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Threats from Growth
The Upper Tar River Basin is nationally recognized
as one of the most important watersheds along the east coast.
It harbors fourteen Federal and State rare and endangered
species, including the Federally Endangered Tar River Spinymussel
and Dwarf Wedgemussel. The endangered Tar River spiny
mussle faces growing threats, primarily due to sediment pollution.
These species still exist in this watershed because
until recently the region has experienced relatively little
high-density development.
Given the exponential
growth of surrounding cities including Raleigh, Durham,
Rocky Mount, Roanoke Rapids and Henderson, the watershed is
under serious development pressures. The Upper Tar River has
the highest rate of sediment pollution (due to construction
and forest runoff) of any river in the state.
Protecting Aquatic
Biodiversity
TRLC's efforts to preserve forest buffers will
help protect the incredible aquatic biodiversity that resides
in the Basin. The Tar River, along with its two main
tributaries Fishing Creek and Swift Creek, sustains a host
of aquatic species, such as the North Carolina spiny crayfish,
Roanoke bass, and Carolina madtom, many of which are endemic
to the Tar and neighboring Neuse river basins. Rare
mussels include two federally endangered species, the dwarf
wedgemussel and Tar River spinymussel, as well as host of
state endangered mussels.
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