WCP Online Newsletter

Mr.
by Steve Gibson (email)

Contributed 12/22/2006  Responses:  0

For information-the Cleveland County Sanitary District is requesting a study for a resevoir on the upper part of the First Broad River. If approved and funded this would destroy in particular two sections of the river that in my opinion are unique in the foothills. The section below the Hwy 10 bridge is navigable year round and goes through some nice gorges with rare flora. The section above Ward's Creek, allthough not navigable except during periods of heavy rain likewise is unique for a foothills section and truly would be a loss to both Cleveland and Rutherford County as an outlet for non motorized water activities. Much of the surrounding area is agricultural land and farmers have done their part to improve water quality by the nearly 100% adoption of continuous no-till planting.

An emergency pipeline was funded and already has been built to an intake on the Broad River so I see no need for expanding the capacity of the sanitary district. Hopefully the Army Corps of Engineers will not approve but when the public meetings begin we that are concerned with preserving our natural resources should be aware to present our side. For any of the members that are not familiar with these sections of the First Broad I encourage you to check them out. The upper section has a nice writeup in one of the paddling guides. Thanks SG