Cleghorn Creek Stream Restoration Project

This photo is looking upstream of Cleghorn Creek post-construction and before riparian buffer planting.

Post Construction

This photo is looking upstream of Cleghorn Creek post-construction and before riparian buffer planting.

Prior to project implementation, Cleghorn Creek streambanks were steep and unstable.

Pre-Construction

Prior to project implementation, Cleghorn Creek streambanks were steep and unstable.

Cleghorn Creek

Broad River Watershed
Rutherford County, Rutherfordton, NC
Status:  Complete
Stream Restored: ~1,540 feet
Planting Stats: 3,100 Live Stake & 1,100 Trees
Carbon Sequestration over 10 years = 42.9 tons
Soil Erosion Reduction = 308 tons

Resource Institute’s Partners:

Natural Resource Concern/Issues:

  • Streambanks on Cleghorn Creek  were steep and severely eroded and lacked a riparian buffer

  • Original Stream Type = G5

Project Objectives:

  • Restored Stream Type = B4c

  • Improve water quality by reducing sediment loading of the stream and reduce streambank erosion

  • Stabilize the stream reach to prevent further aggradation or degradation by providing an improved dimension, pattern and/or profile that will improve sediment transport, and manage surface waters and groundwater levels in floodplains, riparian areas, and wetlands

  • Construct rock and woody structures to provide instream habitat, stabilize streambanks and the channel bed

  • Establish a riparian buffer and reestablish native plants, trees, and shrub