NEAFWA 2018

AUTHORS: Daniel McKinley, Brian C. Austin, P.E., Jeremy Mears - USDA Forest Service, Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests; Robert Gubernick, P.G., USDA Forest Service, Region 9 Technical Services Team; Greg Russ, White River Partnership

ABSTRACT. The West Branch of the White River was severely impacted by unauthorized dredging following Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 that degraded its habitat value and function. In response, several partners worked closely over a 5-year period to develop a two phased approach to restoring the river. This project is unique in that it highlights the use of large wood for streambank stabilization and restoration rather than large riprap which is typical. This project highlights techniques and technology being developed by the Forest Service and being utilized more frequently in the western United States. The project spanned beyond National Forest boundaries and included several adjacent private land owners all working together to improve the function of the river. Approximately 1 mile of river and riparian habitat was restored or improved. By restoring flood flows to flood chutes and abandoned floodplains, the project increased flood storage without increasing 100-year flood elevations. Through the creation of off-channel aquatic habitat, the project had demonstrated that unique and uncommon habitats found in well-functioning floodplain forests can and should be a consideration in river/stream restoration in the northeast. After only one year, the Forest Service has documented the benefits to aquatic habitat from this restoration project through fish sampling that has shown an increased population of trout. Water temperatures have decreased in the deeper pools that were constructed making the river more suitable for native Brook trout as well as the naturalized population of wild Rainbow trout. The site has become a popular family recreation site for not only fishing but also swimming in the deep holes. Adjacent properties are very happy with the results and look forward to continued improvements in the future. Conditions will continue to improve as riparian plantings begin to grow and fish population and other aquatic organisms become established.