Yates Mill Tributary 1a Restoration
Lake Wheeler Field Research Laboratory, NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Over 4000 feet of a tributary to Steep Hill Creek at the Lake Wheeler Research Field Laboratory have been restored to reduce sediment loading to Yates Millpond and the Neuse River. Channelization and vegetation removal caused the stream to erode into a deep gully. The two-phase restoration filled in the gully and created a small, shallow meandering channel with streambed habitat features. Floodwaters now spread onto a wide forested floodplain, dissipating energy and reducing the velocity and erosiveness of high flows. Native trees and shrubs were planted on the streambanks and floodplain. The plant roots combined with floodplain access prevent streambank and streambed erosion. The restored stream provides better habitat for fish, insects and amphibians. Created floodplain ponds enhance amphibian breeding and wildlife habitat. Invasive exotic plants were removed and treated with herbicide, allowing for growth of more nutritional native vegetation. The contiguous vegetated corridor provides food, habitat and a safe travel path for migratory birds and other wildlife.
| Phase I | Phase II | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Project Length: |
1000 ft. | 3000 ft. | |
Date of Construction Completion: |
Spring 2000 | Spring 2002 | |
Project Cost (Design & Construction): |
$90,000 | $308,000 | |
Designer: |
NCSU Water Quality Group | NC Sea Grant and NCSU Water Quality Group | |
Contractor: |
SEI | A&D Environmental | |
Funding: |
NC Stream Restoration Institute, Wake County Division of Parks, Recreation and Open Space, NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, NC Sea Grant, NC State University, Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service |
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Partners: |
NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Partners for Fish and Wildlife |
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