A new biochar program in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services traces its roots to a trifecta of problems affecting Western North Carolina, but it ultimately aims to improve soil and water on farms across the state. Biochar is a carbon-rich soil amendment made by heating organic material in a very low-oxygen … Read more
Efforts to repair, improve and maintain waterways in North Carolina are getting a boost thanks to a relatively new tool developed by employees in the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Soil and Water Conservation. The new tool called the Disaster Assessment and Reporting Tool or “DART” focuses on specific kinds of … Read more
When most people hear “water storage,” they probably picture farm ponds or irrigation tanks, but a new research project at Bladen Lakes State Forest in southeastern North Carolina is exploring a much more ambitious and unconventional idea: intentionally flooding land to help prevent flooding elsewhere. This innovative effort is part of a broader exploration into … Read more
Storing water on farmland may sound like a pretty normal practice, but a division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture is looking for land to store water in an uncommon way. The ultimate goal is to reduce flooding after storms, and the idea goes well beyond what you may normally expect like farm ponds … Read more
Summary: Dozens of Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program projects are set to get underway in 2025 in the second round of StRAP funding. Projects will take place in 72 counties and 15 of the state’s 17 river basins. The program aims to reduce flooding by clearing streams of debris, downed trees and other materials that block … Read more
The Division of Soil and Water Conservation in NCDA&CS has a new – yet familiar – leader in its Engineering Services Section. Rachel Smith was promoted to the section chief position this summer. Generally speaking, her job entails overseeing the regional engineers throughout the state. Those engineers provide technical assistance to local soil and water … Read more
StRAP Case Study: Kill Devil Hills Across North Carolina, there are dozens of recent projects aimed at reducing flooding – some complete and others still in progress. Those projects are focused on flood prevention by improving streams and waterways, thanks to $38 million set aside by the General Assembly. That allocation of money created the … Read more
StRAP Case Study: Wilkes County Across North Carolina, there are dozens of recent projects aimed at reducing flooding – some complete and others still in progress. Those projects are focused on flood prevention by improving streams and waterways, thanks to $38 million set aside by the General Assembly. That allocation of money created the Streamflow … Read more
Summary: North Carolina has seen its share of flooding following hurricanes and tropical storms. The Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program or StRAP for short aims to reduce flooding by clearing streams of debris, downed trees and other materials that block or hinder the flow of water. Work is happening statewide, and proposals are being accepted for … Read more
StRAP Case Study: Randolph County Across North Carolina, there are dozens of recent projects aimed at reducing flooding – some complete and others still in progress. Those projects are focused on flood prevention by improving streams and waterways, thanks to $38 million set aside by the General Assembly. That allocation of money created the Streamflow … Read more
