Smart Growth Forsyth County, Inc. has just completed its 3 month study on the status of impervious surface in the Big Creek Watershed. This watershed straddles 3 counties - Cherokee, Forsyth and Fulton - with over 32,000 acres or about 50% sitting within Forsyth County. State law mandates that only 25% of the entire watershed be covered with impervious surface. Our study found that Forsyth County’s portion covering the watershed is currently at 20%. Per the findings of this study, only about 1600 acres remain usable for future development in the form of impervious surface. Remarkably, the county’s Planning Department is presently unable to provide an accurate percentage of existing and projected (from zonings already approved but not yet built) impervious surface coverage.

Smart Growth Forsyth County, Inc. believes that the time for action is now in order to ensure the viability of the Big Creek Watershed, the protection of landowners within this watershed, and the protection of the County’s status as a Qualified Local Government. To view this report and Smart Growth’s recommendations to the County, click here .