Freedom Park Stream Restoration

摘要

This is the first in a series of four Little Sugar Creek projects currently undergoing restoration and greenway trail development. The four segments are part of the much larger watershed-wide environmental initiative that includes demolition of concrete liners, dam removal and "daylighting" (removing parking decks from above the stream). The Freedom Park Restoration project and the EEP funded portioas of the larger Little Sugar Creek Environmental Restoration Initiative stand as examples of how the EEP plans to carry out its mission by providing: 1. High-quality, cost-effective projects for watershed improvement and protection 2. Compensation for unavoidable environmental impacts associated with transportation infrastructure and economic development 3. Detailed watershed planning and project implementation efforts within North Carolina's threatened or degraded watersheds. As outiined in the EEP 2003 Annual Report, "during this past fiscal year, efforts have resulted in a total of 37 stream and wetland restoration projects that are either completed or in construction, totaling 127,632 linear feet of streams and 466.9 acres of wetlands. An additional 35 projects are in the design phase and upon completion will result in the restoration of 91,480 linear feet of streams and 478.5 acres of wetlands. In addition, policies have been devel- oped and implemented for improved riparian plantings as well as vegetation monitoring techniques."