Watershed Protection

, development is placing increasing pressure on the Upper Neuse River Basin—an area that supplies drinking water to more 600,000 people across eight municipalities, including Raleigh. By 2040, an estimated 36 percent of the Triangle area is expected to be covered by impervious surfaces like roads and buildings. At the same time, Raleigh’s water service population is projected to grow by as many as 800,000 people by 2030.

As development intensifies, conserving land near water sources remains one of the most effective methods for safeguarding water quality. Natural landscapes—such as forests, wetlands, and open fields—help absorb rainfall, reduce runoff, and filter sediment and pollutants before they reach nearby rivers, reservoirs, and wells.

Since 2003, TLC and partners have helped protect over 150 miles of stream and 15,000 acres in the Falls Lake Watershed as part of this program.

TLC’s 673-acre Brumley Forest Nature Preserve protects water quality in one of the state’s most rapidly growing counties. Brumley Forest is bisected by Stony Creek, a tributary of the Eno River, which flows into Falls Lake. The property contains over 22,000 feet of streams, three ponds, and more than 20 acres of wetlands.

TLC has been a key partner in this program for more than 30 years. TLC not only protects land in the watershed, but also supports conservation planning efforts and landowner outreach. In addition the Neuse Watershed protection, TLC plays a key role in Jordan Lake Watershed protection and other other local conservation initiatives.