Transforming Three Mile Creek: An Urban Watershed in Mobile, Alabama

Three Mile Creek is a historic 24 kilometer long waterway which flows through the heart of Mobile, Alabama. Creek water quality and habitat have been severely degraded due to activities and stormwater runoff from the 78 square kilometer contributing watershed. In 2014, a Watershed Management Plan was completed for the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program to transform the creek and watershed into a healthy surface water system complete with walking paths, kayak runs and other educational and recreational amenities. An extensive public outreach program was completed to identify key citizen issues and build public support for restoration. The plan includes: a description of the current condidtions in the creek and watershed; a summary of the watershed planning approach; identification of restoration needs and recreational opportunities; and a description of the planned restoration strategies and estimated costs. A phased implementation approach is proposed to reduce pollutant loads and improve surface water quality.