Building Community-Based Capacity for Stream Restoration in the Southeast

The Southeastern Regional Water Quality Assistance Network (SERWQAN) represents a group of organizations in the southeastern U.S. that are committed to strengthening the capacity of communities to develop and implement watershed protection efforts. As one of these partner organizations, North Carolina State University (NCSU) has provided technical assistance to twelve municipalities in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina since 2008. While each of these communities has had unique needs, stream restoration assistance has been requested by several communities. Common requests have included: initial site evaluations, surveying and design assistance, and permitting and contracting guidance. NCSU has worked with community leaders, watershed organizations, and local stakeholders to develop local skills and train local personnel while implementing stream restoration projects. These local partners remain involved through all stages of the project, so that future projects can be completed with minimal outside assistance. Workshops and tours are planned during construction, in order to train local contractors and maximize familiarity with the projects.