Tennessee Stram Mitigation Program

Project Description

Turnbull Creek at the project location was an entrenched, over-widened stream. Channel evolution resulting in the unstable channel most likely occurred as a response to the removal of riparian vegetation, unrestricted livestock access, and historic gravel dredging near the site. The unstable channel form resulted in accelerated bank erosion and decreased sediment transport capability. Project goals included establishing a new flood prone bench at the existing bankfull elevation at two locations, stabilizing the existing channel in place at one location, and enhancing the riparian buffer throughout the project reach. In-stream structures were incorporated to dissipate near-bank velocities and create in-stream habitat. The riparian area was enhanced through tree planting and protected from livestock using high-tensile fencing. The in-stream structures have dissipated near-bank velocities, encouraged deposition along the eroding bank, and improved in-stream habitat. Turnbull Creek was on the 303(d) list in 1998 for siltation. 

Before 

After