Why McKinney Creek is an important waterway

In the opinion of an Upstate conservationist, runoff from roads has penetrated the waters of a pristine creek south of Lake Jocassee.  In a communication this week to the Oconee Board of Zoning Appeals, Frank Holleman of Greenville says the waters of McKinney Creek are pristine, but they are impacted by runoff from roads and hard surfaces that produces sedimentation in the creek and flashy water flows during heavy rains.  Holleman says, “These high flows have scoured Oconee Bells from the banks of the Creek.  Continued degradation of McKinney Creek,” he said, will harm the Creek itself, Oconee Bells, and the water quality of Lake Keowee.”  The conservationist sent a letter to the board outlining his opposition to a proposed 12-camp site development in front of the gate to the Devil’s Fork State Park.  The Naturaland Trust acquired 200 acres along McKinney Creek to save the land from potential development.