Learn how to restore a stream and build a wave!

[DeBo]

Stream Restoration Volunteer Opportunity with TNC

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is currently searching for volunteers to assist with stream restoration on the Middle Fork of the Saline River. After a three year study of the stream, the Nature Conservancy received funding to conduct in-stream restoration on approximately 1 mile of in-stream and riparian habitat, restore 32 acres of riparian floodplain area, and exclude cattle from the stream. Volunteers are needed to lay erosion matting and plant tree cuttings. The work can be labor intensive, but no prior knowledge is needed. If you are interested, please contact Cait Conn at cconn@tnc.org or by phone at 501-920-5520. To learn more about the project visit our blog at http://www.streamrestoration.typepad.co ... alineriver" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

[Stan]

I have been working as a volunteer on this project for the past several weeks. It is absolutely amazing what The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is doing!!!!

While paddling we often see eroding stream banks and sometimes see piles of rock that were dumped onto the bank trying to stop the erosion. TNC is taking a different tactic. It is reconfiguring the river channel on a section of the Middle Fork of the Saline River (MFSR). To me a river is like a living creature that responds to outside forces. Instead of fighting the river, TNC is helping the river return to a more natural channel and thus greatly reduce erosion. The project is quite complicated and involves placing rock structures in key places, deepening pools, grading stream banks and stabilizing them by planting thousands of trees. (The hydraulics below those rock structures are intriguing.)

TNC needs help stabilizing the banks. Some of the work is physically demanding such as pounding “live stakes” into the ground. (Live stakes are short sections of tree branches that once planted will take root and grow into trees.) Other work is less strenuous such as laying down jute mat (a twine mesh).

This is a demonstration project with the goal of showing others what can be done to protect, preserve and restore Arkansas’ streams. I would like to encourage you to checkout the project’s blog at http://www.streamrestoration.typepad.co ... alineriver" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. To volunteer contact Cait Conn at cconn@tnc.org or call 501-920-5520. Saturday work sessions are held when there are a sufficient number of volunteers.

Hope to see you at the project.


Margaret Bartelt (AKA “Stan”)

[Jim Krueger]

DeBo and Stan,

Since this Middle Fork section, and all other of the Saline's forks combine just upstream of Benton, there was a pretty nice article in the Benton Courier a couple of months ago. With the pictures and story, I hope many folks must have appreciated this needed work, and certainly the efforts it requires even more.
Thanks for bringing it to the forefront on our forum!

Best Regards
Jim