Nippersink Creek Aquatic Restoration Left: Right€¦ · · 2014-12-09Aquatic Restoration...
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A natural stream is considered stable when it is able to migrate across the landscape slowly over geologic time while maintaining its form and function. Aquatic Restoration Improvements & Benefits Specific restoration activities include the installation of riffles, restoring backwater sloughs, grading eroded stream banks, and the extensive removal of invasive species. Cleared areas will be planted to prairie and wetland species as well as native oaks. • A number of cobble riffles made from gravel and boulders will be placed within the stream channel to help return natural streambed elevation, transport fine sediments, oxygenate the stream and provide habitat for silt intolerant fish like smallmouth bass, freshwater mussels and various macroinvertebrae. • Stream bank restoration will include a re-grading the bank terrace to create a 22-acre linear, lush, grassy, riparian zone attractive to a variety native wildlife species. The more gentle slopes will also provide stable ground for vegetation to become established and floodwaters to naturally access or “spill over” into a floodplain area, thereby reducing stream energy, erosion and future channel incision, while reducing downstream flooding impacts. • Finally, and most noticeable will be the extensive brush removal along the banks of dead ash, box elder, Asian honeysuckle and European buckthorn. The removal of invasive species will allow for foraging and breeding habitat for large river fish, amphibians and reptiles like the western chorus frog, northern water snake and painted turtle, as well as the state endangered Blanding’s turtle. The improved habitat in the oak savanna and wet prairie communities that exist along the banks will become a more inviting home to native amphibian reptile, bird, and mammal species. Thirteen years ago the District pioneered a new relationship with McHenry County’s stream systems by successfully returning three and a half miles of Nippersink Creek from a straight drainage ditch back into its original meandering course. Today’s re-born stream is home to game fish, silt intolerant mussels, ospreys and even bald eagles. During large rain events the restored wetlands around the stream hold tens of millions of gallons of water that once impacted downstream communities with flooding. The 2014 Nippersink Creek Project builds on that success and offers the promise of an even healthier stream capable of supporting not only a full array of aquatic biodiversity but ready to build paddling and fishing memories for generations to come. Nippersink Canoe Trail—A valued recreational amenity What can paddlers expect? No interruption in boat access to the stream is anticipated during the implementation portion of the project and launch areas will remain open. Riffle installation and other in stream habitat improvements will not be occurring during weekends when boat traffic on the stream is at its highest. There may be brief periods of interruption to paddling during the week when the in-stream riffles are being installed, but these will be very limited in scope. Paddlers will notice significant changes to some sections of the stream bank as steep overcut banks are removed and graded to a gentle slope. Line of site into Glacial Park will improve as this work progresses. As work is completed, paddlers should witness an increase in wildlife sightings as birds, mammals and reptiles rediscover formerly inaccessible stream bank areas. These same areas will also provide long stretches of areas suitable for a brief lunch or short rest break along the stream bank. As mentioned, the most visible change will be the brush removal, most of which is being completed during winter months when floodplain soils are frozen and access is easier. As acres of invasive brush are removed, streamside wetlands and prairies will take their place, causing the most dramatic change to the stream environment. Paddlers will experience a more open stretch of stream, free of overhanging branches and snags. Progressing down creek, into more wooded sections of Glacial Park, older oak groves will be freed of exotic brush and opened up. Young oaks will be replanted to expand the existing tree cover into areas cleared of oaks decades ago. As the project begins, check the front page of the District’s website for updates on how work is progressing, any scheduled work closures, or to see photos of the positive changes to one of the most popular and well traveled canoe streams in northeastern Illinois. Nippersink Creek Aquatic Restoration Goal: To restore the ecosystem’s structure, function and dynamic processes to create a less degraded, more natural condition, to allow for diverse plant and animal communities. This summer the US Army Corps of Engineers will begin restoration of 3.5 miles of Nippersink Creek from the Section 29 snowmobile bridge on the west, to the confluence of the North Branch and the main stem. The project is being funded by a $4.9 million US Army Corps of Engineers Section 206 grant, with the match, required from the District, being covered by the value of past land purchases acquired within Glacial Park that lie within the project area. The footprint of the project area covers 507 acres. Once completed, 25% of this 27 mile long creek will have undergone restoration, thereby improving the ecological integrity of the entire watershed. Nippersink Creek is the largest tributary to the Fox River, draining 137 square miles in Illinois and about 50 square miles in Wisconsin. While some sections of the stream are ranked among the highest quality in Illinois, supporting at least 21 animals and 30 plants listed as Illinois endangered or threatened species, other sections have been severely impacted by the effects of stream channelization, overgrazing by livestock, and the draining of stream side wetlands. Subsequently, there was a significant loss of biodiversity with such side effects as increased flooding and a decrease in water quality. Ecologically altered hydrology, invasive species and decades of fire suppression have degraded many of the rich wetlands, savannas and prairies that still survive in close association with the stream. The current condition of the creek due to these changes has resulted in sections of the stream experiencing massive erosion and channel incision. This has created high undercut stream banks dominated by canary grass, common reed, cattails and European buckthorn. In 2000, the District completed the monumental task of re-meandering three and a half miles of Nippersink Creek. Immediately upon completion of that section, additional funding was sought to continue restoration work further downstream. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that the 206 grant program funding once again became available. This funding allowed the US Army Corps of Engineers and District staff to move forward with a feasibility study, then into the engineering phase and finally, approval to move into implementation this summer. Nippersink Creek is the largest tributary to the Fox River, draining 137 square miles in Illinois and about 50 square miles in Wisconsin. From its headwaters in northwest Alden Township, Nippersink Creek flows generally to the southeast to Wonder Lake, and then east towards the Fox River/ Chain O’ Lakes. Nippersink Creek joins the Chain O’Lakes near US Route 12, where Nippersink Lake connects with Pistakee Lake. The North Branch of Nippersink Creek drains areas of Walworth County and Kenosha County in Wisconsin before joining the main channel between Richmond and Spring Grove. The watershed is home to at least 21 animals and 30 plants listed as Illinois endangered or threatened species. Regional Benefits to Migrating Song Birds Nippersink Creek lies within a regional band of protected open space that is a crucial part of the Fox River flyway, an important migration route for many songbirds. During March to May and September to October more than five million song birds’ transverse the Fox River and nearby Lake Michigan flyway. Improvements of both the riparian and floodplain habitat at Nippersink Creek would provide additional foraging habitat along this migratory route. Left: High undercut stream banks. Re-grading the bank terrace to more gentle slopes will provide stable ground for vegetation to become established and floodwaters to naturally access or “spill over” into a floodplain area, reducing erosion, future channel incision and downstream flooding impacts. Right: Overhanging branches and snags narrow the stream. Extensive brush removal of dead ash, box elder, Asian honeysuckle and European buckthorn along the banks will improve foraging and breeding habitat for large river fish, native amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal species. Bob Williams 9 Landscapes | Spring 2014 8 Landscapes | Spring 2014 Special Feature Special Feature
Transcript of Nippersink Creek Aquatic Restoration Left: Right€¦ · · 2014-12-09Aquatic Restoration...
A natural stream is considered stable when it is able to migrate across the landscape slowly over geologic time while maintaining its form and function.
Aquatic Restoration Improvements & BenefitsSpecific restoration activities include the installation of riffles, restoring backwater sloughs, grading eroded stream banks, and the extensive removal of invasive species. Cleared areas will be planted to prairie and wetland species as well as native oaks.
• A number of cobble riffles made from gravel and boulders will be placed within the stream channel to help return natural streambed elevation, transport fine sediments, oxygenate the stream and provide habitat for silt intolerant fish like smallmouth bass, freshwater mussels and various macroinvertebrae.
• Stream bank restoration will include a re-grading the bank terrace to create a 22-acre linear, lush, grassy, riparian zone attractive to a variety native wildlife species. The more gentle slopes will also provide stable ground for vegetation to become established and floodwaters to naturally access or “spill over” into a floodplain area, thereby reducing stream energy, erosion and future channel incision, while reducing downstream flooding impacts.
• Finally, and most noticeable will be the extensive brush removal along the banks of dead ash, box elder, Asian honeysuckle and European buckthorn. The removal of invasive species will allow for foraging and breeding habitat for large river fish, amphibians and reptiles like the western chorus frog, northern water snake and painted turtle, as well as the state endangered Blanding’s turtle. The improved habitat in the oak savanna and wet prairie communities that exist along the banks will become a more inviting home to native amphibian reptile, bird, and mammal species.
Thirteen years ago the District pioneered a new relationship with McHenry County’s stream systems by successfully returning three and a half miles of Nippersink Creek from a straight drainage ditch back into its original meandering course. Today’s re-born stream is home to game fish, silt intolerant mussels, ospreys and even bald eagles. During large rain events the
restored wetlands around the stream hold tens of millions of gallons of water that once impacted downstream communities with flooding.
The 2014 Nippersink Creek Project builds on that success and offers the promise of an even healthier stream capable of supporting not only a full array of aquatic biodiversity but ready to build paddling and fishing memories for generations to come.
Nippersink Canoe Trail—A valued recreational amenityWhat can paddlers expect?No interruption in boat access to the stream is anticipated during the implementation portion of the project and launch areas will remain open. Riffle installation and other in stream habitat improvements will not be occurring during weekends when boat traffic on the stream is at its highest. There may be brief periods of interruption to paddling during the week when the in-stream riffles are being installed, but these will be very limited in scope.
Paddlers will notice significant changes to some sections of the stream bank as steep overcut banks are removed and graded to a gentle slope. Line of site into Glacial Park will improve as this work progresses. As work is completed, paddlers should witness an increase in wildlife sightings as birds, mammals and reptiles rediscover formerly inaccessible stream bank areas. These same areas will also provide long stretches of areas suitable for a brief lunch or short rest break along the stream bank.
As mentioned, the most visible change will be the brush removal, most of which is being completed during winter months when floodplain soils are frozen and access is easier. As acres of invasive brush are removed, streamside wetlands and prairies will take their place, causing the most dramatic change to the stream environment. Paddlers will experience a more open stretch of stream, free of overhanging branches and snags. Progressing down creek, into more wooded sections of Glacial Park, older oak groves will be freed of exotic brush and opened up. Young oaks will be replanted to expand the existing tree cover into areas cleared of oaks decades ago.
As the project begins, check the front page of the District’s website for updates on how work is progressing, any scheduled work closures, or to see photos of the positive changes to one of the most popular and well traveled canoe streams in northeastern Illinois.
Nippersink Creek Aquatic Restoration Goal: To restore the ecosystem’s structure, function and dynamic processes to create a less degraded, more natural condition, to allow for diverse plant and animal communities.
This summer the US Army Corps of Engineers will begin restoration of 3.5 miles of Nippersink Creek from the Section 29 snowmobile bridge on the west, to the confluence of the North Branch and the main stem. The project is being funded by a $4.9 million US Army Corps of Engineers Section 206 grant, with the match, required from the District, being covered by the value of past land purchases acquired within Glacial Park that lie within the project area. The footprint of the project area covers 507 acres. Once completed, 25% of this 27 mile long creek will have undergone restoration, thereby improving the ecological integrity of the entire watershed.
Nippersink Creek is the largest tributary to the Fox River, draining 137 square miles in Illinois and about 50 square miles in Wisconsin. While some sections of the stream are ranked among the highest quality in Illinois, supporting at least 21 animals and 30 plants listed as Illinois endangered or threatened species, other sections have been severely impacted by the effects of stream channelization, overgrazing by livestock, and the draining of stream side wetlands. Subsequently, there was a significant loss
of biodiversity with such side effects as increased flooding and a decrease in water quality. Ecologically altered hydrology, invasive species and decades of fire suppression have degraded many of the rich wetlands, savannas and prairies that still survive in close association with the stream.The current condition of the creek due to these changes has resulted in sections of the stream experiencing massive erosion and channel incision. This has created high undercut stream banks dominated by canary grass, common reed, cattails and European buckthorn.
In 2000, the District completed the monumental task of re-meandering three and a half miles of Nippersink Creek. Immediately upon completion of that section, additional funding was sought to continue restoration work further downstream. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that the 206 grant program funding once again became available. This funding allowed the US Army Corps of Engineers and District staff to move forward with a feasibility study, then into the engineering phase and finally, approval to move into implementation this summer.
Nippersink Creek is the largest tributary to the Fox River, draining 137 square miles in Illinois and about 50 square miles in Wisconsin. From its headwaters in northwest Alden Township, Nippersink Creek flows generally to the southeast to Wonder Lake, and then east towards the Fox River/Chain O’ Lakes. Nippersink Creek joins the Chain O’Lakes near US Route 12, where Nippersink Lake connects with Pistakee Lake. The North Branch of Nippersink Creek drains areas of Walworth County and Kenosha County in Wisconsin before joining the main channel between Richmond and
Spring Grove. The watershed is home to at least 21 animals and 30 plants listed as Illinois endangered or threatened species.
Regional Benefits to Migrating Song Birds Nippersink Creek lies within a regional band of protected open space that is a crucial part of the Fox River flyway, an important migration route for many songbirds. During March to May and September to October more than five million song birds’ transverse the Fox River and nearby Lake Michigan flyway. Improvements of both the riparian and floodplain habitat at Nippersink Creek would provide additional foraging habitat along this migratory route.
Left: High undercut stream banks. Re-grading the bank terrace to more gentle slopes will provide stable ground for vegetation to become established and floodwaters to naturally access or “spill over” into a floodplain area, reducing erosion, future channel incision and downstream flooding impacts. Right: Overhanging branches and snags narrow the stream. Extensive brush removal of dead ash, box elder, Asian honeysuckle and European buckthorn along the banks will improve foraging and breeding habitat for large river fish, native amphibian, reptile, bird, and mammal species.
Bob W
illiam
s
9Landscapes | Spring 20148 Landscapes | Spring 2014
Special FeatureSpecial Feature
