newly acquired parcels in yellow.

On November 10th, representatives from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, and Wildlands Engineering, Inc. will give a project update at the Park and Recreation Commission meeting. The Park and Recreation Commission,which is made up of citizens that serve as a liaison between the Park and Recreation Department and Citizens of the County, is one of the stakeholders for the Reedy Creek Stream Restoration project.

Come out this weekend to the Reedy Creek Nature Center and Nature Preserve for the annual Hummingbird Festival. The festival will begin at 9am and end at 3pm. Enjoy free hands-on activities for kids (and adults) of all ages. We hope to see you there!

The restoration efforts at Reedy Creek are a part of Charlotte’s overall goal of protecting its vital waterways. Watch this excellent video that shows just how important these efforts are in Charlotte, also known as “The City of Creeks”.

UNC Charlotte, UNC Charlotte Urban Institute & UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture have partnered with organizations and artists from across Mecklenburg County to raise awareness of creeks, watersheds, water quality, and the importance of protecting these vital waterways. For more information on upcoming Keeping Watch events & initiatives visit www.keepingwatch.org

This month, we walked the Reedy Creek project site with representatives from state and federal regulatory agencies. The purpose of this walk was to review the current conditions of the site and preview the design approach.

We are excited to announce that 30% concept plans are complete. The design team continues to develop a strong concept that will restore the streams to their natural shape, flow, and location in the landscape. Here is a glimpse at the design approach:

Click images to enlarge.

We’re excited that WBTV did this special on the Reedy Creek Stream Restoration project.

For Immediate Release: September 26, 2014

Storm Water Services launches its largest single Stream Restoration Project ever

Charlotte, North Carolina – Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Storm Water Services is partnering with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation on the City’s largest single stream restoration project ever‐ The Reedy Creek Restoration Project. This project will restore and preserve approximately 7.5 miles of streams and 5 acres of wetlands within, and just outside of, the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, a 737‐acre county park in Charlotte.

This project will improve water quality, be a model for interagency cooperation, and  enhance knowledge of stream restoration for the region.

“We are excited to partner with Storm Water Services to restore and protect this incredibly valuable community asset. The restored streams and wetlands of the Reedy Creek Nature Preserve will be enjoyed by many generations to come,” said Chris Matthews, Division Director-Nature Preserve and Natural Resources at Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation.

The restoration project is funded by the City’s Stream and Wetland Mitigation Bank. This Bank enables the City to fund the restoration of streams and wetlands in watersheds where infrastructure projects unavoidably impact them. Infrastructure projects can move forward with limited cost and time delays, and water quality improvement projects are strategically implemented where they are needed most.

“The Reedy Creek Stream Restoration project will improve our local environment and create opportunities for infrastructure projects like roads, light rail and utilities,” said Storm Water Services Project Manager William Harris. “It’s a win‐win for residents and the environment. Efforts like the Reedy Creek Stream Restoration initiative are what give Charlotte a healthy environment and a competitive edge.”

Wildlands Engineering, Inc., an ecosystem restoration firm, has teamed with stream restoration contractor North State Environmental, Inc. to design and construct this project.  Preliminary design plans will be complete in the spring of 2016 and construction is expected to begin in late 2016. For project updates, look for information at Reedy Creek Park or online at https://reedycreekrestoration.com

Media Contact:
Kristen O’Reilly
Water Quality Education Specialist Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Storm Water Services 704‐517‐0814 (cell) koreilly@charlottenc.gov

Click here to download press release

We’re excited to announce that topographic survey for the Reedy Creek stream restoration project is complete! This type of survey is performed to determine the shape of the existing streams and their floodplains. You may still see scientists and engineers with plan sets walking the streams as they develop their designs.

For additional information, please contact William Harris, EI at
wtharris@charlottenc.gov.