 Nestled
within the Richland Natural Area there is a sparkling
gem awaiting your discovery. If you visit this small,
charming lake that straddles Reedy Creek Road at dusk,
you can set out your lawn chair or blanket to enjoy
the landing and musical calls of the Canada Geese with
the backdrop of an unforgettable setting sun.
Many people enjoy Richland Lake
as a place to gather with friends and family to picnic,
fish, hike the trails, boat, or go bird watching. The
lake borders the Richland Run neighborhood and a cattle
farm on the opposite shore. The City of Raleigh’s
Loblolly Greenway connects Umstead State Park and Schenck
Forest by running along the lake’s eastern shore.
The City’s Reedy Creek Greenway transports bikers,
walkers, and runners over the lake.
Richland Lake was intended for
flood control and has prevented flooding during most
torrential downpours and hurricanes. However,  development, mainly the RBC Center, has decreased Richland Lake’s water capacity. Sediment from upstream erosion has filled in parts of the lake, degrading water quality. The lake’s flood control ability has been severely compromised as well. Hurricane Fran brought so much rain in 1996 that the lake flooded Reedy Creek Road.
That was before the RBC Center was built. If another storm of an equal or greater magnitude as Fran strikes again, flood waters will definitely pose a serious risk of flooding to the surrounding community. Allowing even more development will not only increase flooding, but it will endanger this gorgeous recreational area.
|
