The fifth public meeting in a series of six such meetings about the Lake Mattamuskeet Watershed Restoration Plan is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Hyde County Government Complex in Swan Quarter.

This meeting will update the public on plan progress and ongoing lake research.

“The goal of the watershed restoration plan is to provide a blueprint for how to best address water quality and flooding issues that affect nearby landowners and harm the lake’s fish and wildlife. The quarterly public meetings are designed to involve the public in the development of the plan,” according to the North Carolina Coastal Federation, which was hired to develop the plan.

The federation previously worked with Hyde County landowners to develop a watershed restoration plan for about 43,000 acres of farmland and wetlands situated north of Engelhard. That plan has worked well in helping to address both drainage and environmental needs for the property owners, according to NCCF.

The current planning process began in summer 2017, and it should be completed by November of this year. A draft of the plan is scheduled for review at the Monday meeting. Another meeting is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 18. The September meeting will be held at the Hyde County Government Complex.

“When completed, this plan will explain how the lake should and does function, its current status and health, and identify various practical management options for the lake watershed that will help address water quality and flooding issues. The goals and action items in the plan will be informed by scientific studies as well as local knowledge and experiences,” according to a federation news release.

At the May 8 meeting, Hyde County officials and NCCF officials provided updates on the development of the plan. Those reports included, but were not limited to, going over the major progress to date and discussing the current state of the lake and watershed, strategies that are being considered to improve conditions in and around the lake and findings from interviews with 16 Hyde County residents who live along the lake.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service also supports developing the plan.

Questions about the watershed restoration plan can be directed to Erin Fleckenstein, coastal scientist for the North Carolina Coastal Federation’s Wanchese office, at 252-473-1607. In the event of severe weather, the meetings will be rescheduled and community members can call that number or check the website for more information.