Identify problem areas (e.g., streambank erosion, habitat degradation,
lack of buffering)Representative Stream Assessment Projects
Loantaka
Brook Non-point
Source
Pollution Inventory and Stream Corridor Assessment
Vermillion
River Geomorphic and
Riparian Corridor Assessment
St. Croix River
Geomorphic Assessment
Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Stream Assessment
Representative Stream Restoration Projects
White Clay Restoration Project
Rokeby
Road Streambank Stabilization Project
Peace
Pipe Restoration Project
Cooks Creek Restoration Project
Bushkill Creek Stream Rehabilitation
Project
Teedyuskung
Creek Stream Corridor Restoration
Borough
of Perkasie - East Branch Perkiomen Creek Streambank Stabilization Project
South
Branch Tunkhannock Creek Restoration Project
Sambo
Creek Stabilization and Restoration Project
Bayne
Park/Christ the King Restoration Project
Loantaka Brook Non-point Source Pollution Inventory and Stream Corridor Assessment
Severe streambank erosion and non-point source pollution prompted a comprehensive study of the Loantaka Brook in Central New Jersey. The Brook flows directly into the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and is a restoration priority for local watershed management groups. F. X. Browne, Inc. conducted an assessment of the stream and its watershed. The primary objectives of the assessment were to:
Identify problem areas (e.g., streambank erosion, habitat degradation,
lack of buffering)
Create a GIS database of problem areas
Develop a prioritization scheme to rank problem areas by severity and
restoration potential
Develop a “short list” of immediate restoration targets
Using this approach F. X. Browne, Inc. assessed the entire length of the Loantaka Brook (approximately 5 miles). Detailed drawings of all problem areas were prepared using AutoCAD. Restoration implementation recommendations were prepared for each problem area. Riparian land use was mapped for the entire stream. The assessment data was compiled into a GIS database and the information was used to develop a prioritized list of restoration targets for upcoming implementation efforts.
Vermillion River Geomorphic and Riparian Corridor Assessment
The Vermillion River, located 20 miles south of Minneapolis, Minnesota, flows through a matrix of agricultural and rapidly-urbanizing areas. Staff from F. X. Browne, Inc., along with Friends of the Mississippi River, the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, conducted a geomorphic and riparian corridor assessment to aid the Vermillion River Watershed Management District in developing a long-term restoration strategy for the river corridor.
The first phase of the assessment consisted of conducting a Rosgen Level I, II, and III assessment for selected stream reaches. Aerial photographs and digital topography were used to conduct a Level I assessment by determining valley type, approximate valley and stream slope, and sinuosity. Twenty-six reaches were selected for Level II assessment. A Level III assessment was conducted at each cross-section to determine the state and condition of each reach. The results of the Level I, II, and III assessments were integrated into a stream classification database. The database will then be used as a source of reach-level data for future restoration efforts and as a baseline for long-term monitoring of channel stability.
The second phase of the assessment consisted of conducting a visual assessment of the stream channel. It was decided up front that the most critical parameters to assess were riparian buffer function and stream habitat quality. The working group modified the NRCS Visual Stream Assessment Protocol to meet the objectives of the study. The stream corridor was partitioned into unique land parcels. A habitat and riparian assessment was performed for each parcel and the results were compiled along with a ranking of landowner interest. An index of restoration potential was calculated by combining the scores for the riparian and habitat assessment with the landowner interest ranking.
St. Croix River Geomorphic Assessment
Staff of F. X. Browne, Inc. worked with the University of Minnesota, and St. Croix Inter-agency Working Group to conduct a hierarchal classification and habitat assessment of the Upper St. Croix National and Scenic River. The objectives of the study were to inventory the existing physical habitats on a variety of spatial scales, and specifically to locate and map high quality spawning habitats for paddlefish (Polyodon spatula).The hierarchal classification scheme of Frissel (1986) was used to partition the river into major segments, minor segments and reaches. Several representative reaches from each minor segment type were chosen for macrohabitat mapping.Macrohabitat mapping consisted of mapping depth, water velocity, and sediment particle size within the chosen reaches. The location of each major segment, minor segment, reach, and macrohabitat type were mapped within a spatially-nested GIS database.
Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Stream Assessment
As part of an integrated watershed management program for the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed, F. X. Browne, Inc is conducting a comprehensive stream assessment of all major tributaries in the watershed. The objective of the assessment is to identify the most significantly degraded stream reaches for hundreds of miles of stream channel and to identify project sites for restoration implementation projects. A GIS landuse database was used to identify major stream segments that most likely contain problem areas. A Rosgen Level I Stream Assessment is being conducted for those reaches to identify unstable stream types and stream types that are highly vulnerable to degradation. A field protocol was developed to conduct reach-level inventories of significant problem areas. The reach-level data will be compiled along with the corresponding segment level information to establish priorities for restoration projects.
Representative Stream Restoration Projects
White Clay Restoration Project
F. X. Browne, Inc. is currently designing a natural channel design restoration for approximately 3,000 linear feet of the White Clay Creek in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The design will use a reference reach approach to reestablish stable channel geometry throughout the project area. The design will also restore natural meander geometry and pool/riffle morphology to the stream. The final restoration design will include a variety of aesthetic elements including native wildflower shrub and tree plantings as well as public access points, benches, and walking trails. The design will use bioengineering techniques such as live staking, live fascines, and brush layering to provide stability for newly established streambanks and will restore a functioning riparian buffer to the stream within the project area. A variety of flow deflector structures including single-wing rock vanes, cross weirs, and J-hook rock vanes will be installed to enhance and maintain hydraulics throughout the redesigned channel.
Rokeby Road Streambank Stabilization Project
F. X. Browne, Inc. is currently designing a streambank stabilization and habitat enhancement project at a site along Rokeby Road, West Marlborough Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. The project will consist of designing and implementing streambank stabilization and habitat enhancement measures to correct severe streambank erosion along approximately 200 linear feet of Buck Run. F. X. Browne, Inc. will also be preparing and submitting the necessary permits for this project and will provide construction observation services for the installation of the bank stabilization and habitat enhancement measures.
Peace Pipe Restoration Project
F. X. Browne, Inc. is currently working with the Peace Pipe Country Club, Morris County, New Jersey. We are working to stabilize and restore 2,100 linear feet of the Rockaway River ’s bank in Denville and Boonton Townships. The entire site was surveyed and a site assessment has been conducted to assess the existing bank conditions and channel topography. Our staff has divided the proposed project area into four restoration areas. Each restoration area will be stabilized and revegetated using willow posts. Based on the information that we gathered from the survey and the site assessment, we will develop a base plan of existing topography and streambank stabilization and planting plan for all four restoration areas. F. X. Browne, Inc. will produce design drawings and instructions for construction purposes.
Cooks Creek Restoration Project
F. X. Browne, Inc. designed stream restoration measures for 750 feet of Cooks Creek in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. F. X. Browne, Inc. used HEC-RAS modeling and natural channel design assessment techniques to determine channel hydraulic and geomorphic properties within the project area. We designed a willow post stabilization system for the downstream portions of the project area. The design included grading of the banks to a 2:1 slope, installation of willow posts to protect the bank toe, and revegetation of the upper bank areas using a custom wildflower seed mix. Our design also included the placement of three J-hook rock vane structures within the stream channel to alleviate stress on the eroding banks, increase pool depth, and improve in-stream habitat. The stream restoration design targeted erosion control measures to specific areas of the streambank to maximize the retention of existing bank vegetation.
F. X. Browne, Inc. designed a tree-revetment stabilization system for the upper portion of the restoration area. This system allowed for the stabilization of the bank without grading or structural stabilization. Using this approach, we were able to retain the high quality aquatic habitat in the area while still achieving adequate stabilization of the banks.
Bushkill Creek Stream Rehabilitation Project
F. X. Browne, Inc. designed an integrated bioengineering system for 700 linear feet of eroding streambank on the inside bend of Bushkill Creek. The project area is located in Northampton County within Jacobsburg State Park. The project objectives included providing several stabilized public access points to the creek, providing on-going erosion control, and improving in-stream habitat. The final design consisted of an integrated live-cribwall and vegetated geogrid system. Nine streamflow deflectors were also designed for the project to promote point bar formation. Rosgen assessment and HEC-RAS modeling were used in the design process and natural channel design principles were followed in developing the conceptual approach for the design.
Teedyuskung Creek Stream Corridor Restoration
F. X. Browne, Inc. designed a comprehensive stream corridor restoration plan for Teedyuskung Creek in Hawley, PA. This effort complements a stormwater retrofit that F. X. Browne, Inc. designed to reduce stormwater inputs to the Creek. The project was a result of a broad-based partnership that includes Woodloch Pines (private landowner), the Pike County Conservation District, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The final design included structural and vegetative control of eroding banks, the installation of grade control and flow deflection structures and the revegetation of recently harvested riparian areas with native herbaceous and shrub species.
F. X. Browne, Inc. used a combination of natural channel design, hydraulic modeling with HEC-RAS, Rosgen geomorphic assessment techniques to design a restoration that both addresses local erosion problems and reach-scale instability problems. Volunteers participated in the project by assisting with the installation of the stabilization measures. Their assistance helped to reduce costs and increase stakeholder involvement.
Borough of Perkasie - East Branch Perkiomen Creek Streambank Stabilization Project
F. X. Browne, Inc. designed a bioengineering stabilization project to address severe erosion problems along 700 linear feet of an island within the East Branch Perkiomen Creek, Borough of Perkasie, PA. The island is a valuable historical, natural, and cultural resource for the Borough of Perkasie. The design consisted of grading one side of the island, while extending the other side of the island using a vegetated geogrid technique. Using this approach, the amount of usable space on the island was maintained, and the majority of large trees on the island were preserved. F. X. Browne, Inc. used HEC-RAS modeling to determine shear stress and velocities for the design discharge. A customized native seeding mix and shrub planting plan were developed to provide both excellent erosion control and improved aesthetics.
South Branch Tunkhannock Creek Restoration Project
F. X. Browne, Inc. designed a stream restoration, riparian reforestation, and cattle exclusion program for 900 linear feet of the South Branch Tunkhannock Creek in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. The streambanks of the creek were failing because of the lack of riparian vegetation and the trampling of the banks by cattle. Both the upstream and downstream reaches were heavily forested and did not display similar symptoms of degradation.
Thus, it was concluded that the problem was a result of local effects of the adjacent pasture management. Flow modeling showed that stream velocities and shear stresses were in the range to support bioengineering stabilization techniques. F. X. Browne, Inc. designed a willow post / live fascine stabilization system to correct the most severe erosion problems and planned a riparian restoration and cattle fencing installation to correct the underlying problem at the site.
Sambo Creek Stabilization and Restoration Project
F. X. Browne, Inc. used hydraulic modeling and geomorphic assessment techniques to develop a bioengineering design to address 200 linear feet of eroding streambank along Sambo Creek, Monroe County, PA. The banks of the creek were 8-1 2 feet high within the project area and severe undercutting was observed at the toe of the bank. The final design maximized the use of natural materials on the upper banks, while providing a high level of toe protection with placed rock. Streamflow deflectors were designed to complement the stabilization system and to improve fish habitat. Random boulder placement was used to add habitat complexity to the stream channel.
Bayne Park/Christ the King Restoration Project
F. X. Browne, Inc. is designing a stream restoration and habitat enhancement along a portion of an unnamed tributary to Great Brook flowing through the Church of Christ the King Property within the Great Swamp Watershed, NJ. The total length of the treatment area is 251 linear feet of stream channel. Various streambank stabilization systems will be used along the streambank including: a biolog stabilization system, a willow post stabilization system, a boulder toe stabilization system, and stabilization of one existing stormwater outfall with rip-rap. J-hook rock vanes will also be installed and one energy dissipater structure will be created.
F. X. Browne, Inc. also designed a riparian buffer zone around a portion of an unnamed tributary to Great Brook and the pond immediately upstream of the stream within the Church of Christ the King Property. A riparian buffer will be created around Bayne Park Pond. The buffers will be created by planting herbaceous plugs, spreading grass and wildflower seed, and installing several shrubs. The area will be protected from goose and deer disturbance through the installation of fencing, visual deterrents, and physical barriers to movement.