Protecting our trout waters: Should the Boylston Creek (Henderson and Tranyslvania counties) and Fines Creek (Haywood County) watersheds be reclassified as protected trout waters? Tell North Carolina officials what you think. Both creeks are currently classified as Class C—the state’s lowest protection level.
The trout-water classification restricts nearby land-disturbing activities such as grading, clearing or excavation, with some exceptions for certain agricultural, forestry and mining activities. It also requires more stringent in-stream standards for such considerations as turbidity levels (soils suspended in the water column).
For Boylston, a hearing will be held Thursday, Oct. 9, at 1 p.m. in the Mills River Community Center.
For Fines, a hearing will be held Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Regional High Technology Center in Waynesville.
For more info, call Diana Kees at 919-715-4112.
Stormy waters: When it comes to storm-water problems, you don’t have to leave it up to the government to take action. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, the WNC Nature Center is hosting a storm-water educational event. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., participants can learn how storm water affects our streams and how to do something about it at home. The evening will also include family time for a private viewing of the traveling exhibit “Native Waters: Sharing the Source.”
Attendance to the free event is limited to 80 participants, so please RSVP by Oct. 13 to dclere@ashevillenc.gov. For more information or questions, please contact Dan Clere at 298-5600, ext. 320.
