This project was designed and constructed by John Vilas, and includes the restoration of 1600 linear feet of trout stream and the enhancement and creation of 7 acres of adjacent wetlands that were isolated from their historical floodplain hydrology in 1978 when the main channel was straightened and moved.  The design re-established the natural meandering pattern of Worley Creek throughout the project area, and allowed the floodplain to be accessed during high flow events (bankfull and greater).  It also allowed for the reconnection of a small southern appalachian bog to the hydrology of the stream system.  Three ponds were constructed adjacent to the new channel as a means to balance cut and fill on site. 

The restoration was co-sponsored by NRCS Wetlands Reserve Program, NC CWMTF, and the US F&WS Partners for Wildlife Program.   Design work was initiated during the winter of 1997 as a pilot project for restoration of trout streams and alleviation of non-point source pollution within the Watauga River watershed.  Permitting and construction were completed in November of 1998, with plans for additional work during the Spring of 1999.  A 30-year easement of 14 acres will be established between NRCS and the landowner Salley Vilas to include the restored channel, ponds, wetlands, and upland buffer.  This easement will protect the project from encroachment of adjacent land use alterations.
 
 
 

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