Streambank improvement project complete at YRSF thanks to Friends of Yellow River and the Allamakee County Community Foundation
Streambank improvement in Yellow River State Forest ... The streambank improvement project in Yellow River State Forest (areas of which are pictured in the above and below photos) included erosion prevention and angler access, along with two rock weirs and strategically placed root balls which will provide trout habitat. The project was funded by Friends of Yellow River State Forest and the Allamakee County Community Foundation. Submitted photos courtesy of Friends of Yellow River State Forest.
Friends of Yellow River State Forest partnered with the Allamakee County Community Foundation recently to complete a streambank improvement project on the Big Paint Creek adjacent to the day use area along State Forest Road at Yellow River State Forest near Harpers Ferry. The project improved 270 feet of the streambank and was estimated to cost around $40,000.
Due to repeated high water events in recent years, the streambank in this area was continually eroding and had about a 12-foot dropoff, making water access difficult for anglers.
The streambank now has a 4:1 slope, which will allow the creek to spread out during high water events and prevent future erosion.
It also allows for easy stream access for visitors. Closer to the stream, the bank was formed into a sixfoot flat area which, again, prevents erosion and makes the creek easier to use.
Where the water and bank meet during normal water levels, there is two to three feet of solid rip-rap to stabilize the bank.
Five root balls and about 12 feet of the tree trunk were keyed in along the bank in strategically planned areas.
This makes the water swirl behind it and creates a scour pool, which is a preferred habitat for trout.
There were also two rock weirs placed in the stream, creating additional scour pools for trout, but the whitewater effect of the water cascading over the rocks also give the fish protection from birds of prey. The weirs also direct the water toward the center of the waterway to prevent erosion of the streambank.
The project area will be seeded down with native grasses and forbs this fall. A few trees will also be planted along the top of the project area.
Yellow River State Forest Forestry Technician Cody Barloon says the project is a great addition to the forest, creating great habitat, protecting the streambanks and increasing angler access. Allamakee County Community Foundation exists to improve and enhance Allamakee County for all.
More information about the Foundation can be found at dbqfoundation.org/affiliates/accf.
The mission of Friends of Yellow River State Forest is to enhance the use of Yellow River State Forest while protecting the fl ora, fauna, soil and water. More information about that organization can be found at friendsofyellowriverstateforest.org. Yellow River State Forest is located 15 miles from Marquette and 16 miles from Waukon, near Waterville and Harpers Ferry.
