UT to Squirrel Creek & Squirrel Creek Stream Restoration Project

UT to Squirrel Creek post-restoration with stabilized streambanks and reconnected floodplain

Post Construction

UT to Squirrel Creek post-restoration with stabilized streambanks and reconnected floodplain

A view of the instream structures installed on UT to Squirrel Creek. The instream structures reduce erosion and help stabilize the streambanks.

In-Stream Structures Constructed

A view of the instream structures installed on UT to Squirrel Creek. The instream structures reduce erosion and help stabilize the streambanks.

Prior to restoration streambanks on Squirrell Creek were steep and severely eroded

Before Construction

Prior to restoration streambanks on Squirrell Creek were steep and severely eroded

Unstable reach of UT to Squirrell Creek prior to restoration

Unstable Reach

Unstable reach of UT to Squirrell Creek prior to restoration

UT to Squirrel Creek & Squirrel Creek

Toe River Watershed
Avery County, Plum Tree, NC
Status: Complete
Stream Restored: ~1,500 feet

Partners:

Resource Concern/Issues:

UT to Squirrel Creek is a headwater stream that suffered from critical erosion and incised streambanks. Streambanks on Squirrel Creek were steep and severely eroded and lacked a riparian buffer

Project Objectives:

  • Improve water quality by reducing sediment, 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, remove invasive plant species and reestablish native plants, trees, and shrubs