Silver Creek Assessment and Lower Stalker Creek Design
Lower Loving Creek representing the “before” condition—note the over-widened channel lacking vegetation, in-stream structure, and habitat.
In 2019, Rio ASE partnered with Ecosystem Sciences to evaluate geomorphic and habitat conditions in the Silver Creek watershed and develop an assessment that would divide the watershed into prioritized reaches, identify appropriate restoration actions, and develop conceptual designs for the two highest priority areas. The goal of the project was to create habitat conditions that are suitable for a sustainable, resilient, wild trout spring creek fishery.
First, we completed a watershed-scale assessment that divided the stream and its tributaries into distinct reaches based on their geomorphic and biological character. We evaluated the reaches at a high level, using readily available remote data and past reports to understand basic issues, potential restoration targets, and recommended treatments to reach those targets. We also evaluated fish use potential, restoration feasibility, and habitat uplift potential and prioritized each reach for more refined analysis.
Two reaches were selected for reach-scale analysis that included bathymetric survey, hydraulic modeling, sediment transport analysis, identification of geomorphic target conditions, and development of appropriate treatment examples to address the identified targets. Then, we synthesized available data, collaborated with the project team to analyze data, and developed specific conceptual restoration designs, keeping in mind the goal and constraints within the targeted project reaches.
After receiving feedback from a diverse stakeholder group, one of the two conceptual designs—Lower Stalker Creek, a tributary to Silver Creek—was selected to advance to final design and ultimately construction. The design goals included increasing channel sinuosity, improving off-channel habitat, reducing the over-widened width-to-depth ratio, adding in-stream structure, and planting riparian vegetation. Construction was completed on Stalker Creek in 2022.
“After” condition illustrating narrow channel with robust riparian vegetation providing hydraulic roughness, complexity, and cover with diverse habitat.