Indian and Howard Creeks Watershed
Summary of Impairments and Restoration Efforts
Indian and Howard creeks watersheds are located primarily in Lincoln but also Catawba and Gaston counties. The entire area includes over 100 square miles. Although there are some urban/suburban areas, the watersheds are mostly a mix of forest and agriculture.
Howard Creek is currently supporting for biological integrity, but the most downstream portion of Indian Creek does not meet water quality standards for turbidity and pH. In addition, the fish monitoring in this section of the creek was not supporting its uses.
The Ecosystem Enhancement Program has been coordinating a stakeholder process that began in early 2008. Some of the participants included Gaston and Lincoln County Soil and Water Districts, the USDA/NRCS and planning offices in these counties, Carolina Land and Lakes RC&D, City of Lincolnton Dept of Planning, City of Cherryville Water Treatment and Supply, Catawba Lands Conservancy, Appalachian State University, the Lincoln Times-News, NC Rural Water Association, NCDOT and several NCDENR divisions. The preliminary characterization and detailed assessment of the study area were first completed. Then the management plan that identifies and prioritizes solutions for the most critical watershed problems was completed and implementation of the plan will begin.EEP Indian and Howard Creeks Local Watershed Plan Factsheet
