Lake with dam that has branches and brush built up blocking it

Stormwater

Wetland Conversion of Upper Durant Lake

Maintaining and Protecting the Nature Preserve

Engage Now:

We are would like to hear your thoughts on the upcoming improvements at Upper Durant Lake. Give your feedback by taking our online survey!

Project Details

 
Type:
Lakes, Streams, and Dams
Budget:
6.7 million
Project Lead:
Stormwater Management, Parks
Contractors:
WK Dickson (Design)

Upcoming Events

 
  • Sep
    23

    Upper Durant Lake Public Meeting

    6 p.m. • Monday
    Campbell Lodge at Durant Nature Preserve
    Add to Calendar 2024-09-23 18:00:00 2024-09-23 19:30:00 Upper Durant Lake Public Meeting 3237 Spottswood Street, Raleigh, NC 27615 City of Raleigh Kyle BucherSenior Engineerkyle.bucher@raleighnc.gov919-996-4068 America/New_York public

Contact

 

Kyle Bucher
Senior Engineer
kyle.bucher@raleighnc.gov
919-996-4068

Lead Department:
Engineering Services
Participating Department:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Service Unit:
Stormwater

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Strategy

With the study phase complete, we considered multiple alternatives that were shared with the community and citizen advisory boards. 

Approved Recommendations 

City staff recommended converting the upper lake at Durant Nature Preserve to a tiered wetland. This recommendation comes after completing the study and getting feedback from stakeholders and the community.

In April 2021, Raleigh City Council approved moving forward with the tiered wetland. We are expecting to start the design phase in mid-2022. We'll keep you updated on any changes.  

Getting Feedback 

Virtual Meeting Resources 

Planning

During this study, we evaluated the lake’s physical, biological, and chemical conditions. Then we looked at how we can change the lake area to:

  • Create a better ecosystem;
  • Provide a variety of landscape features at the lake; and,
  • Improve the visitor experience.

Work for the study took place between 2017 and mid-2019. View the report.

 

Lead Department:
Engineering Services

Design

The project is currently in design Phase 1.

Project Goals

This project has several goals for the community members and local wildlife who enjoy the preserve. Goals of the wetland conversion include:

  • Address the failing dam;
  • Preserve and diversify natural habitat for native wildlife;
  • Improve water quality,
  • Expand environmental education opportunities; and,
  • Ensure long-term viability of the Durant Nature Preserve.

During this phase, the team will identify the type of wetland best suited for the site. We will likely use natural materials such as rocks and logs to control the wetland habitat. Native materials will be designed to mimic natural features and minimize maintenance requirements.

Current Project Status

Since the public meeting in April 2023, the project team has continued conducting fieldwork into the summer. Survey collection and mapping are now complete. One major finding is the height of the dam will need to be lowered to remove areas that are structurally deficient.

Raleigh Stormwater is currently using the data collected  to identify potential types and combinations of habitat wetlands in order to develop design options for the site. Design options will be presented to the City of Raleigh in late Summer/early Fall 2023.

Next Steps

 

Raleigh Stormwater is hosting a public meeting on Monday, September 23 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Lodge at Durant Nature Preserve (3237 Spottswood Street, Raleigh, NC 27615).

Can't make the meeting? We are would like to hear your thoughts on the upcoming improvements at Upper Durant Lake. Give your feedback by taking our online survey!

Lead Department:
Engineering Services

Construction

Phase details coming soon.

Lead Department:
Engineering Services

Complete

Phase details coming soon.

Lead Department:
Engineering Services

Schedule

DateActivity
Winter/Spring 2023Existing conditions data collection
Spring 20231st Public Open House
Spring/Summer 2023Design alternative development
TBD2nd Public Open House
Summer 2024Preferred wetland design alternative selected
Fall 2024Phase 2 Design plan development begins

Public Engagement

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

The engagement process is designed to be as welcoming and accessible as possible through in-person and online engagement opportunities.

Public Open House #2 and Online Public Survey

  • When: Monday, September 23 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Where: Campbell Lodge at Durant Nature Preserve (3237 Spottswood Street, Raleigh, NC 27615) 
  • Goals: Update the community on project progress and next steps, present the process used to develop design alternatives, present the preferred wetland alternative recommended by the design consultant and chosen by the City of Raleigh, and seek input on design details and future programming through a visual preference survey.
  • We are would like to hear your thoughts on the upcoming improvements at Upper Durant Lake. Give your feedback by taking our online survey!

Past Engagement Opportunities 

Public Meeting: Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Wetland Conversion of Upper Durant Lake Meeting Summary

Virtual Public Meetings: January 12, 2021 and January 26, 2021

  • Goals: Present findings from the Upper Durant Lake Study, share the recommended approach to addressing the failing dam, and answer questions from participants.

Online Public Survey: January 4 - February 1, 2021

Durant Nature Preserve Upper Lake Virtual Public Meeting

Design Alternatives

Here are a few options for the lake based on study findings:

  • Keeping the shape of the lake the same with a new spillway structure and lower water surface level;
  • Converting the lake to a wetland system to improve water quality and/or wildlife habitat (includes partially breaching the dam); and,
  • Restoring the lake to a natural stream and floodplain (includes completely breaching the dam).

View the Upper Lake Study Summary Presentation.

History and The Study

We evaluated the lakes’ dams and spillways in 2013. Results showed that we’d have to repair both lakes so that they continue to function properly. We started studying the upper lake in 2017. In mid-2019, we repaired the lower lake’s dam and spillway.

The purpose of the upper lake study was to come up with alternate solutions to maintain the area and protect the preserve. We focused on:

  • The history of the lake and surrounding area;
  • Mapping the lake’s structures, shoreline, and sediment;
  • Biology of the streams flowing into and out of the lake; and,
  • Chemical properties of the lake’s water and soil.