In 1998, the N.C. Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP) was awarded a grant totaling $637,166 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement a comprehensive wetland and riparian area restoration plan for the Contentnea Creek watershed located in the Neuse River Basin. This three-year project involves local, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and citizens in developing and implementing a watershed restoration plan that addresses current and potential water quality impairment. Contentnea Creek is on the Division of Water Quality 303(d) list indicating that it does not meet current goals for water quality. Components of this project include:

• A comprehensive assessment of one or more selected local watersheds within the Contentnea Creek watershed to identify non-point source causes of impaired water quality as well as solutions to address these problems.

• Development of procedures to assess existing wetland functions and gauge relative success of restored wetlands. Creation of a monitoring and assessment program to evaluate initial conditions in the watershed and evaluate wetland and riparian restoration efforts as related to water quality improvements (contracted to East Carolina University Department of Biology).

• Development of a watershed restoration plan, created in collaboration with stakeholders within the watershed, that addresses current problems identified in the assessment. Federal and state agencies, programs, local initiatives, and funding sources will be identified for the implementation of each plan component. The plan will also incorporate measures to address potential problems associated with future land use changes.

• Implementation of the restoration plan through restoration of wetlands, streams and riparian areas in one or more selected local watershed within the Contentnea Creek watershed. For more information about the Contentnea Creek Watershed Wetland and Riparian Restoration Plan, contact Jocelyn Elliott.

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