Natural Resources Inventory

The NRSC commissioned Equinox Environmental to conduct an inventory of CF natural resources to form a basis for future planning. (Read the NRI summary) (View the 2022 presentation on YouTube)​​​​ The completed 2023 Equinox NRI report contains a baseline assessment of the natural resources within CF, delineating the composition of the forested natural communities and assessing their age, health, and notable components. The report also describes the type, quantity, and quality of stream and wetland resources, as well as wildlife presence/absence and habitat type/quality. (Read the full Equinox NRI Report)

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Forest Management Plan

The NRSC commissioned EcoForesters, a nonprofit professional forestry organization dedicated to conserving and restoring our Appalachian forests, to develop a long-term CF Forest Management Plan. The EcoForesters Forest Management Plan (FMP) is an extension of the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) created by Equinox Environmental. The purpose of the FMP is to further explore and define the conditions of the CF forested property to identify threats, to make sound forest management recommendations, and to promote ecosystem health and long-term sustainability.  (View the slide presentation)

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Lake Management Plan

In 2024, the NRSC partnered with the CF Fishing Club to create a Lake Management subcommittee, tasked with ensuring the quality of water in our lakes and streams for recreational use and wildlife habitat. The subcommittee commissioned Dr. Troy Farmer, Associate Professor of Fisheries Ecology in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University, as the lead scientist for the Lake Management Study, beginning in May 2025. The study is a two and a half year project that will provide:
• a comprehensive watershed survey, addressing run-off, sediments, nutrients, submerged habitats, seasonal water quality, best water release strategies, invasive land and lake species, including parrot feather
• fishery surveys, including fish species composition, predator to prey analyses, and largemouth bass modeling
• a lake management plan with recommendations on how Connestee Falls should manage our lakes and streams for recreational use and long-term sustainability

(View the Lake Management Study presentation on YouTube)

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CF Hemlock Restoration Initiative

Eastern hemlocks can live for over 500 years and reach heights of more than 170 feet. The eastern hemlock's ability to proliferate in shady regions is key to its role as a foundation species in forests like those found in CF. The shade they generate provides key habitat for animals, fish, and birds, as well as moisture and nutrient-rich soil for native plant species. Eastern hemlocks across the US are under threat by the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an aphid-like insect that, if left untreated, will slowly kill a hemlock by interfering with the tree’s ability to uptake water and nutrients.
 

From 2021-2023, Hemlock Friends, a Connestee Falls volunteer group spearheaded by resident Lisa Smith, treated over 2000 CF trees in our community to prevent the spread of the invasive HWA. Hemlock Friends volunteers created a comprehensive hemlock inventory, used to guide a treatment plan developed in collaboration with the local non-profit, Hemlock Restoration Initiative (HRI). In 2023, this hemlock treatment was expanded by NRCS Board member Roger Witmer to include trees located on homeowner properties at the homeowner’s request. As you hike our trails or evaluate hemlocks on your property, if you see a blue or red paint spot on the trunk near ground level, it indicates that the tree has been treated.

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​Hemlocks must be treated against HWA every 5 years. In March 2026, NRSC and HRI will be hosting a training session in preparation for the updated hemlock treatment beginning in Spring 2026. Email us to attend the free training.

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​Focus on Connestee Events

The NRSC sponsors educational excursions and presentations, many of which are led by residents of CF.  Walks and talks about geology, wildflowers, birds, trees, and ferns, as well as presentations about bears, deer, and the HRI-Hemlock Restoration Initiative.

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