NEWS
Local Creek Continues to Collapse as Restoration & Rehabilitation Project Begins
During a thunderstorm on August 26, 2023, it is estimated 20 tons of soil was eroded from the stream bank allowing trees to fall and block the creek channel.
The West Branch of Rocky River continues to actively degrade after nearly every large rainfall. However, Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services, in coordination with Parks and Recreation, Town of Davidson, Davidson College, and Davidson Lands Conservancy, will be restoring it as part of the second phase of a 3-phase project. Activity will be visible over the next 12 months along the creek in Abersham Park from Grey Road down to the northern portion of Fisher Farm Park.
The project is a long-term investment in one of our most valuable natural resources, our creek corridors. This project will:
- Improve water quality by repairing erosion and creating aquatic habitat
- Increase quantity of native trees and shrubs along the creekbanks and floodplain
- Enhance wildlife habitat areas with new vegetation, grasses and milkweed areas.
For years, heavy rain events have caused 1500 tons of soil erosion or 100 truckloads annually from this stretch of West Branch Rock River leading to trees falling into the creek and creating stream banks as high as 15 ft.
Construction will begin this September 2023 and extend into the fall of 2024. The greenway will remain open throughout construction. The changes will be dramatic and disruptive at times. So, we ask for your patience and understanding as the project gets underway. For more information, please visit: Rocky River West Branch Phase 3 Watershed & Stream Improvement | Storm Water Services (mecknc.gov)