• Peterson Research and Natural Areas Property ( LMPRD and Ky . Forestry Department )
Beargrass Creek
The three forks of Beargrass Creek flow from the eastern part of Louisville to the Ohio River . The watershed encompasses nearly one-sixth of Louisville , supporting the central business , shopping and entertainment districts along with nearly one-third of its residential population . It is Louisville ’ s fourth largest watershed – draining 61 square miles . In the 1770s early residents of Louisville and Jefferson County used Beargrass Creek for drinking , crop irrigation and fishing .
Belknap Bridge , Cherokee Park As its watershed was developed , it was also used for waste disposal . Now the Beargrass Creek Watershed is the most urbanized in Louisville other than the former Paddy ’ s Run watershed which no longer has any above ground stream . Beargrass Creek ’ s woodlands and farms have become neighborhoods , industrial districts , office centers and entertainment venues . Virtually the entire creek has been channelized , and the lower reach was relocated entirely from its original location . The creek is in critical condition . It fails to meet state water quality standards and is unsuitable for fishing or swimming . Because so much of the watershed is paved or consists of impervious surfaces , storm water runoff is one of the main contributors to the stream ’ s poor quality . Nevertheless , Beargrass Creek still plays an important role in providing wildlife corridors , scenic views and wooded areas that protect stream banks . Many important park and open space resources are located in the watershed especially along the Middle and South Forks so the creek is an integral part of Louisville ’ s park and open space system .
Muddy
Fork
The Muddy Fork of Beargrass Creek Watershed is approximately 9 square miles , and runs along the Ohio River emptying into the South Fork of Beargrass Creek . It also receives backwater from the river .
Muddy Fork has several stream segments on the State ( 303d ) list for aquatic life and recreational impairment . The Kentucky Division of Water ( DOW ) classifies streams based upon their potential use , such as whether they may be used for recreational purposes , whether they support aquatic life , etc . The 303d list identifies streams within Kentucky that do not meet their designated use or partially fail to meet their designated use .
Due to the intensity of development within this watershed , a relatively high percentage of this watershed is impervious . There are still a number of poorly performing septic tanks in this area and a considerable number of lawn chemicals used . This combination results in moderate to high nutrient levels . Fecal coliform populations exceed pollution standards about a third of the time . High nutrients , high water fluctuations during storm events , and backwater
Parks and Recreation System Master Plan | III . CONTEXT AND COMMUNITY INVENTORY 39