New Hope Creek Below Highway

Executive Summary The Durham County Inventory of Important Natural Areas, Plants and Wildlife North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Funding provided by: Durham County Board of Commissioners North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund 1986/1999

Significant Natural Areas in Durham, NC

Significant Local Activities Friends of New Hope Creek established 1988—Road signs posted 1989—Durham, Orange Co., CH fund Coulter Plan 1992—New Hope Plan adopted 1992—Advisory Committee created

Overall Goals Protect habitats and migration routes Protect watersheds Protect historic resources Secure public recreational access

1992-Present StreamWatch water sampling every month Review of development proposals Hundreds of acres of floodplains sold or donated to public by developers NC DOT bridges modified for wildlife Trail easements donated Sandy Creek Park and trail developed Githens trail developed —park in progress

1995 Leigh Farm Acquired

Erwin Tract acquired—Citizen action, local government action, Clean Water Trust Fund Wade Penny land and easements Hollow Rock Park planning begins

$4 million in land and easements!

The Next Step Secure and manage public recreational access

This will require Parks Local trails Long distance trails