Crab Creek Stream Restoration Project

The project team used root wads to stabilize a meander bend on Cove Creek.

After Restoration

The project team used root wads to stabilize a meander bend on Cove Creek.

A primary goal of the Crab Creek restoration project was to stabilize steep, eroding streambanks.

Before Restoration

A primary goal of the Crab Creek restoration project was to stabilize steep, eroding streambanks.

Crab Creek

French Broad Watershed
Henderson County, Hendersonville, NC
Status:  Completed 2023 
Stream Restored: ~1,100 feet
Planting Stats: 2,180 live stakes and 390 trees
Carbon Sequestration - 20.1 tons in 10 years
Sediment Reduction - 125 tons

Resource Institute’s Partners:

Natural Resource Concern/Issues

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

  • Original Stream = Type C4

Project Objectives:

  • Restored Stream Type = G4c

  • Improve water quality by reducing sediment, nutrient, organic, and inorganic 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 shrubs