Catheys Creek Stream Restoration Project Nears Completion

Catheys Creek stream restoration project, looking upstream from the City of Brevard’s water treatment project – Brevard, NC

Brevard, NC

Construction is underway on a project that will improve the reliability and quality of water for the City of Brevard.  The City of Brevard and Resource Institute, a Winston-Salem based nonprofit, teamed up to restore a section of stream along Catheys Creek, near the City’s water treatment plant.

North State Environmental nears completion on the Catheys Creek stream restoration project – Brevard, NC

Catheys Creek provides about 1 million gallons of drinking water each day to City water users. Prior to construction, the water intake pipe at Catheys Creek was located next to an eroding streambank along an unpaved road on U.S. Forest Service property. Sediment eroding from this unstable section of the creek often caused clogging in the pipe, threatening to disrupt the flow of clean water to the treatment plant. Post-construction, the project will reduce erosion and relocate the water intake pipe upstream to a safe location away from sediment sources. The project will also stabilize the road and improve stream habitats for fish, hellbender salamanders, and other wildlife in this high-quality stream.

An aerial view of the Catheys Creek stream restoration project around the City of Brevard’s water treatment plant – Brevard, NC.

Charles Anderson, Resource Institute says, “The biggest polluter to water treatment facilities is sediment. The more sediment imported into the treatment plant, the greater the cost to remove impurities.  Improving the water intake and stabilizing the stream banks reduces the pollutants and sediment in the water being treated.”

Darrell Westmoreland, North State Environmental, Inc. says Cathey’s Creek was in dire need of repair. “This section of Cathey’s Creek had numerous problems that need to be addressed, such as bank erosion and instability, a growing mid-channel bar, and the lack of proper stream function and habitat. The North State Environmental Team is extremely excited about the opportunity to restore Cathey’s Creek back to a natural stream and providing The City of Brevard with a working water intake system.”

The City of Brevard is partnering with Resource Institute, NC Division of Water Infrastructure, the U.S. Forest Service, Jennings Environmental, LLC, and North State Environmental to remedy the situation.  The Catheys Creek Water Intake Project will use sustainable river engineering technologies based on the “natural channel design” approach to improve the natural stream stability and habitat functions.

The project is funded through a grant from the NC Division of Water Infrastructure with matching funds provided by the City of Brevard. The U.S. Forest Service is contributing resources to improve road stability and drainage on federal property adjacent to Catheys Creek. Resource Institute is supporting project management and grant administration. Greg Jennings, PhD, PE, Jennings Environmental, PLLC provided engineering design services. North State Environmental is constructing the project. The project will be complete by the end of the year.

NC Dam Restoration Project to Boost Wildlife Habitat

Decommissioned dam at Payne Branch Park near Boone, NC. The dam will be removed in the summer of 2020 as part of a stream restoration project.

BOONE, N.C. - A damn restoration project set to start next month in western North Carolina is expected to improve water quality for thousands of local residents and enhance wildlife habitat in the Boone area.

Years of damage and deterioration of the 100-year-old Payne Branch Dam along the Middle Fork of the New River have meant high sediment levels and more storm water flowing downstream to Boone.

Charles Anderson, project developer with the conservation group Resource Institute, says this pooling has contaminated water for wildlife and affected both recreation and drinking water supplies in Boone.

"Our objective is to go in and remove the dam completely, and take out all the sediment that we possibly can remove," says Anderson. "In order to provide better protection downstream - to the water resources, to the aquatic habitat and for recreational use as well."

The renovation will be part of the future extension of Boone's Greenway Trail, which provides outdoor recreational space to thousands of North Carolinians.

Payne Branch Dam, built by New River Light and Power, was the first electricity source to serve the northwest mountains of North Carolina. It was decommissioned in the early 1970s, says NRLP engineering supervisor Matt Makdad, who's working on the new project.

He points out that when the dam was shut down, silt and debris settled, causing damage to fish and animal habitats.

"By taking the dam out, opening the river up a little bit more, that creates a better environment, cooler water temperatures, that better support the natural habitat," says Makdad.

As of 2018, more than 1,500 dams have been removed in the U.S, according to a report by the group American Rivers. As a result, communities in 18 states have successfully reconnected more than 1,200 river miles to restore fish passage and access to natural habitat.

Diane Bernard, Public News Service - NC

Original Article at https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2020-06-12/environment/nc-dam-restoration-project-to-boost-wildlife-habitat/a70535-1

PAYNE BRANCH RESTORATION PROJECT STARTS CONSTRUCTION IN JULY

Deteriorating dam at Payne Branch Park near Boone, NC. The Payne Branch dam was a power source for the NRLP service area from 1924–72.

A unique partnership between Resource Institute, a Winston-Salem NC based nonprofit, and Appalachian State University, New River Light & Power (NRLP) will restore a section of Payne Branch, along the Middle Fork of the New River.  This section of stream flows through the decommissioned Payne Branch hydroelectric dam, located just east of Boone at Payne Branch Park.

NRLP supplies electrical service to Appalachian State University, the Town of Boone and the surrounding community.  The Payne Branch dam was once used as a power source for the NRLP service area (1924–72), according to Matthew Makdad, PE, Engineering Supervisor at NRLP.  “The watershed upstream of the site has been impacted by development and highway expansion,” he explained. “This, plus the remaining dam structure, has subsequently restricted the Middle Fork, causing increased stormwater flow and sediment levels that are impacting the water quality in this habitat.”

Payne Branch suffers from multiple physical, ecological, and biological impacts.  The old dam structure restricts streamflow, causing increased stormwater flow and sediment levels, poor water quality, and reduced habitat.  The Payne Branch Project will remove the existing dam, remove excess sediment, restore and stabilize stream banks, reconnect and enhance the floodplain and ponds, and allow upstream fish passage for spawning.  The project will also establish a riparian buffer, remove invasive plant species and reestablish native plants, trees and shrubs.

Appalachian State University, NRLP with assistance from Resource Institute, received a $1.177 million grant from the NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund to implement the project.  NRLP will contribute an additional $200,000 to the effort.  Brushy Fork Environmental Consulting, Inc. completed the assessment, engineering, and design.  Construction begins in July (weather dependent) with an expected completion date of Fall 2020.

Resource Institute, the project manager, has a 20-year history of managing stream restoration projects.  Charles Anderson, Resource Institute, says the Payne Branch Project is quite complex. “There are tons of soil and sediment behind the old dam.  We will take out as much sediment as possible while removing the dam.  We want to minimize sediment flowing downstream because the water supply for Boone is downstream of the site. This project means a safer, cleaner water supply for the Town of Boone.”

Payne Branch stream restoration project, pre-construction, looking upstream to the decommissioned hydroelectric dam.

After completion, Payne Branch will see a decrease in stormwater flows and sediment deposits.  Stabilized streambanks and new riparian buffer will reduce erosion and contribute to improved water quality, enhanced habitat, and positively impact the trout fishery.

In total, 1,200 linear stream feet will be restored. The Payne Branch Project will be part of the future extension of the Greenway Trail between Boone and Blowing Rock.  The project will expand community and tourist recreation opportunities.

Shaw Creek River Restoration Project Helps Veterans Heal

Resource Institute completes a stream restoration project on Veterans Healing Farm near Hendersonville, NC.

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. -- A river-restoration project on a farm for veterans in Hendersonville is bringing new life to a community space.

Veterans Healing Farm began in 2013 as a way to support the emotional and social well-being of returning service members, who use the land to grow food, herbs and flowers. The farm's executive director, John Mashie, said repeated floods had caused the banks along Shaw Creek to become severely eroded, so he teamed up with local conservation organization Resource Institute and the Henderson Soil and Water Conservation District to restore the stream.

Mashie said flowing water is naturally healing for veterans transitioning back from military life.

"The creek is multifaceted in terms of what it created," Mashie said. "One is the sound of the water as it flows over some of these various features; obviously, to see the water, to have an open area that they can sit next to the water. Additionally, the entire creek is planted with elderberry that is going to be used to create medicine."

Research has shown spending time in nature can improve the psychological well-being of veterans struggling with depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other serious health problems. North Carolina is home to more than 700,000 veterans.

Senior Water Resources Engineer at Wildlands Engineering Jake McLean said eroding stream banks can lead to land loss and reduced crop production and can harm aquatic life.

"That's sending sediment downstream - places where there's mussels and other organisms that get smothered out with sediment," McLean said.

He said as part of the restoration work, veterans helped plant more than 3,000 native plants and shrubs alongside the creek.

Nadia Ramlagan, Public News Service - NC

Original article at https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2020-05-12/water/shaw-creek-river-restoration-project-helps-veterans-heal/a70167-1

VETERANS HEALING FARM HEALS VETERANS AND STREAMS

Suttles Engineering implements the stream restoration project on Shaw Creek, Hendersonville, NC.

Near Hendersonville, NC lies a small farm providing extraordinary services to our military veterans.  Veterans Healing Farm (VHF) is healing veterans and is now healing the streams flowing through the property.  Veteran John Mahshie founded VHF in 2013.  VHF uses this facility for creating community and supporting the emotional and social well-being of veterans. VHF veteran volunteers grow food, herbs, and flowers on-site, and VHF supplies those products to veterans and caregivers free of charge at the VA and other local distribution sites.  VHF also teaches veterans practical skills related to food production, animal husbandry, medicinal herbs, and crafts.  VHF creates unique learning, treatment, and community spaces through creative and innovative design and materials repurposing.  The farm works toward self-sufficiency, by capturing solar energy to power on-site facilities.

Shaw Creek, a tributary of the French Broad River, bisects the farm.  The stream is a centerpiece of VHF and the far bank serves as an area of respite and relaxation for veterans.  In recent years, Shaw Creek experienced multiple severe out of bank flooding events causing severe streambank erosion, significant land loss, and reduced crop production after each rain event.  Additionally, two invasive species, kudzu and Japanese knotweed, had overrun the stream corridor choking out and preventing more desirable native trees and shrubs from growing along the streambank. 

Mahshie searched for a solution to the stream problems he was experiencing, reaching out for help from the nonprofit, Resource Institute (RI ) and the Henderson Soil & Water Conservation District.  RI’s mission is to restore America’s streams, rivers, and wetlands by working in partnership with local landowners and communities.  RI helped Mahshie apply for stream restoration project funding under the USDA-NRCS EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program) through the RCPP (Regional Conservation Partnership Program).  The EQIP program provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns like the problems Mashie was experiencing on Shaw Creek. In 2017, EQIP approved Mahshie’s application and provided construction funding to restore Shaw Creek. RI and Henderson SWCD secured additional funding through the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NC DWR) to fund project engineering design and permitting.

Resource Institute, took on the role of project manager, assembled a project team with Wildlands Engineering for engineering and design and Suttles Grading for construction.  The team constructed a new floodplain and installed in-stream structures.  The long-term project goals are for Shaw Creek to handle flood flows in a non-erosive manner and reduce stress on the banks and maintain channel stability. The engineered in-stream structures direct flows into the center of the stream channel and away from the streambanks.

During construction, trees in danger of being lost to future streambank erosion were removed and later replanted by the RI Team and VHF. Together, the team planted over 3,000 native species trees and shrubs, forming a wide riparian corridor for surface water filtration, sediment transport reduction, erosion control, and terrestrial habitat along the stream corridor. Mahshie made one special request to the project team, plant Elderberry for medicinal purposes, as VHF supplies and teaches veterans about the value and uses of homeopathic medicine.  VHF volunteers also helped transplant river cane, a plant that has cultural significance with the Cherokee nation and may supply materials for future VHF endeavors. 

Mahshie says that stream restoration on Shaw Creek helps the veterans in multiple ways. “When you are having a hard day, you can go and sit by the creek.  Now, you can hear and see it.  It gives you a sense of serenity and peacefulness.” The next step is to create stream access to veterans’ families. Mashie says, “It will be an amazing place for veterans to relax and play in the creek with their families.”

Stream Restoration Project Improves Surry Co. Recreational Hub

Construction on the stream restoration project at Fisher River Park, Surry County, NC.

MOUNT AIRY, N.C. -- Conservationists have restored more than 3,000 feet of eroded streambank along the Fisher river in Surry County. The river runs through the county's only state park, which provides an outdoor-recreational space for more than 70,000 North Carolinians.

Surry County Commissioner Ed Harris said the restoration work comes at a time when more residents are seeking outdoor physical activity and ways to practice social distancing.

"These resources are really valuable to Surry County, especially now in the height of a pandemic," Harris said.

The 60 mile long Fisher River is heavily used for kayaking and fishing. The project was led by Surry County, Resource Institute, and several other environmental organizations.

Harris said the area surrounding the river had become unsafe.

"We actually had to tape it off with a barrier to prevent anyone from getting near the stream," he said. "And it was several hundred feet that we restored, and it was right in the main part of the park."

Jake Byers is a senior water resources engineer with Ecosystem Planning Restoration. He said the improvements to the Fisher River mean cleaner drinking water for residents living downstream.

"Sediment is the biggest pollutant in North Carolina," Byers said. "And this river system was contributing a large amount."

Byers said the changes will improve aquatic habitat, restore floodplain connectivity and boost the biological health of the waterway.

Nadia Ramlagan, Public News Service - NC

Original story at https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2020-03-31/environment/stream-restoration-project-improves-surry-co-recreational-hub/a69727-1

Lynn McCaskill Retires after 19 Years of Service

Caption: Lynn McCaskill receives a Presidential Award for Service from Resource Institute Chair, Squeak Smith. Smith presented McCaskill with the award at Board of Directors meeting at Pinehurst, NC.

Lynn McCaskill, a Richmond County North Carolina native, recently retired from Resource Institute’s Board of Directors.  Lynn was a founding board member and secretary, dedicating 19 years (2000 – 2019) of continuous service to Resource Institute’s mission – to restore America’s stream, rivers, and wetlands.  Lynn helped guide Resource Institute to become a leader in stream restoration in North Carolina and across the country.  Under Lynn’s tenure, Resource Institute has restored over 1,301,616 feet (246 Miles) of streams.

In 1966, Lynn completed a degree in pharmacy from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte.  That same year, he married the love of his life, Linda Smith.  Lynn and Linda returned to Ellerbe, NC, in 1971 and opened Ellerbe Pharmacy. They operated the pharmacy until 2014 when they semi-retired.  In Ellerbe, they raised three children and are currently doting on six grandchildren.

Lynn strongly believes in public service and volunteerism.  He served on Ellerbe Town Council for 16 years, was Richmond County Commissioner for eight years and the mayor of Ellerbe for ten years.  Lynn is also dedicated to the Ellerbe Lions Club, serving as Governor of District 31-F from  2014 - 2015.  He was also a member and chair of the Richmond County Board of Health.

Lynn believes our water resources are critical for the next generation.  He has also shepherded Environmental Impact RC&D (Resource Conservation & Development) for twenty-eight years (1992 to present).  He still serves as its chair and secretary.  Lynn often says, “I do this for 6 reasons – my grandchildren.  It’s important to restore our streams so that the next generation has clean water for drinking and to enjoy.”

Lynn’s jovial attitude and sage advice will be dearly missed.  Kirk Otey, Charlotte, NC was elected to Lynn’s position.  Kirk brings almost 40 years of public service and business acumen to help guide Resource Institute.

Restoration of Linville River Continues - Seedling Planting and Trout Stocking in Next Phase

CROSSNORE - The N.C. Forest Service, partnering agencies, and Resource Institute has restored 2,450 feet of the Linville River channel as it flows through Gill State Forest and beyond Crossnore Mountain Training Facility and Linville River Nursery.

Additionally, the NCFS has enhanced 500 feet of an unnamed stream that discharges to the river by planting understory growth that will eventually shade the stream.

In the next phase of the project, tree seedling planting and trout stocking will begin in March. Forest Service staff have already placed signs on river and stream banks advising fishermen and visitors of the new understory vegetation already planted and of the future tree plantings.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will stock the restored river reach for the opening day of trout fishing season, the first Saturday in April. Due to restoration construction, the Commission suspended stocking of hatchery trout in the summer of 2018. According to Commission officials, this portion of the river will be stocked with trout in March; restocked twice during April and May, and once in June and July.

“The improved aquatic habitat means more places for trout to call home and a sustained fishery throughout the spring and summer,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We restored the river in the fall and winter months to minimize impacts on fishing and other recreation that occurs at Gill State Forest.”

For fishing and hiking enthusiasts, visitor parking is available just off Linville Falls Highway, adjacent to the high-water bridge. This summer, a river trail, and self-interpretation kiosks will be established to inform forest visitors about the many benefits of river restoration. You can learn more about the restoration by visiting the N.C. Forest Service website at https://www.ncforestservice.gov/water_quality/wq_streamrestoration.htm.

NC City Addresses Sediment Issues to Keep Water Treatment Costs Low

Cathey's Creek in Brevard is the city's main source of drinking water.

BREVARD, N.C. – The city of Brevard has received $1 million from the state to undertake a stream restoration project aimed at preventing the city’s water treatment plant from being damaged by high levels of sediment.

Brevard City Manager Jim Fatland says the city takes 1 million gallons of water per day from Cathey's Creek, which runs through the Pisgah National Forest.

Fatland says stabilizing the stream is critical for the long-term future of Brevard's water supply.

"Our plan is to get this project finished and not have a disaster issue to deal with,” he states. “So the state's agreed with us. They have given us a full $1 million grant to cover the cost for this project. So we're looking forward to get this done well in advance of any major storm that might hit this community."

The Cathey's Creek project is a partnership of the City of Brevard, Resource Institute, Jennings Environmental and the North Carolina Division of Water Infrastructure.

Fatland says the project is slated to begin next spring.

Charles Anderson, a project developer with Resource Institute, a stream restoration organization, says sediment problems plague water systems across the country.

"Sediment is the biggest problem that water treatment facilities have,” he states. “Along with that sediment, we have other pollutants that attach themselves to that soil particle. And when they attach themselves to that soil particle, it drives it right into the river system and then it floats down."

Anderson adds that when the cost to treat the water goes up, it directly affects consumers' water bills.

"And then when they pull that water out of the river to be treated, that's where they run into the big issues and costs," he explains.

Anderson adds that engineers will use sustainable river-engineering technologies based on the "natural channel design" approach, as well as planting trees whose roots can restrain sediment flow.

Nadia Ramlagan, Public News Service - NC

Original Article at https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2019-12-12/water/nc-city-addresses-sediment-issues-to-keep-water-treatment-costs-low/a68582-2

MD Conference to Focus on Cleaning Up Chesapeake Bay

BALTIMORE – Stream recovery projects are a cornerstone in helping to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and people at the MidAtlantic Stream Restoration Conference on November 18 will explore how to advance these projects.

Stream rehabilitation is more urgent than ever, according to Rich Starr – senior water research scientist with Ecosystem Planning and Restoration – who'll give opening remarks at the conference.

He says states in the watershed, including Maryland and Virginia, are pushing to fulfill the Environmental Protection Agency’s mandate to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution flowing into the Chesapeake 60% by 2025.

"I think it's difficult to say whether we'll achieve it or not,” says Starr. “But the more positive thing to look at is, the trend is going that way. We are definitely trending towards a healthier bay as a result of the work that's going on. "

The Baltimore conference comes just a few weeks after Governor Larry Hogan called on Congress to fully fund $85 million of Chesapeake Bay restoration programs in the federal 2020 budget.

Maryland had achieved its overall 2017 goal for the EPA's Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint to reduce phosphorus and sediment, but fell short on nitrogen reductions, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Starr says nitrogen and phosphorous pollution come from wastewater runoff in urban and suburban areas as well as agriculture. Stream restoration, he adds, helps prevent the runoff from getting to the Bay.

"Stream restoration involves stabilizing the stream, so the banks are no longer excessively eroding and contributing excessive dirt into the stream, and replanting the beds and improving habitat in the stream for aquatic organisms,” says Starr.

He says the conference, hosted by the nonprofit Resource Institute, will have sessions on floodplain restoration, how healthy ecosystems can help with riverbank restorations, and a state-by-state look at controlling sediment, phosphorous and nitrogen in the Chesapeake Bay states.

Diane Bernard, Public News Service - MD

Original article at
https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2019-11-08/environment/md-conference-to-focus-on-cleaning-up-chesapeake-bay/a68281-1