Dutch Creek Restoration Project
Dutch Creek stream restoration project after instream construction and just before planting the riparian buffer.
Dutch Creek (and Unnamed Tributary)
Watershed – Watauga River
Watauga County, Valle Crucis, NC
Status: Complete
Stream Restored: ~1,000 feet
Partners:
Resource Concern/Issues:
Dutch Creek was actively migrating, lacking proper dimension, pattern and profile. Additionally, it was actively eroding and lacked a sufficient riparian buffer and aquatic habitat.
Dutch Creek restoration project just after establishing the riparian buffer.
Prior to restoration, Dutch Creek was actively migrating and lacked proper dimension, pattern, and profile, as well as riparian buffer and aquatic habitat.
Project Objectives:
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
Construct stream crossings to provide a travel way for people, livestock, equipment, or vehicles that will improve water quality by reducing streambank and streambed erosion
Remove barriers to provide an opportunity for the aquatic organisms to access additional habitat and migrate up and downstream
Establish a riparian buffer, remove invasive plant species and reestablish native plants, trees, and shrubs