SITE 1
BEFORE DURING AFTER
SITE 2
BEFORE AFTER
LOCATION PROJECT DURATION
Paint Rock Creek, Hyattville, Wyoming 2012-2014
MATERIALS
Boulders
MACHINES USED
Side Dump Semis hauled boulders, an Excavator worked to construct the natural channel design structures, and a loader mobilized materials on site.
OBJECTIVE(S)
This was a stream bank stabilization and enhancement project which included a natural channel design to address severe stream bank erosion. The design also included fisheries/macroinvertebrate (aquatic bug) habitat enhancement. By diversifying the pool and riffle sequence the river in this reach can function properly to maintain its habitat features.
WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE CLIENT
The client sought to primarily address and fix bank erosion from the 2011 flood season. Due to the extensive loss of bank vegetation and extensive volume of sediment needed to stabilize the channel, there was limited river material to restore its dimensions, so the use of logs was extremely beneficial. The extent of the erosion on this project was dramatic, but with a design to restore stable parameters, the river has been able to maintain its natural habitat features for the now healthy fish population.
BENEFITS OF NATURAL RE-CONNECTIVITY
The proposed design has enhanced the ability for the river to naturally utilize its floodplain and provide habitat in the stream and along the riparian corridor. Connecting the river to the floodplain and its many necessary features provides stability to all the flora and fauna in any type of river ecosystem.
SUSTAINABILITY
By returning the river to its stable dimensions, in the long-term, it can biologically support life in and around it.
WILDLIFE HABITAT
Doing Stream Restoration connects the river with its riparian area in most projects. This is the area adjacent to the river where the water supports all living things. Here, that includes turkey, mink, raccoon, grouse, deer, ducks, geese, fish, turtles, frogs, etc.
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE RIVER/HABITAT WAS NOT FIXED
The extent of erosion on Paint Rock Creek on through this property was so severe that it would have continued to worsen had this project not been complete.
BEFORE
DURING
AFTER
Comments