Facts about Gills Creek Watershed
- It is among the largest urban impaired watersheds in South Carolina
- It contains over 70 miles of streams
- It covers over 47,000 acres of land
- The population is 140,000
- It is represented by multiple jurisdictions including the City of Columbia, Richland County, Forest Acres, Arcadia Lakes, Fort Jackson, and the City of Cayce
- Urbanization is causing negative impacts to water quality, including excessive sedimentation
- The headwaters start above Sesquicentennial State Park and flow into the Congaree River below Columbia
- We are all impacting the health of the watershed regardless of where you live within the watershed.
- This isn’t a lake homeowner’s issue... it’s the total communities’ responsibility.
What is the vision of the GCWA?
By 2018, to be a national model for watershed management and planning.
Imagine the possibilities…
- Citizens in Gills Creek Watershed enjoy biking/hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing, and other activities on the water.
- All new development is carefully studied and analyzed prior to implementation to determine potential impacts on water quality.
- Stream corridors are protected, as well as wildlife habitat, and restoration of stream flows is complete.
- Water quality is greatly improved and best management practices are in place to ensure future protection.
- Building codes are in place and support green development.
- Gills Creek Watershed is litter-free, lake sedimentation and flooding events are greatly reduced.
Little Sugar Creek Greenway Project
The Little Sugar Creek project in Charlotte has been a major inspiration to many of us involved in the Gills Creek Watershed Association. Visit their web resources to for just a hint of what might be possible for the future of Gills Creek in Columbia. Stream restoration, greenways, and sensible re-development around an invaluable urban resource.Read more...