Streambank
Restorations
Protecting Our Watershed
Streambank restoration stabilizes eroded streambanks and restores the health and functionality of stream ecosystems. The goals are preventing further erosion, improving water quality, and improving habitat for fish and wildlife.
Independence Conservancy’s Raccoon Creek Bank & Buffer project transformed a disappearing shoreline and a knotweed-infested bank into a flood-resistant, maintenance-free, user-friendly site at Rocky Bend Nature Preserve in Potter Township. Raccoon Creek’s rebuilt shoreline offers safe, sustainable access to the water for low-impact public enjoyment like fishing, swimming and paddling.
Between 2017 and 2021, nearly $200,000 of State grant funds were allotted for construction, matched by substantial donations of time and materials by Shell, Allegheny Minerals, Independence Conservancy, and Potter Township. The project’s staging area and haul road were repurposed by $39,000 in grants from Range Resources and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. These grants also funded gates, signage, walking trails and safety features as permanent improvements to Rocky Bend Nature Preserve.
During construction, Independence Conservancy took advantage of teachable moments. Each fall, a guided walking tour showed the unfolding transformation from collapsing high wall to gently-sloping bank. Local residents and out-of-town visitors learned how bioengineering can rebuild stream banks to resist erosion and flooding. Guest experts from Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., DCNR Bureau of Forestry, and Bartlett Tree Service helped lead themed walks that highlighted the ways nature will rebound with a little helpfrom man.
The Raccoon Creek Bank & Buffer project combined bioengineering with traditional earthmoving techniques to create stable, flood-resistant banks that need little or no follow-up maintenance. Rootwad deflectors, live stakes, brush layering and rock vanes have halted bank erosion and divert the force of high water toward the center of the stream channel. Live
willow stakes are forming a protective mat of intertwined roots; maturing shade trees will cool the creek for healthier aquatic habitat; rock vanes are collecting sediment to rebuild bank structure.
The Raccoon Creek Bank & Buffer effort was made possible by many partners from various public and private sectors. Stream Restoration Incorporated served as grant sponsor for adjacent landowners Independence Conservancy and Potter Township; PA DEP provided Growing Greener Watershed Protection Grants to cover construction costs; Allegheny Mineral Corporation donated dozens of root wads incorporated into the bank stabilization; Shell Pennsylvania Chemicals donated 800 tons of native sandstone boulders for rock vanes that deflect floodwaters and stone steps for visitors to reach the water’s edge; Beaver County Conservation District waived its E&S plan review fees; Range Resources donated funds to eradicate acres of Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants; Independence Conservancy trained dozens of local volunteers in successful tree planting techniques to establish a thriving riparian buffer.
Raredon Run Streambank Stabilization
In late 2004, officials of Independence Township, Beaver County, asked Independence Conservancy for help with repairing flood damage on one of the township’s major streams, Raredon Run. This major tributary to Raccoon Creek had been ravaged by Hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne in rapid succession throughout September 2004.
Independence Conservancy partnered with the environmental engineering firm of Wallace & Pancher, Inc., based in Hermitage, PA, to secure $330,000 of State funding to repair a badly eroded area of the McCoy Farm using sustainable Natural Stream Channel Restoration techniques.
Our Pennsylvania Growing Greener construction grant was matched by an upstream project completed in 2006 by the Allegheny County Airport Authority, and by a $15,000 donation from the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.
Using Natural Stream Channel Restoration methods we were able to relocate and stabilize fifteen hundred feet of the most damaged section of Raredon Run near its confluence with Raccoon Creek. We removed gravel bars, debris, oxbows and other obstructions contributing to flooding in the area. Our restored channel has carried flood waters without breaching its banks or threatening the integrity of Independence Road or the safety of nearby homes. This restored section of Raredon Run has grown in nicely and is a beautiful part of the Raccoon Creek valley.
Natural Stream Channel Restoration of Raredon Run
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11,000 cubic yards of earth were relocated on-site.
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Multi-staged 1,507-foot channel constructed including thalweg channel, bankfull channel, primary floodplain, with tie-in to secondary floodplain/floodway.
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In-stream structures installed: 6 cross vanes; 2 sawtooth deflectors; 1 rock/log combo J-hook; 2 rock deflecting walls; 4 rock converging weirs; 4 rock grade control structures; 1 wooden toe wall.
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Extended rock deflecting wall at upstream end of reconstructed channel redirects floodwater from junction with old channel.
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Former stream meanders converted to oxbow wetlands for floodwater detention.
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2.0” caliper riparian trees (56) planted; 3-gallon containerized riparian shrubs (181) planted.
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26 lbs. of Floodplain Native Wildlife seed mix planted within primary floodplains and bank slopes.