Carolina Wetlands Association Newsletter
Dear Friends,Wetland protections are at their weakest since the creation of the Clean Water Act, due to proposed changes to the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS). These updates will make it harder for many wetlands—especially those with seasonal water—to qualify for federal protection, despite their critical role in flood control, water quality, carbon storage, and community resilience. While some South Carolina municipalities are taking local action, North Carolina faces stricter limits on strengthening protections. As wetland losses increase, long-standing “no net loss” safeguards are also at risk.
Now more than ever, it’s essential to speak up, support wetland advocacy, and remember: healthy wetlands mean healthy communities.
Rick Savage, Executive DirectorEmail me
Lumbee Wetland Restoration Project
In mid-December, our team visited the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center to collect water samples, observe site conditions, and discuss restoration opportunities. During the visit, we assessed the spillway and lake areas, gathered important hydrological observations, and learned more about the Tribe’s vision for integrating wetland restoration with their broader cultural and educational goals. Excitingly, the Tribe received news of their federal recognition during our visit, adding a celebratory and historic note to the project. Our team continues to work closely with the Tribe to align restoration planning with their goals and local knowledge.
Parker Creek Project
Our team ended the year connecting with local partners in the Parker Creek community. We participated in the Tar River Science Festival, where we shared project ideas, educational materials about flooding, and caught up with other community and environmental groups. The festival was a great opportunity to explore potential collaborations and gather input from neighbors, local planners, and conservation organizations. The project has been extended by six months to allow plenty of time for community and stakeholder engagement during this critical phase.
Volunteer Wetland Monitoring Program
Winter Monitoring: Our Piedmont sites — Horseshoe Farm Preserve, Hemlock Bluffs, Mason Farm, and Robertson Millpond — recently completed a productive winter monitoring session. Teams focused on hydrology and water-quality assessments, and teams used this period to train new Site Leaders. We are grateful for the enthusiasm and commitment shown by both new and returning volunteers throughout these colder months.
Volunteer Opportunity: Data collected this winter are being reviewed. Please contact Aaron, if you have interest in participating in QA/QC or other behind-the-scenes data management. These opportunities are available year-round and are conducted from any location.
Spring Monitoring: Sign-up information will be shared soon. These opportunities fill quickly—and spring is an exciting time to survey breeding amphibians on the move!
For details or to get involved, contact Aaron.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the wetland soil demonstration at Robertson Millpond on January 11th. We were fortunate to have a great demonstration by USDA Soil Scientist Reuben Wilson. We had a great group there to learn about wetland soils, from those with next to no soil science experience to trained professionals. Everyone learned something! Look out for more workshops and field demonstrations about wetlands later this year.
New year, new definition: Feds set to limit water protectionsEnvironmental organizations argue that the proposed changes will gut basic water quality protections, which were already compromised by the 2023 Supreme Court decision on Sackett v. EPA that essentially left nontidal wetlands without protection.
[Read more]
How wet must a wetland be to have federal protections?
Dr. Adam Gold presents a range of potential impacts from the proposed rule changes.
Georgetown leaders drafting first wetland protection ordinanceNew development plans in Georgetown County will soon have a new rule to follow before they break ground. The idea is to protect both federally protected and unprotected waterways from future building plans. The first draft suggests that building plans must be at least 50 feet away from jurisdictional and non-jurisdictional wetlands in the county. This length breaks down to a 35-foot undisturbed buffer plus a 15-foot setback off that buffer..
January 19, 2026Workday: Invasive Species Removal 1pm - 3pm
Hemlock Bluff Nature Preserve
Cary, NC
Open to the general public (ages 10+). Help remove invasive Japanese honeysuckle from the wetland area.
Sign-up required
February 11, 2025Program Committee Meeting (virtual)
7:00PM pm (virtual)
Would you like to be involved in wetlands education, hands-on stewardship projects, event planning and more? Meet with the program committee!Contact Chase or register here if you'd like to be involved and/or attend the meeting.
February 21, 2026Workday: Invasive Species Removal
10 am - 2 pm
Mason Farm Biological Reserve
Chapel Hill, NC
Join us as we partner with Rewild Earth to kick off Invasive Plant Awareness Week at Wetlands Treasure, Mason Farm Biological Reserve in Chapel Hill, NC! This will be an intensive workday, removing Dahurian Buckthorn and Chinese privet using extractors, loppers, saws, and applying herbicide when necessary. This workday is appropriate for ages 14+ (ages 16 and under need an accompanying adult).
February 26, 2026Science Committee Meeting (virtual)
6:30 PM pm (virtual)
The committee responds to needs of landowners with questions about their wetlands, writes white papers about wetland related topics, responds to wetland-related policies, and supports other scientific needs of the organization.
Contact the committee chair at virginia.baker@carolinawetlands.org to join.
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors:
Kris Bass EngineeringJennings EnvironmentalNC Native Plant SocietySouth Carolina Mitigation AssociationWetland Solutions, LLC
