N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY

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

McLendons Creek Watershed Project

Prepared by: Gregory D. Jennings, James C. Barker, Richard A. McLaughlin, Charles Hammond

Long-Term Objectives

1. Implement and monitor the effectiveness of nonpoint source pollution control measures designed to reduce stream pollution impacts of poultry, beef, and swine farms, and urban runoff in McLendons Creek, Moore County.

2. Educate farmers, residents, local officials, and resource managers in the McLendons Creek Watershed and in surrounding areas on effective water quality protection practices.


Short-Term Objectives

1. Develop comprehensive nonpoint source control plans for poultry, beef, and swine farms, urban areas, and streambanks in the watershed.

2. Collect land use and water quality data necessary to evaluate performance of "best management practices" implemented in the watershed.

3. Develop a comprehensive watershed education plan to meet needs of target audiences.


Accomplishments:

1. Gained project resources and support from 12 public and private organizations.

2. Identified cooperating landowners for implementing BMPs.

3. Planned education programs for farmers, landowners, local and state officials, and citizen groups on water quality protection.

The McLendons Creek Watershed Project is funded under the EPA 319 Nonpoint Source National Monitoring Program. Pollution control strategies include financial and technical assistance for agricultural best management practice implementation and educational programs. Cost-share funds are targeted for implementing practices to properly manage animal waste and control soil erosion. Specific practices to be promoted and studies are: (1) poultry, beef, and swine waste management; (2) forest filter zone management for controlling runoff from agricultural fields; (3) nutrient management in an urban/recreational subwatershed; and (4) streambank erosion control measures. The education program consists of site visits, newsletters, tours, and demonstrations of implemented control measures.


Future Plans

1. Implement BMPs over the next 3 years according to project schedules and collect data to evaluate water quality impacts.

2. Expand education program to equip local and state resource managers with knowledge and support tools for water quality monitoring, BMP implementation, and watershed management.