This online, interactive course is designed to help Greenville residents, business owners, and neighborhood leaders understand processes that drive local planning and land use policy decisions, as well as the roles and perspectives of diverse stakeholders. Eight one-hour lunch and learn-style sessions will take place over Zoom beginning on Wednesdays in April.
Upstate Forever is partnering with drinking water utilities and other stakeholders to protect critical drinking water sources across the Upstate.
In partnership with many stakeholders, Upstate Forever carefully analyzes the watershed closely to identify sources of pollution, determine effective strategies to reduce pollutants, estimate the actions needed to meet water quality standards, and create a cost-effective, strategic plan to protect and improve water quality. We summarize our findings in a Watershed Based Plan that outlines recommended actions that typically include: protecting sensitive lands critical to water quality, enhancing vulnerable riparian buffers, repairing or replacing failing septic tanks, and installing agricultural practices that reduce impacts and improve herd health.
Once the South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control (SCDHEC) approves a Watershed Based Plan, funds may be available to help cover 60 percent of the costs to implement it. Implementation of these plans helps utilities continue to provide high-quality, affordable drinking water and makes waterways safer for recreation by reducing the levels of bacteria, nutrients, and sediments.
In select watersheds, Upstate Forever can pay up to 60% of the costs for interested landowners to complete eligible projects! Currently, we have funding available for projects in the North, Middle, and South Tyger River watersheds as well as the 3&20 Creek watershed (see map). This funding is available on a first-come, first served basis so contact us as soon as possible if you’re interested in participating!
These are the watersheds and drinking water providers our work is benefitting!