Streambank repair, stabilization, and buffer vegetation was implemented on 500 feet of the South Fork Mitchell River streambanks.   The reach was restored using a combination of rock vanes, root wads, bank grading, seeding, transplants, and erosion control fabrics. Rock vanes and “J’ hook vanes were installed using a track hoe with a thumb. The rock vanes are designed to divert the stream’s power away from the streambank and into the center of the channel. This protects the streambank from erosion and creates a scour hole in the center of the channel that absorbs energy and provides habitat. Root wads were installed at the toe of the bank around the meander bend and other areas vulnerable to erosion. Root wads absorb stream energy, protect the streambank, and provide aquatic habitat.

Riparian buffers were restored and the banks were re-vegetated with sod mats and transplants. The area underneath power lines was re-vegetated with short shrubs such as silky dogwood, spice bush, and bankers dwarf willow stakes. Herbicide was used to maintain survivability of bank vegetation.