COVE CREEK
Approximately 1200 linear feet of stream and 3 acres of adjacent floodplain wetlands have been restored at Cove Creek in the Watauga River basin.  This project was completed in the Fall of 1999.  Ten years ago, Hurricane Hugo destroyed a mill dam downstream which resulted in channel incision and extreme streambank erosion.  A new floodplain was beginning to form at a lower elevation.  The restoration completed the development of this lower floodplain and stabilized the streambanks.  Aquatic habitat was also improved by reestablishing a riffle/pool sequence.  The following steps were used to meet the goals of the project:
  • A 10-15 foot floodplain (bankfull) bench was constructed where the channel was most incised.  Willow trees and sod mats were transplanted from the developing floodplain to the new bench.  The purpose of the bench is to reduce the erosive power of the stream against the streambanks.  The upper part of the streambank was sloped, planted with annual rye grain, and covered with a biodegradable erosion control fabric.
  • In the bottom of the stream channel, rock structures were constructed to stabilize eroding streambanks and provide scour pools for fish. 
  • One section of the streambank, just upstream from the old mill dam, was completely reconstructed. 
  • In the Spring of 2000, the banks were be staked with live willow and silky dogwood cuttings.  In addition, trees donated by TVA will be planted along the riparian corridor.  The landowners have donated a conservation easement along the corridor to ensure the long term success of the project.

SEE PHOTOS OF THE PROJECT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PHOTOS

Looking Downstream Pre-Construction

Monitoring Flow at Cove Creek

Bank erosion on Cove Creek 

Cross vane just after installation

Cross vane during high flow

Stream bank vegetation growth after one year