The topography of the watershed promotes a development pattern
that is particularly detrimental to water quality. The oldest and most
intensive development in the region has occurred along the ridge tops
where there the land is the flattest. Consequently, the headwater
streams are most likely to be burdened with uncontrolled stormwater
impacts. Since the upper Reedy River is heavily urbanized, it suffers
from flashy hydrology, bank instability, and heavy sediment loads.
Upstate Forever is focusing on three priority issues to reverse to the
degradation of the watershed:
* creating incentives for adoption of low impact development (LID)
* helping local governments address legacy stormwater issues
* addressing the compromised state of the urban rivers