Linville Creek Restoration Project

 
 
Linville Creek stream restoration project after instream construction and planting the riparian buffer.

Linville Creek stream restoration project after instream construction and planting the riparian buffer.

Linville Creek

Watershed – Cove Creek
Watauga County, Vilas, NC
Status: Complete
Stream Restored: ~2,500 feet

Partners:

Resource Concern/Issues:

Linville Creek was actively migrating, lacking proper dimension, pattern and profile. Additionally, it was actively eroding and lacked a sufficient riparian buffer and aquatic habitat.

Instream structures constructed for the Linville Creek restoration project.

Instream structures constructed for the Linville Creek restoration project.

Before restoration, Linville Creek lacked stream crossings contributing to streambank and streambed erosion.

Before restoration, Linville Creek lacked stream crossings contributing to streambank and streambed erosion.

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