N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
N.C. Agricultural Research Service
N.C. Cooperative Extension Service

Little Coharie Watershed Protection Project

Prepared by: Frank J. Humenik

Long-Term Objectives

1. Encourage implementation of riparian area buffers through education, technical assistance and cost share.

2. Provide documentation of water quality benefits resulting from the implementation of riparian area buffers in critical areas for crop production or animal waste management.

Short-Term Objectives

1. Definition of critical areas where riparian buffers can be implemented to protect or enhance surface water quality.

2. Develop a general educational program which will lead to one-on-one assistance for implementation of riparian buffer systems.

3. Utilization of a site in the USDA Water Quality Demonstration Project with a reforested riparian area as a demonstration site.

Accomplishments

1. Seven landowners have signed up to implement riparian buffers. Plans are currently being developed with the Forest Service for the best possible use of the land areas adjacent to the streams and riparian areas.

2. Efforts are being coordinated with several agencies to provide landowners with additional cost share money to implement other practices to increase the effectiveness of installed riparian buffers or vegetative filters. These additional practices include fencing to keep livestock out of the riparian area, alternative watering systems for livestock and alternative land uses in areas adjacent to the riparian zone.

Significance of Accomplishments

The use of vegetative treatment systems along stream corridors has not been utilized to a great extent in the Coastal Plain Region of North Carolina because of perceived impediments to drainage associated with trees and bushes along streams. This perception has led to a reluctance on the part of many landowners to reestablish stream riparian areas. This project is to demonstrate benefits of implementing riparian area buffers or vegetative filters for production benefits and protection of water quality in Sampson County which is one of areas of highest agricultural income in the state.

Future Plans

1. Continue to encourage management and implementation of restored riparian areas or vegetative filters to protect water quality.

2. Documentation of water quality benefits associated with restored riparian areas or vegetative filters.