Cove Creek Stream Restoration Project
Phase 1 Construction
Phase 1 of the Chinquapin Creek Project raised the streambed and established a floodplain.
Phase 2 Construction
In Phase 2 of the Chinquapin Creek Project, the project team used the wood available on-site for the structures. Some rock was used for some of the grade control structures. Native live stakes, bare root seedlings, and a native seed mix were used to vegetate the site.
Cove Creek
Watauga River Watershed
Watauga County, Sugar Grove, NC
Status: Complete
Stream Restored: ~ 1,992 feet
Planting Stats: 4,000 livestakes, 800 trees
Carbon Sequestration: 19.2 tons
Sediment Reduction: 104 tons
Resource Institute’s Partners:
Natural Resource Concerns/Issues
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Streambanks on Cove Creek were steep and severely eroded and lacked a riparian buffer
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Original Stream = C4
Project Objectives:
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Restored Stream Type = C4
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Improve water quality by reducing sediment, nutrient, organic, and inorganic loading of the stream and reduce streambank erosion
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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
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Construct rock and woody structures to provide instream habitat, stabilize streambanks and the channel bed
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Provide an alternate watering source for livestock, including a pump and livestock pipeline to convey water to watering facilities and protect the surrounding heavy-use area.
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Install fencing to restrict livestock access to the stream corridor to protect streambanks and streambank vegetation
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Establish a riparian buffer, remove invasive plant species, and reestablish native plants, trees, and shrubs