Stream Restoration Project Improves Surry Co. Recreational Hub
MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — Conservationists have restored more than 3,000 feet of eroded streambank along the Fisher river in Surry County.
Surry County Commissioner Ed Harris said, “the restoration work comes at a time when more residents are seeking outdoor physical activity and ways to practice social distancing.”
“These resources are really valuable to Surry County, especially now in the height of a pandemic”Harris said.
The 60 mile long Fisher River is heavily used for kayaking and fishing. The project was led by Surry County, Resource Institute, and several other environmental organizations.
Harris said the area surrounding the river had become unsafe.
“We actually had to tape it off with a barrier to prevent anyone from getting near the stream,” he said. “And it was several hundred feet that we restored, and it was right in the main part of the park. Sediment is the biggest pollutant in North Carolina, and this river system was contributing a large amount”.
Project Engineer, Jake Byers said, “the changes will improve aquatic habitat, restore floodplain connectivity and boost the biological health of the waterway.”
Nadia Ramlagan, Public News Service – NC
Original story at https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2020-03-31/environment/stream-restoration-project-improves-surry-co-recreational-hub/a69727-1