Beaver Tail

The Beaver Tail Mitigation Site is designed to provide compensatory mitigation for stream and wetland impacts within the Lower Catawba Service Area (HUC 03050102). The project will restore 4,506 linear feet of stream and includes the creation, enhancement, re-establishment, and preservation of wetland habitats to improve overall watershed health and function.

Within the 315-acre project drainage area, restoration activities will create 4.27 acres of wetlands, enhance 1.31 acres, re-establish 0.22 acres, and preserve 2.47 acres. These improvements will enhance water quality, increase habitat diversity, and strengthen ecosystem resilience across the site.

Historically, the project area has experienced extensive ecological degradation due to insufficient vegetated buffers, unrestricted cattle access, and historic stream manipulation. Restoration efforts will focus on stabilizing stream channels, reestablishing riparian vegetation, and improving hydrologic connectivity throughout the site.

The Beaver Tail Mitigation Site aligns with the restoration goals identified in the Catawba River Basin Restoration Priorities (RBRP) (published in 2007 and amended in 2013) as well as the Indian Creek and Howards Creek Local Watershed Plan (2010a). Through these efforts, the project delivers measurable ecological uplift and lasting water quality benefits within the Catawba 02 watershed.