North Branch Phase 1 Project Began December 2005
December 14th, 2005 - Aquatic Resource Restoration Company has started construction in December. More than 500 feet have been restored so far. Project is to take 4 to 6 weeks depending on weather.MCTU volunteers will be responsible for planting trees and seeding grasses as the project is being constructed. It is important that we get the trees planted and seeding done as project moves along. Unfortunately the weather has thwarted our plan to plant this fall/winter. Volunteers will be needed on a regular basis once the weather breaks in Spring to get the buffers planted. In the mean time the excavated banks are being spread with straw.
Project objectives include:
• Stabilization of 3,200 feet of severely
impaired stream.
• The reduction of sediment loads caused
by severe bank erosion.
• The improvement of aquatic habitat.
• 1,051 feet of channel reconstruction.
• 20 J-Hook Vanes.
• 4 Cross Rock Vanes.
• Livestock streambank fencing (4,882 ft.).
• Install 3,200 linear feet of riparian buffer.
Eight cross sections were surveyed in 2003 and 2004 on the project site. The survey indicated an average soil loss of 3,460 pounds per year for each foot of stream bank. With a total project length of 3,400 feet, the total annual soil loss due to erosion and channel migration is estimated to be over 11,000,000 pounds or 5,500 tons.
The upstream section of the project on the Personen property is near complete. Both the North Branch and tribs which meet it there have been restored with bank sloping and three J-Hook Structures. The results are impressive with deep holes below the structures and naturally exposed pea gravel from the increased flow velocity that will be a direct benefit to spawning trout.
We are very excited this project has fi nally started and now that it has we have some work to do. We look forward to seeing some of our new members and reacquaint with the old while accomplishing our goals with this project.
Stay tuned to this page for progress reports and pictures of this tremendous project. Or better yet, see it first hand by volunteering for the planting projects that will be coming soon.
