Construction

Eroding Bank

In order to restore the eroding bank, TNC Installed four stream stabilization structures (J-Hook vanes) to control erosion and provide inchannel stability for approximately 1,900 feet of eroding stream bank. They also installed a toe-wood structure at the base, or toe, of Bend 2’s outer bank with the use of approximately 35 large hardwood trees. Woody vegetation was transplanted atop the toe-wood structure which included willow, alder, and sycamore. In addition, an 80’ oak tree from the stream channel was removed to prevent future divergence of flow within the site.

Channel and Riparian Restoration

The braided channel was also restructured into a single functioning channel system improving in-stream and riparian habitat.  To restore the riparian habitat, TNC planted vegetation and completed riparian fencing which excluded at least 350 head of cattle from the stream as well as constructed 2 off-watering sources for the livestock.  Bioengineering techniques were also put in place to maintain natural hydrological processes, aesthetic values, and instream habitat to support the natural biological community.

Monitoring

The Nature Conservancy worked with the University of Central Arkansas to establish pre-project biological monitoring of the site. In the pre-project monitoring TNC established a reach upstream, throughout the site, and downstream of the site, as well as a reference site on the Alum Fork Saline River. Post project monitoring will occur years two and five following the restoration activities. It is at this time TNC will have a better idea if the target species were positively affected from this project. At the current time, post-project survey tells us that all the natural channel design parameters are within the natural range of variability as defined by our reference reach data. This indicates that the dimension, pattern, and profile of the new stream channel are in reference condition. The vegetation this spring and summer has had an amazing amount of growth indicating that our long-term channel stability is greatly enhanced from the pre-project condition. TNC intends to monitor the stability of the channel through permanent cross-sections and longitudinal profiles, each year for the next five years. These outlined monitoring efforts will tell us over time how the stream and the communities of species within this reach are responding to our efforts.

The Nature Conservancy worked with the University of Central Arkansas to establish pre-project biological monitoring of the site. In the pre-project monitoring TNC established a reach upstream, throughout the site, and downstream of the site, as well as a reference site on the Alum Fork Saline River. Post project monitoring will occur years two and five following the restoration activities. It is at this time TNC will have a better idea if the target species were positively affected from this project. At the current time, post-project survey tells us that all the natural channel design parameters are within the natural range of variability as defined by our reference reach data. This indicates that the dimension, pattern, and profile of the new stream channel are in reference condition. The vegetation this spring and summer has had an amazing amount of growth indicating that our long-term channel stability is greatly enhanced from the pre-project condition. TNC intends to monitor the stability of the channel through permanent cross-sections and longitudinal profiles, each year for the next five years. These outlined monitoring efforts will tell us over time how the stream and the communities of species within this reach are responding to our efforts.

Education and Outreach

Though the project site is rather remote, the actual project construction and monitoring incorporated a large number of volunteers, and site visits were conducted for contributing partners. Several poster presentations were also given.