HIstory

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE GCWA?

Gills Creek Watershed Association was originally formed by members of several lake associations within the Gills Creek Watershed, who started meeting informally in the early 1990’s. In the late 1990’s, the GCWA became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

In 2007, Richland County conducted public out-reach meetings in response to pressure from DHEC to do something about the poor water quality in the watershed.

Clemson Institute for Economic and Community Development under contract with Richland County developed a formal agreement with the Gills Creek Watershed Association and over the next two years, developed an initial plan including long term strategies for watershed restoration, stream mitigation, and other watershed management policies. The Gills Creek Watershed Association Strategic Plan was completed in July 2007. BP Barber and Tetra Tech completed the Gills Creek Watershed Management Plan in May 2009. The GCWA hired its first professional program coordinator, who, along with subsequent coordinators, was able to work closely with the board to begin the work identified in the Watershed Management Plan.

Areas of focus are outlined in What We Do. The Watershed Management Plan and other relevant documents are included in Watershed Resources.

To review significant accomplishments over the past 20 years, see Celebrating Twenty Years of Watershed Moments.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE GILLS CREEK WATERSHED?

To learn about the rich history of the Gills Creek Watershed, please click here to be redirected to our history section.