Steel's Creek Watershed Improvement Project

Volunteers are needed to help build designated paths and steps to access Steels Creek. Table Rock TU and NCTU have partnered with the US Forest Service, Grandfather District to make improvements to camping areas along Steel's Creek in Burke County, North Carolina.

The area receives heavy recreation use in the form of dispersed camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. There are numerous dispersed camping sites located off the Steel's Creek Road along side and adjacent to the creek. The majority of the disturbance in this area is largely due to heavy foot traffic along the edge of the stream. There is heavy vehicle use in the area but it is not possible for vehicles to cross the stream in most locations because of the steepness of the stream banks, however, vehicles are driving up to the edge of the stream in many locations in order to access the camp locations. Erosion and sedimentation is occurring in several locations as a result of this heavy use.

The purpose of this project is to prevent vehicular stream crossings where they occur and to restrict vehicles to designated parking areas nearest the road in order to reduce existing traffic and disturbance in the floodplain. New designated parking areas will be established using wood timbers and gravel. Areas where vehicles are accessing the camping areas will be blocked with large boulders. Storm drainage and erosion issues will be addressed with sediment traps and log ditch checks. Stream bank erosion caused by continuous access will be addressed by the creation of designated paths and stone or wood steps. In addition to the watershed improvement activities there will be removal of hazard trees and trees that fall within the designated parking areas.

Here is an opportunity to have a direct positive impact on coldwater resources.
Call Squeak Smith Telephone: (828) 584-2848
or contact Sandy J. Henning USDAFS eMail: shenning@fs.fed.us for more information.