Ray's Weather Center - Preserving the High Country

Put the TREAT back in

RETREAT!

Laurel Ridge Camp &

Conference Center invites

groups of all kinds to use our

beautiful lodging facilities for

your next retreat. Visit our

website or contact our office to

make a reservation today!

laurelridge.org

Heavenly Touch

Day Spa & Tanning

(828) 264-4335

Voted Area's Best Day Spa 2019

Massage | Facials

Eyelash Extensions

Waxing & Tinting

UV & Sunless Spray Tanning

Discount packages and monthly

memberships available

heavenlytouchboone.com

DEAL MOSELEY &

SMITH, LLP

The High Country's

Premier Law Firm

ESTATE PLANNING
REAL ESTATE
BUSINESS LITIGATION
FAMILY LAW
CONTRACTS

(828) 264-4734

dealmoseleysmith.com

Blue Ridge Traveler

Lake James, Linville Falls,

Marion, Little Switzerland,

and Old Fort, NC

Relax, Explore, & Connect

click for

Fun Finds and Freebies

www.blueridgetravelers.com

Lawrence-Hughes Antique

Restoration & Furniture Repair

Over 40 years experience

Some of our specialties include:

• French Polish

• Gold & Silver Gilding

• Intricate wood carving repair

Call for free estimates

828-297-4010 or

828-719-0569


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That's Why It's Called a Floodplain!
by National Committee for the New River

Latest Update: April 15, 2010

Along the New River this winter, many landowners saw and felt the results of major winter storms and extended periods of sub-freezing temperatures. In many areas, the river froze in layers of thick ice. Simultaneous events of moderating temperatures and heavy rain caused the river to rise and the ice to crack, forming huge ice floes. The rising waters carried the ice floes up onto the floodplain, the natural area for high-water levels to gravitate. You may remember seeing pictures of this phenomenon on Ray's Weather's Photo of the Day this winter. Contrary to popular belief, flooding is a very good thing for the river to do. This winter the floodplains were doing the important work of allowing the water from snow melt, ice melt, and rain to flow up and out of the river banks, dispersing the energy of that tremendous amount of water entering the watershed. Floodplains hold large quantities of water, which slows the flow of water. They allow the sediment carried by the water to settle out on land where it is needed, instead of in the river. Native plants in the floodplain filter pollutants and chemicals from the water, improving water quality for both humans and wildlife. The water held on floodplains also allows the groundwater to recharge, keeping the water in the area to supply streams and wells. In some cases, flood waters and ice damaged the vegetation along the river but the river banks themselves remain mostly unchanged. This is NOT the time to take advantage of cleared banks and start a lawn to the river. The shrubs, grasses, and trees on the river bank are the important riparian buffer that prevents erosion, absorbs pollutants in stormwater runoff, shades the river to keep it cool for fish, and provides food for wildlife, among other things. Landowners should know that while the vegetation itself was sheared off or flattened, the root systems in most cases remain intact. Inaction is the best action as the root mass in the banks will send up new growth this spring for both grasses and wildflowers and the native shrubs. Mother Nature has used this winter weather to remind us of the importance of floodplains and riparian buffers. All of the snow and ice has replenished the water tables and the flooding will provide nutrients and water for spring growth and rebirth. Just sit back and enjoy the show!