Stingy Branch Restoration Project

Instream structures constructed to stabilize Stingy Branch and create aquatic habitat.

In-Stream Structures Constructed

Instream structures constructed to stabilize Stingy Branch and create aquatic habitat.

The Stingy Branch project sponsors donated 6.5 acres for conservation and established a walking trail with a footbridge.

Footbridge for Walking Trail

The Stingy Branch project sponsors donated 6.5 acres for conservation and established a walking trail with a footbridge.

Prior to restoration Stingy Branch’s streambanks were severely eroded and the stream unstable.

Prior to Construction

Prior to restoration Stingy Branch’s streambanks were severely eroded and the stream unstable.

Stingy Branch

Tributary of the Pidgeon River
Haywood County, Iron Duff, NC
Status:  Complete
Stream Restored: ~1,500 feet

Partners:

Resource Concern/Issues:

Stingy Branch is a headwater stream that suffered from suffered critical erosion and incised streambanks.

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

  • Restore and stabilize streambanks

  • Establish a riparian buffer, remove invasive plant species and reestablish native plants, trees, and shrubs

  • Establish a 6.5-acre conservation easement donated by the landowner

  • Create a walking trail and footbridge

  • Establish a riparian buffer, remove invasive plant species and reestablish native plants, trees, and shrubs