Contact

For more information, contact
Cy Stober,
Water Resources Manager
cstober@ptcog.org
336-294-4950

LowerAbbotts Creek Landowner Survey

 

Links & Latest Updates

Outreach Poster (.pdf)

Watershed planning area map (.pdf)

'Land use map (.pdf)

Ortho map (.pdf)

Inventory - Natural
Areas in Davidson Co.

 

Meeting Notes
March 31, 2009
February 25, 2009

 

Abbotts Creek Watershed Plan

Lower Abbotts Creek (from Lake Thom-a-Lex to High Rock Lake) is listed as impaired by the US EPA for high turbidity and poor biological habitat. The Creek also has a history of low oxygen levels.  Conditions worsen the closer it gets to High Rock Lake, where nutrient and pH levels rise, threatening the recreation and wildlife of the Lake. 

The Piedmont Triad Council of Governments (PTCOG) received $65,000 in a 2009 US EPA grant to spend over the next two years working with Davidson County and Lexington to identify the sources of pollution.  This will require extensive field surveys and computer-based analysis that will direct our priorities for restoration and conservation of Lower Abbotts Creek.  PTCOG will also review current ordinances and codes in Davidson County and Lexington, and determine ways in which watershed conditions can be improved through new policies.

Economic drivers in Davidson County and in the Piedmont Triad traditionally included textiles, furniture, agriculture, and various other industries.  While these industries were vital to creating a strong Triad economy and in the establishment of the current cities of High Point, Lexington, and Thomasville, they caused significant harm to the area’s waters.  In the absence of these heavy industries, water quality has improved, but it still needs help as conditions in the High Rock Lake watershed continue to degrade.  PTCOG has led these efforts, publishing a restoration plan for Rich Fork Creek, the main tributary to Lower Abbotts Creek, and working closely with Davidson County Planning staff and environmental groups on these issues.  You can see our efforts here.

PTCOG firmly believes that Lower Abbotts Creek can and will improve.  We will spend the next two years characterizing and assessing watershed conditions, and then publishing a restoration plan based on our findings.  We are available to educate interested citizens and will work with organizations to secure grant funding for larger projects.  Please contact us for any further details.  For more information on the watershed planning process, please see our Watershed Planning page.