Aquatic life conservation
Protecting our Pristine Waters
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have some of the most pristine waters in the region that provide tremendous cultural, recreational, and economic values. The Watershed Management Office is responsible for implementing programs to sustain and enhance stream and wetland health. We work to assess aquatic systems and their adjoining lands in order to implement restoration and protection strategies.
Stream Stabilization & Restoration
We strive for excellence when developing a strategy to address aquatic issues. Restoration of a river or stream channel requires that the project not only take into account the hydrology, hydraulics, and geomorphic conditions, but that the restoration activity result in no substantial physical barriers that prevent or impede aquatic migration. Understanding and assessing channel dynamics are essential components for channel reconstruction. A number of structures can be constructed to address channel erosion and migration depending on the river characteristics. Examples include rock vanes, w-weirs, current deflectors, mid-channel deflectors, channel constrictors, cross-channel logs and revetments.
Surface Water Sampling
We are responsible for managing Hydro-Met stations located within the Little Tennessee & Hiawassee watersheds. Hydro-Met stations continuously collect data including the seven aquatic parameters and four meteorological parameters listed below.
- Stream Flow
- Dissolved Oxygen
- Water Temperature
- Air Temperature
- Barometric Pressure
- Total Precipitation
We are also responsible for the identification and remediation of hazardous materials on Tribal lands that threaten human health and water quality.