Cripple Creek - Stream Improvement and Riparian Area Reclamation (SCIIP)

The Cripple Creek Stream Improvement and Riparian Area Reclamation project is intended to establish a riparian forest and perform a restoration along stream banks within the Reedy River watershed. An 800-foot stream improvement project is proposed along this corridor. The purpose of this project would be to dissipate erosive energy in the system by laying back vertical banks to at least a 3:1 slope, and where possible, creating a bankfull bench. The stream restoration work may include bank grading with the help of soil lifts, coir matting, turf reinforcement matting, boulder walls and bank toe treatments (toe rock, toe wood, and boulder toes(s)). They will also include the installation of instream features such as cross vane(s), boulder/constructed riffle(s), stream drop(s), j-hook vane(s), and single arm vane(s). Additionally, these projects may include re-routing or daylighting of streams.

In some locations a one-sided stream improvement may be the only viable option due to the proximity of the stream to the railroad. However, any improvement to even one side of the stream will ultimately help to lower the stress applied to the opposite bank especially for Priority 2 and 3 stream restorations. By stabilizing streams and restoring it’s surrounding vegetation, streams become much less likely to erode, and by reducing velocity and sediment loading, reduce the risk of downstream problems. Additionally, reforesting the areas along streams help to further bolster a stream’s resistance to erosion. In general, reforesting also reduces stormwater volume, reduces pollutant loadings, and increases ecological diversity.