Residents urge county to press Army Corps and state agencies as Cove Creek erosion threatens homes

Multiple Cove Creek residents told the board that recent high‑water events have filled the creek channel with sediment, eroded banks and threatened homes, outbuildings and roads.

Myron Fields gave a history of channel work after the 1977 flood and said the channel has refilled and is now eroding yards and farm fields along Cove Creek. "The channel is full, threatening our homes and our property," Fields said, adding that adjacent property and farm fields have lost 20–75 feet of land in places and that crossings and fords have been washed out.

Greg Johnson described the lower reach and said portions of a ford used by utility companies have been washed out repeatedly and that the erosion is beginning to take acres of land. He told the board the only practical way to address the worst sites is to go into the creek and reestablish the channel — work that likely requires Corps or NRCS authorization and environmental review.

Board members noted prior contacts with FEMA, the Army Corps and congressional staff and said a meeting was scheduled with state officials to review winter‑storm priorities. Supervisors directed staff to send letters to the Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies (DEQ, NRCS, DWR) and asked county staff to follow up and report back to the board on potential funding or permitting pathways.

Several residents urged prompt action to avoid further loss of homes and farmland; the board did not commit county funds for channel excavation at this meeting but agreed to pursue agency evaluation and coordination.

Record on next steps: staff will prepare interagency letters and follow up on the state meeting outcome; supervisors agreed to keep residents informed about Corps/NRCS response and permit requirements.