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04/29/2025 1:14 pm

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

Wetland Conversion of Upper Durant Lake

Maintaining and Protecting the Nature Preserve

Updated: Apr 29, 2025

Raleigh Stormwater is converting the upper lake at Durant Nature Preserve to a wetland. We will design the best type of wetland for that will repair the dam, preserve natural habitat, and improve water quality. Read our Vision Plan for the Wetland Conversion of Upper Durant Lake.

Project Details

 
Type:
Lakes, Streams, and Dams
Budget:
$6.7 million
Project Lead:
Stormwater Management, Parks
Contractors:
Ardurra and Toole Design Group (Design)

Contact

 

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

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

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This project supports

Community Climate Action Plan

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 Phase 2 of design, which includes creating the final design for construction.

Project Goals

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

We will likely use natural native materials, like rocks and logs, to mimic natural features and minimize maintenance requirements.

Current Project Status

We completed Phase 1 of design in Fall 2024 and created the Vision Plan. The Vision Plan explains the project purpose, goals, and timeline, public feedback and engagement, condition investigation, and proposed design. Read our Vision Plan for the Wetland Conversion of Upper Durant Lake.

Lead Department:
Engineering Services

Schedule

DateActivity
Winter/Spring 2023Existing conditions data collection
Spring/Summer 2023Design alternative development
Summer 2024Preferred wetland design alternative selected
Spring 2025Phase 2 Design plan development begins
Spring 2026Phase 2 Design plan development complete
Fall 2026Construction begins

Public Engagement

Past Engagement Opportunities 

Public Meeting: Monday, September 23, 2024

  • 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.
  • View the public meeting posters (PDF).
  • We completed a vision survey to get feedback about the design of the wetland. View the survey results!

Public Meeting: Wednesday, April 26, 2023

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

Design Alternatives

Lake As Is Concept Design for Upper Durant Lake
Upper Durant Lake Habitat Wetland Concept Design Rendering
Upper Durant Lake Stream Restoration Concept Design Rendering

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.

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