The Cedar Creek
watershed covers southern Owen County. The land is in the hills of the bluegrass
subregion of the Bluegrass physiographic region, characterized by hilly terrain,
very rapid surface runoff, and slow groundwater drainage. The watershed lies
over interbedded limestones and shales (>20% limestone, allowing groundwater
flow where the clay content is low enough).
Waterways. Cedar Creek empties into the Kentucky River at Monterey,
just below Lock and Dam Number 3. Among the creeks that feed it are Hall Branch,
Elm Fork, Plummer Branch, Kays Branch, Indian Creek, McDowell Branch, Elk Lick
Creek, Morgadore Creek, Bowen Branch, and Sawdridge Creek.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is almost two-thirds
agricultural and about one-third rural and wooded. No businesses or
organizations hold permits for discharges into the creeks. See tables for
details.
Agency data assessment. The assessed segments of Cedar Creek and
Sawdridge Creek in this watershed only partially support their designated uses,
based on biological and/or water-quality data. Organic enrichment, siltation,
and alteration of stream banks, streamside vegetation, and other aspects of the
habitat contribute to the impairment of these streams. See tables for details.
Watershed rankings. The ranking formula provides a preliminary
ranking by synthesizing a broad spectrum of watershed characteristics, current
conditions, and threats. This watershed ranks in the group with a moderate need
for protection and/or restoration. This rating is for the watershed on average:
particular sites and particular waters within the watershed may vary widely. See
tables for details.
Volunteer data. No volunteer data were collected in this watershed in
1999.
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