Dugger Creek | Conservation Mitigation NC

CONSERVE

The Dugger Creek conservation easement is a unique site that protects 21 miles of streams of exceptional quality and their adjacent ecologically important natural communities. The project is truly a watershed approach that encompasses 39% of the total watershed and protects all the streams on the site from the headwaters to Dugger Creek.

In addition to the stream preservation component, the project protects wetlands, seeps, and other aquatic habitats located within the 777‐acre conservation easement. Protecting these high‐quality headwater systems is essential to preserving a healthy freshwater ecosystem and protecting water resources for downstream users.

HABITAT

The Dugger Creek conservation easement contains an array of natural communities which are comprised of diverse and rare species; thus, making this area ecologically significant in the state. The stream corridors and natural drainages on the easement provide necessary habitat and are important components of the sustainable wildlife populations in this area. Brook trout have been documented in multiple stream reaches along the main stem of Dugger Creek. Protecting these high‐quality headwater systems is essential to preserving a healthy freshwater ecosystem and protecting valuable water resources.

Stream and buffer preservation provides habitat and food for aquatic and terrestrial species on a large scale. A forested buffer also protects water quality in both the on‐site streams and further downstream by preventing excess sediment from entering the streams.