| Snakeden Branch in Reston
benefited from a restoration plan designed and implemented
by the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District
and the Virginia Department of Forestry. The banks of a
200-foot stretch of stream were severely eroded, exposing
the roots of many large trees. The restoration project was
slated to begin in Spring 2003, but greater than normal
rainfall delayed the start of it until August 12. This project
marked the start of the implementation phase of the Reston
Association's watershed management plan. Follow the progress
of the Snakeden Branch project through this series of photos. |
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| Above you can see the serious
erosion and the garbage that was caught in the exposed roots
of shrubs and trees. A water pump diverts the stream flow
to another channel during construction. A track hoe is used
to re-grade the banks to a gentler slope. |
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| The rock cross
vane shown above extends upstream from both sides of the
bank. It concentrates the flow in the middle of the stream,
thus narrowing the flow path. As a result, it removes stress
from the banks and prevents erosion. The rock cross vane
also increases the flow depth downstream from the structure,
which improves fish habitat. Below, biodegradable matting,
secured with wood stakes, holds the soil in place on the
streambank until the roots of native grass and other riparian
plants grow sufficiently to stabilize the bank. |
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| Above,
an NVSWCD team member guides the track hoe operator in strategically
placing large stone under the bank to protect the exposed
roots of the tree. The 18-inch diameter tulip poplar is
valuable for stream habitat and ensuring bank stability.
A two-tier row of biologs will line a long stretch on the
opposite side of the channel. Biologs are tightly bound
cylinders of coconut (coir) fiber held together by coir
fiber netting. Generally, they come in lengths of 10-20
feet and diameters of 10-12 inches. They are installed at
the toe of a bank. The material is tough, flexible, and
absorbent. Once installed, the biolog becomes saturated
with water, and vegetation can be planted directly in it.
By the time the log degrades in seven or eight years, a
root network of plants will have been established through
and behind it. |
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| After three
days of construction, the project is about halfway done.
Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (Hunter Mill District) stops to
talk with Reston Association President Susan Jones about
the many partners on the project. Joining Hudgins for the
gold shovel ceremony are representatives from the Northern
Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, Virginia
Department of Forestry, and the Reston Association. Also
partnering on the project is the County Department of Public
Works and Environmental Services. |
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| Early on the
fifth day of construction, the last stretch of bank is graded.
Plenty of grass already is visible on the bank that had
been seeded the week before. With only a few hours left
to finish the project, the crew is attacked by a swarm of
bees whose nest has been disturbed. (No pictures are available!)
Nevertheless, work continued. |
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This is what the stream
looked like on August 21, 2003, nine days after the stabilization
project began and two days after it was completed. Click
on the photo for a larger view.
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