PENNS YLV ANIA Fish & Boat Commission habitat improve trout.pdf · Wild Trout Initially, when many people think of improving wild trout habitat, they usually picture a large, easily

P E N N S Y L V A N I A

Fish & Boat Commission

Habitat ImprovementF O R T R O U T S T R E A M S

PREPARED BY:

Karl J. LutzHabitat Management Division

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

DRAWINGS BY:

Carey W. Huber

2007

PUBLISHED BY THE

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat CommissionP.O. Box 67000

Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000

© 2007 Pennsylvania Fish & Boat CommissionAll rights reserved.

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Stream Ecology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Dynamic Nature of Streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Stream Bank Stabilization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Flood Plains, Wetlands and Storm Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Diversity of Habitats for Wild Trout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Woody Debris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Stream Corridor Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Stream Assessment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Permit Requirements for Habitat Enhancement Structures . . . . . 6Department of Environmental Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6U.S. Army Corp of Engineers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

General Construction Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Construction Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Logs and Timbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Reinforcement Rods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Construction of Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Boulder Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Half-Log and Whole-Log Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Deflectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Low Flow Channel Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Adding Downstream Wings to a Water Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Mud Sill Cribbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Channel Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Sample Erosion and Sedimentation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Deflector Dimensions and Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Habitat Assessment Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Structure Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Karl J. LutzHabitat Manager

450 Robinson LaneBellefonte, PA 16823

814-359-5191E-mail: [email protected]

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H A B I T A T I M P R O V E M E N T F O R T R O U T S T R E A M S

Introduction

Fish, like all living organisms,need a certain amount ofspace in which to live and

grow. This space is called their habi-tat, and it must provide everythingthat they require for their survivaland prosperity. The more diversethis habitat is, the greater potentialit has to support a healthy, self-sus-taining population. While naturedoes well on its own, the placementof artificial habitat structures canoften enhance stream reaches thatlack naturally occurring habitat fea-tures. Lack of natural habitat can bethe result of many situations, includ-ing stream channelization, poor agricultural practices, inadequatestormwater management, and dis-turbance to the riparian zones bor-dering the stream.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission affirms that fish habitatimprovement projects contribute toits mission of providing fishing andboating opportunities through theprotection and management ofaquatic resources. However, thedesign and placement of fish habitatimprovement structures should notbe a haphazard venture. There is ascience, and to some extent, an artto this process that should not beignored. The science comes fromvery specific criteria that has beendeveloped by the Pennsylvania Fish& Boat Commission from decades of hands-on experience and creatingcountless successful stream proj-ects. It is also important to under-stand how flowing water reacts toan improvement structure under

normal and, most especially, higherflows. The artistic process comesfrom developing a personal expertiseand philosophy in structure designand placement. And while there arestandard designs for all fish habitatimprovement structures,there maybe a necessity to use some creativityand imagination to modify a deviceor adjust the placement as the sitedictates.

This publication presents some basicunderstanding of stream ecology andmanagement philosophy as it relatesto habitat improvement. It discussesstream habitat assessment to helpdetermine the “limiting factors” thatmay keep a stream from reaching its potential. It offers some generalguidance in determining which habi-tat structure is appropriate for a situation and how to construct thedevice. Permit requirements forthese designs, which are adminis-tered by the Department of Environ-mental Protection (DEP), are alsoexplained.

The terms “fish habitat improvement”and “habitat restoration,” as dis-cussed in this booklet, involve theenhancement of the existing streamchannel. With these methods, thereis only minor disturbance to thestream channel and every effort ismade to use natural materials thatallow fish habitat structures to blendwith their surroundings. Streambank stability is often a secondarybenefit, but the primary objectiveshould be resource-based andshould seek to provide better aquaticand riparian habitats. While there iscertainly some overlap of purpose,other stream restoration methods,including fluvial geomorphology(FGM), or Natural Stream ChannelDesign (NSCD), have a primary goalof creating stream channel stability,which often involves a reconfigura-tion of the channel and often withmajor disturbance. Determiningwhat level of restoration that isactually needed will determine thebest approach.

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plain cannot be over-stated. Byallowing high flows to escape thechannel and spread out across awider area, the hydraulic energy isreleased in a more dispersed fash-ion. In contrast, constructing a barri-er between the stream and its floodplain confines all the energy fromraging high water to the streamchannel, where it scours away exist-ing habitats and can cause extensivestream bank damage as it tries toescape. Evidence of this process canbe readily seen in more urban areas,where flood plains have been devel-oped and the destructive energy ofhigh flows is compounded by poorstorm-water practices. Developedflood plains coupled with ineffectivestormwater management plans allowexcess flows to reach the streammore quickly, causing higher-than-normal flows. Since there is lesstime for water to soak in to theground, a period of lower-than-nor-mal flows can soon follow. Retentionof storm water will go a long waytoward helping retain natural aquaticand riparian habitats. Natural floodplains often contain wetland featuresthat are not only valuable for wildlifehabitat, but they also act as largesponges, soaking up higher flowsand releasing them gradually, thusminimizing high flow damage. Elimi-nating wetlands not only hurts fishand wildlife habitat, but it alsoincreases the likelihood of storm-water damage to human interests.

Diversity of Habitats forWild Trout

Initially, when many people think ofimproving wild trout habitat, they

usually picture a large, easily fishedhole that will be filled with “lunker”trout. However, the physical makeupof an ideal trout stream will have adiversity of habitat types for all sizeclasses of trout and other aquatic

Stream Ecology

Knowing the mechanics of flowing water, what has goodand poor habitat value, and

how a stream reacts to change areimportant elements in understandingand conducting habitat work.

Dynamic nature of streams

Whether a headwaters troutstream or a larger river, all

waterways have something in com-mon; they are dynamic systems,which means they are ever-changingand reacting to other processes,both natural and man-made. This isa natural process as the waterwaytends to seek equilibrium with a sta-ble pattern, profile and dimension. Ifa stream is channelized and madewider, shallower and straighter, itwill inevitably begin to narrow anddeepen itself again and re-establishits natural meandering pattern. As astream changes, some features likedeep pools, remembered as old fish-ing holes, may temporarily or per-manently be lost, but they mayappear elsewhere as the streamevolves through years of varyingflows. The formation of split chan-nels is also a natural process andoften provides beneficial habitatvariation for young trout and otherwildlife. Even though it ishuman nature to try to“stabilize” streams, theirnatural evolution caus-es their changing andeven moving from oneplace to anotheracross a valley floor.These changes can besubtle, taking decades tooccur, or they can happensuddenly during a single high-water event. Successful streamrestoration approaches should workwith what the stream is trying to do,if possible, instead of working“against the flow.”

Stream Bank Stabilization

The use of rip-rap (large stone),gabions (stone-filled wire bas-

kets) and concrete-lined streambanks all provide good bank stabi-lization when properly used, but withthe possible exception of rip-rap,they have little or no habitat value tothe aquatic environment. To increasethis value and add some variation, amore habitat-friendly approach

should always be consid-ered as an option for

stream bank stabi-lization. A varietyof more naturaltechniques dis-cussed later inthis publicationcan provide

stream bankstability while

improving fish habitat.

Flood Plains, Wetlandsand Storm Water

The importance of keeping thestream connected to its flood

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shape the stream channel and cre-ates variability in habitat types.Woody debris can also provide excel-lent trout habitat and is not easilyduplicated.

Woody debris provides many benefitsto the stream ecosystem, but indi-vidual debris jams may increase erosion or endanger roadways,bridges and personal property. Inthese cases, it may be necessary to remove part or all of the jam to alleviate the problem. Removal deci-sions are subjective and should bemade individually, ultimately remov-ing or altering only what is necessary.In more wilderness areas, it can beargued to allow woody debris to con-tinually shape and change a streamchannel as a natural process withoutinterference. It should also be notedthat good wild trout habitat in thisform might not always be “pretty” oreasily fished, but it remains a vitalcomponent of the stream ecosystem.

Stream Corridor Management

Astream is only as healthy as theland it flows through. In return,

the land area adjacent to the stream(known as the riparian zone) derivesnourishment from the stream’swater. They are connected anddepend on each other for their well-

important to examine anextended stream stretch beyond theimmediate treatment area and anyartificial boundaries or propertylines. For example, a good rifflestretch on one property may be theonly available riffle habitat nearbyand should not necessarily be con-verted to more pool habitat. Goodhabitat management values theprotection of important existinghabitats as well as the cre-ation of new habitats.

Woody Debris

To this day, it is often considered an accept-

able practice to keepstream channels “clean” bycutting brush from thestream banks and by remov-ing larger woody debris fromthe channel. Although theseefforts seem pleasing to the eye,they usually prove detrimental to theaquatic environment. Large woodydebris (fallen trees, roots, log jams)and vegetative matter, such asleaves and twigs, which enter thestream channel, are an importantand necessary component of theaquatic ecosystem. This materialserves as a primary food source aswell as habitat for many organismsthroughout the food chain. Largerwoody debris helps to form and

organisms. Good fish habitat serves all the ecologicalneeds of the species, includingspawning areas, nursery habitats,and foraging, resting and hidingareas. Therefore, the objective ofundertaking a fish habitat improve-ment project should address allaspects of the life history needs ofthe designated species.

The objective should not necessarilybe to make every linear foot ofstream fishable for adult trout. Habitat diversity is the key and willincrease the potential for a healthy,self-sustaining ecosystem. It is also

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create an ample forage base for fish.Larger trees absorb excess nutrientsthrough their root systems, changingthem into plant tissue, while somenutrients are broken down by organ-isms in the soil and leaf litter. Sedi-ment can also be filtered out bythick, understory vegetation. Abuffer of larger shrubs and treeshelps to slow flood waters whiledeflecting or catching debris, thusprotecting fences and other property.

Depending on objectives, managementof the buffer can either be as simpleas letting nature take its course, or

Existing riparian buffers will be protected and encouraged to develop naturally with a minimum ofdisturbance.

Riparian buffers may be established by simply allowing an area to grow naturally, allowing natural succession to determine vegetative composition, or can be accelerated with plantings ofnative shrubs and/or trees.

BBuuffffeerr CCoommppoossiittiioonn:: A forested buffer provides the most benefits and should be promoted whenever possible. However, a native shrub and/or grass community is also acceptable if it is amore amenable land use. Native vegetation should always be selected while the use of exotics andornamentals should be avoided.

BBuuffffeerr WWiiddtthh:: The width of the buffer area can be very subjective depending upon the use of thesite. Forested buffers and areas of limited use should be a mmiinniimmuumm of 35 feet wide, measured fromthe top of the bank or shoreline. On areas that have been routinely mowed for aesthetic reasons, ammiinniimmuumm five-foot strip of denser vegetation should be established along the top of the bank.

BBuuffffeerr MMaaiinntteennaannccee:: Riparian buffer areas should be allowed to grow naturally and with a minimum of disturbance. Any removal of noxious plant species and exotics should be donemechanically whenever possible. If chemicals are to be considered, they should be applied to spe-cific target plants and they need to be approved for use near water. They also need to be used inaccordance with label instructions and conform to all Federal, State and Local regulations. Grassbuffers in more manicured areas can be maintained by occasional weed eating, but should remainconsiderably denser and higher than the adjacent mowed lawn.

Larger woody debris found within the stream channel, on the stream banks or elsewhere in theriparian zone should be left as habitat for aquatic and terrestrial animals, unless it is causing prop-erty damage or posing a public health or environmental safety hazard.

it can use a more specific approach.For example, wildflowers or flower-ing trees can be planted to improveaesthetics. Planting to attract wildlifeor to improve water quality may be apriority, or planting fruit trees ormanaging for timber production toyield a future crop can be a goal.

Planting materials should be nativespecies that tolerate moist soils.Studies have shown that the survivalof aquatic invertebrates feeding onnative leaf litter was significantlyhigher than those consuming exoticplant species.

In the year 2000, the PennsylvaniaFish & Boat Commission establisheda riparian buffer policy to establishand/or preserve, wherever feasible,a stable, vegetated riparian bufferzone between waters of the Com-monwealth and other land uses onall Commission property. An excerptof the Commission’s riparian bufferguidelines follows:

being. The waterway and its riparianarea are a complete ecosystem andshould be managed as a whole.Therefore, when considering aquatichabitat enhancement, managing theriparian area is just as important asplacing artificial structures in thestream. Having a vegetated bufferzone between the waterway andother land uses has many benefits.Root systems help to keep streambanks stabilized, reducing theamount of silt that enters thestream. Shading from the treecanopy helps keep water tempera-tures cooler, which is necessary forthe survival of many aquatic organ-isms. There is a direct increase infood, cover and nesting habitat for avariety of terrestrial wildlife species.Woody debris and leaf litter, whichend up in the stream, are a neces-sary element in a healthy aquaticecosystem’s “food chain.” Manyaquatic invertebrates use this mate-rial as habitat and as a food source.The aquatic invertebrates in turn

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Even though the majority of streamsin Pennsylvania can benefit fromvegetated riparian buffer zones,some select streams without tem-perature-related problems couldactually be enhanced by “daylighting”cuts of the thicker, shrubby vegeta-tion. Typically, the streams that mayfit into this category are the spring-fed, meadow limestone streams witha constant water temperature. Bymaintaining a scattering of largeroverstory trees and thicker grassyvegetation for stabilization and over-hanging cover, the stream actuallycan be made more productive byhaving sunlight reach a portion of

related concerns, see the Pennsylva-nia Fish & Boat Commission publica-tion, Corridor Management forPastureland Stream (Lalo, J., et al.,1994).

Improving a small stream stretchand its riparian corridor will showmany benefits. However, to realize agoal of trout stream restoration, it isoften necessary to extend the scopeof the project to a watershed scale.By assessing the entire stream andall of its tributaries, problem areascan be identified, priorities can beestablished, and an organized plan ofimprovements can be implemented.

the stream channel. This techniqueshould be considered only wherewater temperatures would not riseabove the trout’s tolerance.

Addressing stream and riparian-related concerns on agricultural landbrings into focus some additionalcomponents of stream corridor man-agement. Practices like streamsidefencing and the construction of sta-ble livestock access ramps andcrossings are important in managingmany farm properties.

For more detailed information onthese matters and other agricultural-

Stream Assessment

Conducting pre-project assessments can be beneficialduring the initial stages of

habitat enhancement planning. Beforebeginning any design work, it isimportant to determine the problems,or limiting factors, that keep thestream from reaching its potential.By identifying these limiting factorsand developing objectives, creatingan effective work plan will be easier.The lack of good habitat is often thelimiting factor and can easily beaddressed, but sometimes more dif-ficult problems need to be solved,such as water quality, stormwaterissues and water temperature.

To evaluate habitat features, thePennsylvania Fish & Boat Commis-sion uses a habitat assessment pro-cedure that originated in the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency’sRapid Bio Assessment Protocols (seepages 19–22). The procedure is quickand simple to complete and is usefulin identifying habitat-limiting factorsand making planning decisions toimprove habitat. The assessmentwill also provide a numerical scoreto show justification for project pro-posals, or the evaluation can be

compared with post-project assessments.

Stream stretches to be assessed arefirst classified as either riffle/run-predominant or glide/pool-predomi-nant. The assessment then rates tenhabitat related parameters on ascale of 0 to 20. Parameters exam-ined include fish and aquatic insectcover, channel alteration, sediment

deposition, substrate embeddedness, channel

flow status, frequency andquality of riffles, pool variability andsubstrate composition, bank stabili-ty, bank vegetation, and riparianzone width. The cumulative score(xxx/200) categorizes the streamstretch as poor (0-55), marginal (56-105), sub-optimal (106-155) or opti-mal (156-200). Each parameter’sscoring will also help determine

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specific limiting factors related tohabitat in the stream stretch.

For a more detailed explanation ofthese protocols, see the followingreference: Barbour, M.T.; Gerritsen,J.; Snyder, B.D.; and Stribling, J.B.,Rapid Bioassessment Protocols forUse in Streams and WadeableRivers: Periphyton, Benthic Macro-invertebrates and Fish. Second Edition. EPA 841-B-99-002. U.S.Environmental Protection Agency,Office of Water, Washington, D.C.,

1999. This reference can be foundonline at www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/rbp/ Chapter 5.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission also uses fish surveys(electrofishing) and may conductredd (trout nest sites) count surveysto assess habitat projects. Electro-fishing surveys facilitate the calcula-tion of wild trout population estimatesand age/size class distributions. Thepresence or absence of other fish

species is also noted during this pro-cedure, because they are good indi-cators of aquatic diversity. Reddcounts are performed during thespawning period to determine wheretrout are attempting to spawn and todetermine any increase in spawningactivity as the project proceeds. Thepre-project counts will also helpdetermine where or where not toplace improvement structures duringthe design phase, thus protectingpreferred spawning sites.

Permit Requirementsfor Habitat Enhancement Structures

Department of Environmental Protection(DEP)—Chapter 105 & 102of the Pennsylvania Code

Placement of any device in Commonwealth waters is regu-

lated under Chapter 105 of DEP’sregulations. In this chapter, habitatenhancement structures are consid-ered an encroachment and/or waterobstruction and require a permit tobe constructed.

In cooperation with the PennsylvaniaFish & Boat Commission, DEP hasdeveloped General Permit Author-ization-1, for fish enhancementstructures. The permit is free andauthorizes the placement of allapproved structures used by theCommission’s Habitat ManagementDivision. The proposed design workrequires pre-approval from the Commission’s Division of Habitat

Management before DEP will issuean acknowledgement letter to pro-ceed with the project. The acknowl-edgement letter, in essence, is theauthorization and must be on siteduring construction.

DEP’s Chapter 102 addresses thecontrol of accelerated soil erosion, andthe resulting sedimentation in Com-monwealth waters. All work performedunder General Permit Authorization-1,mentioned above, must comply withChapter 102. It also requires that anErosion and Sedimentation (E&S)Control Plan be developed to mini-mize soil erosion resulting from earthdisturbance during the constructionof fish habitat enhancement projects.This plan must be pre-approved bythe county conservation district andmust also be on site as part of theauthorization. Review a sample E&Scontrol plan on page 17.

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE)—Section404 of the Clean Water Act

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers(COE), under Section 404 of the

Clean Water Act, requires a permitto place any material (or structure)in any stream with a flow greaterthan 5 cubic feet per second. TheCOE has issued a general permit(SPGP-3) for the construction andmaintenance of approved habitatenhancement structures in Common-wealth waters. Essentially, theacknowledgement of and compliancewith DEP’s General Permit-1 satisfiesthe COE’s Section 404 regulatoryrequirements. The exception is if theproject length exceeds 250 linearfeet, in which case the COE willreview the project and will issue itsown letter of authorization.

General Construction Guidelines

As mentioned previously, thedesign and placement of fishhabitat enhancement struc-

tures should not be a haphazard

venture. The Habitat ManagementDivision uses specific criteria forbuilding these structures. The fol-lowing guidelines include informa-

tion on habitat structure designs,materials and installation proce-dures. Actually building these struc-tures is a challenging experience,

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and varying from these guidelines isoften necessary as dictated by theuniqueness of the site.

All fish habitat enhancement structures should be built duringnormal low-flow conditions, usuallyearly summer through the mid-fall.The completed structure shouldnever be built at an elevation higherthan the adjacent stream banks, andit should slope slightly upward fromthe stream to a point on the streambank known as “bankfull elevation,”the height at which high water leavesthe stream channel and enters theflood plain. If both stream banks areequally high, the bankfull elevationwill be the top of the bank. If onebank is higher than the other, therewill be a line of noticeable change inthe slope and/or vegetation on thehigher bank, indicating the bankfullelevation. Bankfull water flows havethe most effect on natural channelalteration and should therefore beused as a gauge when installing some

fish habitat improvement structures.

Stone structures should be keyed intothe stream bottom and banks. Whenusing logs, the largest end of the logshould be trenched a minimum of 3feet to 5 feet into the stream bank.Logs are anchored to the streambottom by drilling and pinning withrebar about every 5 feet along the log,and perhaps closer in the trenches.Driving rebar through logs and intothe stream bottom can be mademuch easier by using a 6-inch-long,2-inch-diameter soft steel drivinghead with a ¾-inch-diameter holedrilled 4 inches deep. The drivinghead slips over the rebar and givesthe sledgehammer a larger target tohit. Use slow and steady blows tosink the pin. If the pin hits a rock,keep the same steady pace and therock may break. Drive the pin untilthe head meets the log, remove thehead, and bend over the last 4 inch-es parallel and flush with the log,pointing in a downstream direction.

When building structures with flooring, driving nails into sub-merged boards can be made easierwith the use of an “underwater nail-er.” This tool is made from a ½-inch-diameter heavy gauge water pipeabout 2 feet long and a slightlylonger length of 3/8-inch rebar. Posi-tion the pipe where the nail is to bedriven, drop the nail down the tube,insert the length of rebar, and ham-mer the top of the rebar until thenail is fully seated.

One of the most important thingsthat can be done to reduce futuremaintenance of structures is to“shingle” the stone fill in place. Thistechnique involves hand-placingstone in an overlapping fashion (likeshingles on a roof) by starting down-stream and working upstream. Eventhough it’s not always feasible ornecessary to hand-place every stone,this procedure should be followedwhenever possible.

Construction Materials

Logs and Timbers

Logs that average 6 to 12 inchesin diameter generally fit most

needs, although some situations maycall for logs with larger diameters.Most hardwood and some softwoodlogs, including hemlock, are ade-quate. Species like aspen, birch andwhite pine should be avoided becausethey tend to rot much faster. Rawlogs look more natural and blendwith the surroundings. The use oftreated or creosoted timbers is notnecessary or advised.

Flooring

Rough-cut hemlock (1” x 8” x 8’)is used for flooring and face

boards on water jacks. Eight-inch-wide boards are best because widerboards may bow, and narrowerboards are not efficient when span-

ning a wider stream channel. Rough-cut oak (2” x 6” x 8’) is used forflooring in the overhead cover struc-tures. The design work of thesestructures should allow for thisflooring to be submerged at all timesto slow rotting. Single oak boardsspan a distance no greater than 8feet. Treated lumber is not neces-sary or advised.

Reinforcement Rods

Rebar rods are used to pin logstogether or to secure logs to the

stream bottom. Rods having a 5/8-inch diameter, cut in lengths of 2, 3and 4 feet, should suit most needsfor building habitat improvementstructures. Two-foot pins are usedto attach logs together. Three-footpins are used to anchor logs to thestream bottom in most cases. How-

ever, 4-foot pins can be used forextra holding power in fine substrate.Four-foot pins are also used in theconstruction of channel blocks to pinthe brace logs to the main logs andon through to the stream bottom.

Nails

Whenever a board is to beattached to a log, use two nails

equally spaced from the edge of theboard. Galvanized nails are not nec-essary. Use 20d common nails whenworking with 1-inch flooring and 40dcommon nails when using 2-inchflooring. Ten-inch spikes can come inhandy for attaching smaller-diameterlogs.

Stone

Only clean, nonpolluting materialshould be used to construct fish

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enhancement structures. Stone sizedepends on structure design and thestream’s scouring ability. Stone usedin log frame structures can be small-er (usually 12” to 18”) and should beshingled in place. Structures made

entirely of stone should use stonelarge enough so that it cannot bemoved by normal high flows (usually18” to 24”). Rock used for boulderplacement (usually 24” to 36”) shouldnot be moved by high flows. Con-

struction of some devices (rock vanes,J-hooks, cross vanes) may requirevery large stone, sometimes as largeas 4 to 5 feet in diameter (cube-shaped or rectangular-shape preferred).

Construction of Structures

Boulder Placement

Placing bboouullddeerrss (see page 23) inuniform stream stretches with

little fish cover is probably one ofthe simplest ways to improve theaquatic habitat. Water flow willscour a deeper pocket around theboulders and fish will use the struc-tures as “side” cover and as placesto get out of the main flow. A scat-tering of boulders may also providea travel corridor through openareas with minimalcover. Use bouldersthat are largeenough so thatthey cannotbe moved bynormal highflows. Gen-erally, theyshould beplaced inthe centerthird or halfof the streamchannel so thatthey do not directflows against the streambank. They can be placed ran-domly or in a triangular or diamondpattern. They can also be placed justoff the tip of a deflector or posi-tioned to create a small run betweenthe deflector and the boulder. Theycan also be placed at the down-stream tip of a single or multi-logstructure as an added brace, whichalso provides additional cover.

Half-Logand Whole-Log Struc-tures

The hhaallff-llooggor wwhhoollee-

lloogg ssttrruuccttuurreess(see pages 23 and

24) are mid-streamcover devices best

used in uniform areas thatlack fish cover. They are best

placed along the edge of a stream’smain channel where they don’t takethe full force of the current, butwhere there is enough flow to keepthe structures clean. These struc-tures are simple to build. They canbe assembled on the stream bankbefore placement.

First, cut two 6” to 8” long sectionsof log for spacers. Position themunder either end of a heavy piece ofslab wood or whole log. Drill a hole

through the slab wood or log andthrough the spacers so that thestructure can be pinned togetherwith a 4-foot rebar pin. Place thestructure in the stream and anchor itby driving the rebar pins into thestream bottom.

Deflectors

Deflectors are triangular structures that serve several

purposes. They narrow the existingstream channel, which causes ascouring and deepening effect alongthe outer face of the device. Theywill deposit substrate material alongthe bank below the device, whichfurther narrows the channel. Theycreate some habitat value along theedges of the device, and they providesome stream bank stability wherethe device is located. Deflectors areoften used on overly wide streamsections or to help move the mainflow away from the stream bank.

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Deflectors can vary in design andconstruction materials, depending onthe specific situation. Whatever thevariation, some general guidelines ofshape, size and spacing should befollowed during construction of thesestructures (see page 18).

The three angles of the triangledetermine the overall shape of thedeflector. The most effective designcalls for an upstream angle of 30degrees (to allow scouring to occuralong the face of the structure whilenot causing a damming effect), adownstream angle of 60 degrees (to help deflect higher flows backtoward the stream), and a 90-degreeangle at the tip of the structure (toprovide strength at a critical point).

The deflector size depends on thestream channel’s width. Generally,the distance from the stream bankto the tip of the structure shouldequal a third of the channel width.This measurement can vary depend-ing on the situation, but shouldnever be more than half the channelwidth. If you know the distancemeasured from the tip of the deviceto the stream bank, you can figureout the other dimensions of thedeflector (see page 18).

Single deflectors can be used tosolve specific problems, but they aremore often used in a pattern alter-nating from one stream bank to theother. This placement helps create ameandering low-flow channel in theexisting channel. The spacing ofthese alternating deflectors variesfrom stream to stream, but a goodplace to start is to leave the lengthof one deflector (measured along thebank) between structures on oppo-site sides. Adjustments can be madeas necessary.

SSttoonnee ““ssaaww ttooootthh”” ddeefflleeccttoorrss (seepage 24) are basically irregular rip-rap. They serve not only to stabilizestream banks, but also to create fishhabitat in the nooks between therocks and in the backwater area

behind each point. Constructioninvolves grading the bank, wherepossible, to a 3:1 slope (3 feet ofhorizontal distance for every foot ofvertical drop) and then blanketingthe area with large stone up to bank-full height. The stone can be dumpedin an irregular pattern, or a backhoecan be used to form the deflectorshapes. In most cases, the deflectorsshould extend only about 5 feet outinto the stream.

Larger ssttoonnee ddeefflleeccttoorrss (see page25) can also be constructed. Biggerstone should be used as the frameand keyed into the stream bottomand stream banks. Smaller stonecan then be used to fill the frame’sinterior.

A ssttoonnee ddeefflleeccttoorr wwiitthh ssiinngglleelloogg (see page 25)is a variation ofthe standardstone deflectorthat adds a logfor some addi-tional fishcover. It is constructed byembedding thelarge end of a loginto the deflector. Thelog is positioned parallelto the device’s downstream edgeand allowed to protrude out of thedeflector’s upstream face for severalfeet. The log may cause some extrascouring off the tip of the device,and the angle will help direct flowstoward the middle of the streamchannel.

A lloogg-ffaacceedd ssttoonnee ddeefflleeccttoorr (see page26) is another variation of the stonedeflector that uses logs to add an

extra lip of cover along the outer face of the device. Itis constructed by embedding two ormore sill logs into the deflector, per-pendicular to the upstream face ofthe device. Only a 1-foot or 2-foot

section of these logs shouldextend out from this

edge. A face log isthen attached to

the tips of the silllogs with ashort piece ofrebar. An addi-tional one ortwo face logscan be used to

increase thewidth of cover, if

desired. Water depthshould be close to two

log diameters deep.

10


LLoogg ffrraammee ddeefflleeccttoorrss (see page 26),as the name implies, use logs toframe out the device. The log frameallows for the use of smaller stonefor construction. The main log(upstream log) is first trenchedinto the stream bank at a30-degree angle. Thebrace log (down-stream log) is thentrenched into thebank at a 60-degree angle andpositioned on topof the main log ata 90-degree angle.The brace log cannow be cut to an exactfit, so it can lie behind themain log. The two logs shouldthen be pinned together using a 2-foot rebar pin. The main log canoverhang the brace log by a few feetto provide some extra cover andscouring effect. To finish the frame,both logs should be drilled andpinned to the stream bottom with 3-foot or 4-foot rebar pins at 5-footintervals. Stone can now be shingledinto the frame, using larger stone toreinforce the areas where the logsmeet the stream bank. Stone shouldalso be placed behind the brace logand taper downstream to prevent ascouring effect in this area.

The standard log frame deflector canbe modified into an iimmpprroovveedd oovveerr-hheeaadd ccoovveerr ddeefflleeccttoorr (see page 27),providing overhead cover as flowsscour under the face log. This isaccomplished simply by nailing 2” x6” oak flooring onto the main logand angling it down to the streambed within the deflector frame. Onlythe outermost third of the main logshould be floored and no rebar pinsshould be located in this area.Another layer of logs should beadded, using 2-foot pins, if there isenough water depth.

A ssttaacckkeedd ddeefflleeccttoorr (see page 27) isa marriage of the log frame and theimproved overhead cover deflectors

and again adds overhead cover under the

face log. This device is built by“stacking” and pinning the upstreammain log on top of the downstreambrace log. This provides an immedi-ate undercut along the face of thedevice. The undercut is maintainedby nailing 2” x 6” oak flooring ontothe main log and angling it down tothe streambed as with the improvedoverhead cover deflector. An addi-tional log should be pinned on top ofthe downstream brace log to act asa frame to hold the stone in place. Asmall diameter framing log can alsobe pinned on the flooring along theface log to help hold the stone aswell. Water depth should be abouttwo log diameters deep.

In low-gradient streams with a highslit load, bbrruusshh ddeefflleeccttoorrss (see page28) can be constructed from oldChristmas trees or other densebrush placed in a deflector shape asan alternative to rock. This type ofdeflector encourages the stream tobuild a stable stream bank on itsown by trapping silt, which willeventually become stable with vege-tation growth. The brush should becompacted and secured to streambottom with wooden stakes andnylon twine forming a webbing overthe top.

Other deflector variations are notreally standard deflectors in thesense that they do not conform tothe 30-60-90 degree triangle shape,but they serve their purpose bydeflecting water and protectingstream banks all the same.

11


A rroooott wwaadd ddeefflleeccttoorr (see page 29) iscomprised of a mature tree stem cutto a minimum of 8 feet in lengthwith the root ball still attached.These devices provide excellenthabitat and act to stabilize thestream bank as well. They are typi-cally used along higher, erodingstream banks. To install this device,a trench is dug at an upstream angleof 30 degrees. The root wad isplaced into the trench with the rootball extending into the stream chan-nel. When laid in the trench, the rootball should rest on the stream bot-tom or it should be one-third to one-half submerged in deeper water. Theupstream side of the root ball shouldbe tight against the stream bank.Large stone should be placed on thestem within the trench and used tobackfill the gap between the rootball and the stream bank. Root wadscan be installed in an overlappingfashion or can be spaced out over alength of stream bank.

SSiinnggllee lloogg vvaannee ddeefflleeccttoorrss (see page28) are most often used in runs andpools to create and maintain smallpockets of habitat and provide somestream bank stabilization. Construc-tion is quite simple, requiring onlythe digging of a trench in the streambank for placement of a log. The logshould extend out from the streambank as much as one-third the widthof the stream channel, with at least

as much in the trench. The log should slope downwardinto the stream channel andmost often be pointed in anupstream direction at a 20-degree to 30-degree angle.This will help direct flowstoward the center of thestream. A log angled in adownstream direction willdirect flows toward thestream bank, if desired. Itshould be remembered thatwater tends to fall off objects ata 90-degree angle, so the place-ment of the log is important. To fin-ish the structure, large stone shouldbe placed on the log within thetrench and in the area where the logenters the stream bank.

A mmuullttii-lloogg vvaannee ddeefflleeccttoorr (see page29) is a heftier version of the singlelog structure and is typically usedwhere there is a high stream bank.Construction is the same except that

two logs are pinned together side-by-side, or three logs in the form ofa pyramid.

RRoocckk vvaanneess and JJ-hhooookk vvaanneess (seepages 30 and 31) are linear deflec-tors constructed entirely from largerock (as large as 4 feet to 5 feetaverage diameter) and will usuallyrequire a trac-hoe with a bucket“thumb” for placement. Rock vanesand J-hook vanes provide streambank stabilization, help direct flowsaway from the stream bank and pro-vide some plunge-pool habitat.

The linear configuration of the rockvane structure runs in an upstreamdirection at a 20-degree to 30-degreeangle to the stream bank. It beginsat the bankfull height on the stream

12


bank, and drops at a 2 percent to 7 percent slope downfrom the stream bank to just abovenormal low-flow water levels. A per-pendicular measurement from thetip of the device to the stream bankshould be one-third of the totalbankfull width. To keep the devicefrom falling into it’s own scour pool,the first step in construction is toembed a line of footer rocks intostream bottom along the down-stream edge of where the surfacerocks are to be placed. The tops ofthese footer rocks should be at thestream bottom level.

A curved “J-hook” pattern can beadded to the upstream end of therock vane to create a centeredplunge pool effect. The rocks of thisextension can have some spacebetween them, but should also havefooter rocks. This extension shouldreach through only the next one-third of the bankfull width.

These devices work by forcing higherflows to run slightly uphill along thestream bank, thus removing some ofits energy. Since flowing water tendsto fall off objects at a 90-degreeangle, the device will also turn flowstoward the center of the stream andaway from stream banks and as thewater falls, more energy is releasedinto the plunge pool.

below. The next device should beplaced at the point where flowbegins hitting the bank again. In gen-eral, these structures will need to becloser together on an outside bendas opposed to a straighter stretch ofstream.

Low Flow Channel StructuresSSttoonnee ccrroossss vvaannee (see page 31)structures extend completely across

the stream channel and areessentially two linear

vanes connected inthe middle. The

two lineararms shouldextend toone-third ofthe bankfullwidth each,with themiddle por-

tion taking upthe center one-

third. Construc-tion techniques are

similar to linear rockvanes. These devices are

used for grade control and for cen-tering flows in the channel, but alsoprovide some plunge pool habitat.

A lloogg ccrroossss vvaannee (see page 32) canbe constructed using a log trenchedinto each bank and meeting eachother in the middle of the stream

While thesedevices canbe used onstraightstretches, theyare also wellsuited for theoutside of curves.However, it may notbe practical to usethem on outside bends thatexceed a 70-degree radius of curva-ture. As a general rule these devicesshould be spaced one device lengthapart. Placing the uppermost deviceand observing the water flow canalso determine spacing. The devicewill redirect flows away from thebank, but it will tend to move backtoward the bank at some point

13


channel. The placement dimensionsshould be the same as the stonecross vane.

A wwaatteerr jjaacckk (see page 32) is a pool-digging device, best suited for highergradient streams with little poolhabitat. The structure is meant tocreate and maintain a pool on thedownstream side of the device. It isnot meant to back up water into apool above the device where silt willcollect and destroy as much habitatas is being created. Water jacksshould be located in an area withhigh stream banks, where thestream channel is narrow andshould be situated where a sectionof high gradient meets a section oflower gradient.

Construction begins with the placement of the main log, perpendi-cular to stream flow, onto thestream bottom and into trenches ineach stream bank. Once the log islevel, it is pinned in place on bothends within the trench (not in themiddle) with 3-foot or 4-foot rebar.Moving upstream about 3½ to 4feet, a trench is dug parallel to themain log. This trench should be deepenough so that when the nailer log(6” diameter) is inserted it will sitconsiderably lower than the mainlog. When a piece of 8-foot flooringis placed on top of these two logs, itshould be at a 20-degree to 30-degree angle with the stream bot-tom. If the flooring is too level, thetrench should be deepened until theboard is close to the correct angeland the end catches in the back ofthe trench. When the nailer log sitsdeep enough and level, it should bepinned in place like the main log.

Next, take a piece of 1” x 8” x 8’flooring and slide it onto the centerof the two logs at a 90-degree angleuntil the end touches the streambottom above the nailer log. Theflooring should be driven into thestream bottom as far as it will gowithout lifting off the nailer log. Nailin place, using four nails per board.

Continue this procedure in both directions untilthere is a single layer of flooringspanning the entire stream channel.Use stone and gravel to fill any gapswhile creating a smooth transitionbetween the flooring and the banks.The overhanging ends of theseboards can be trimmed off, but don’tcut them too short at this point.

To obtain an immediate seal, a layerof clear, 4-mil plastic, in a 12-footwidth, is laid over this first layer offlooring. Cut this sheeting so that itextends at least 5 feet onto bothstream banks. Several pairs ofhands will be needed to help spreadthe plastic out and hold it above thestructure and over the water sur-face. When everybody is in position,lay the upstream edge down ontothe stream bottom and secure theedge with stone and gravel. Hold onto the downstream edge until thewater pressure slowly pulls thesheeting tight over the flooring.Water should now be flowing overthe structure, creating a smallwaterfall.

Apply a second layer of flooring bysliding boards down over the plastic(only until they touch the bottom—do not drive them through the plas-tic), making sure they overlap thecracks of the first layer. Nail these

boards in place, following the nail line on thefirst layer, which can be seen throughthe clear plastic (see information onunderwater nailers in the Construc-tion Guidelines section). Trim bothlayers of flooring so that only a fewinches overhang the main log.

Before attaching the wings, the sizeof the opening must be determined.It should be wide enough to takenormal flows, yet narrow enough toconcentrate the hydraulic force ofthe water to dig the desired hole.The small end of the wing logsshould be pinned through the floor-ing and into the main log with a 2-foot pin on either side of the desiredopening. The other end of this logshould be pinned in a trench dug ata 30-degree angle to the bank andshould slope slightly upward. Com-plete the wings by installing bracelogs on both sides, attached by 2-foot pins through the flooring andinto the main log. Face boards canbe nailed to the inside or outside ofthe wing logs to minimize leakingthough this area. To complete thewater jack, stone should be shingledinto each wing and any place a logenters the bank should be reinforcedwith large stone.

14


Adding Downstream Wingsto a Water Jack

After a water jack structure hasbeen given time to scour a deep

plunge pool (a year or so), the addi-tion of downstream wings is usuallyrecommended and can help stabilizeand greatly enhance this pool area.The wings can be made of stoneonly, or with logs and flooring ifadditional cover is desired (see page32). When completed, the down-stream wings should somewhat mir-ror the existing upstream wings.

The following describes the construction of the log and flooringversion. Start by digging a trench 3feet to 4 feet into the stream bankon the downstream side of the mainlog. The trench should be deepenough that when a sill log is laid inplace, it will be covered by 2 inchesof water. Counter-balance the sill logby placing large stone within thetrench. Attach the small end of thewing log to the end of the sill logwith a 2-foot rebar pin. The otherend of this log should be trenchedinto the stream bank and pinned inplace with 3-foot or 4-foot rebar.Once secure 2” x 6” x 8’ oak flooringpositioned perpendicular to thestream bank, is nailed to the top ofthis wing log. Overhanging boardscan be trimmed off before pinning atop log in place with 2-foot pins,sandwiching the flooring betweenthe two logs. The final step is toshingle stone over the flooring andreinforce the area where the logsenter the bank.

A ““bbrrooookkiiee”” wwaatteerr jjaacckk (see page 33)

is an abbreviated version of the full-sized water jack.It is meant for small brook trouttype streams with the same physicalcharacteristics as required for thestandard water jack. Construction isvery similar with the main exceptionbeing there is no upstream nailerlog. Instead, the flooring is placed ata 45-degree angle to the main logand driven into the stream bottombefore being nailed to the main log.Two layers of flooring are still usedwith or without plastic being sand-wiched between the layers. General-ly, stone wings suffice for both theupstream and downstream sides ofthe device.

Mud Sill CribbingMMuudd ssiillll ccrriibbbbiinngg (see page 33) is anexcellent overhead cover device thatis best suited for lower gradientstreams with steep, eroded banks

found next to a deep main channel.They provide stream bank stabilityand create a stable undercut bankeffect for fish cover. They can beconstructed on a straight stretch ofstream or they can follow the con-tour of an outside curve. In most sit-uations, a backhoe is very helpful, ifnot necessary, to construct amudsill.

To begin construction, it’s oftendesirable to grade any steep banksback to a 3:1 slope. The next step isto set the sill logs, usually 8 to 10feet in length, into a series oftrenches dug perpendicular to thestream flow. A properly dug trenchshould allow a sill log to sit in a levelposition with about two 2 to 4 inch-es of water over the log. If using an8-foot sill log, 5 feet should be in thebank and 3 feet should extend outinto the stream (a 6-foot and 4-footsplit, if using a 10-foot sill log). Oncethe sill log is in proper position,hand place the stone on the backend until it is stable. Now the back-hoe can dump additional stone intothe trench and can be topped offwith soil. The first and last trenchshould contain only one sill log,while the ones in between should bedoubled. The widest point betweensill logs should be 8 feet or less.

After all the sill logs are in position,attach face logs running from the tipof one sill to the next using 2-footpins. Drive these pins only to thepoint where they are flush with thebottom of the sill log so no debriscatches underneath.

Next, nail 2” x 6” x 8’ oak flooring


from sill to sill, running from theface log to the stream bank, to cre-ate an overhanging or “front porch”effect. If the sills are set properly,this flooring should remain slightlyunderwater.

To complete the framework, a winglog should be added to each end ofthe structure, running from the tip ofthe last sill to the bank. This logshould slope slightly upward andenter a bank trench at a 30-degreeangle. To provide some extra cover,oak flooring can be nailed to thewing logs, running at a downwardangle toward the stream bank.

To finish, single stone over the flooring, fill the wings with stone andplace stone on the stream bank upto bankfull height. As always, rein-force the wing logs where they enterthe bank.

The mmooddiiffiieedd mmuudd ssiillll ccrriibb (see page34) is a simplified version of the fullmud sill crib. It is used in the samesituations as the full mud sill, butdoes not use the oak board flooring.This allows the spacing of the silllogs to vary up to 15 feet apart. Thisis useful if trenches need to be dugaround trees or other obstructionsalong the stream bank. Two facelogs are used to form the undercutinstead of the flooring.

Construction begins by setting thesill logs as with the full mudsill structure (see above).Double-face logs are thenpinned to the tips of thesill logs with 2-footrebar pins. Stone fill isplaced from the facelogs back to the bank-full point on thestream bank. Largerstone can be proppedup along the face log byhand to maintain theundercut when back fillingwith stone. Water depthshould be no more than twolog diameters deep.

The bbaannkk ccoovveerr ccrriibb (see page 34) is a simpli-fied variation of the mudsill cribbingand provides similar benefits ofstream bank stability and overheadcover. It is most suited to span anoutside bend of an eroded streambank, but can work on a straightstretch as well.

Begin by digging a trench on bothsides of an outside turn. Insert a sin-gle log into these trenches so that itspans the bend, sits level and is sub-merged by 2 inches of water. Pin thelog in the trenches with 3-foot or 4-foot rebar pins.

Oak flooring (2” x 6”) is now nailedperpendicular to the log, slopingdownward toward the stream bank

at an angle nogreater

than

15

45 degrees. Attach a top log by using2-foot pins driven through the floor-ing and into the bottom log. To avoidcatching debris, do not allow thesepins to extend out of the bottom log.

The final steps are to grade the bankto a 3:1 slope, if necessary, fill theframe with stone, and reinforce thelogs where they enter the bank. Silllogs can be used under a splice ofthe main log or to modify the struc-ture for straight stretches. A face logshould not span more than 15-feetwithout the addition of a sill log.

Channel Blocks

Channel block structures aredesigned to do just what the

name implies—block off the flow ofone channel and divert all the flowinto another channel. It should benoted that every split channel doesnot necessarily need to be blocked.In fact, many side channels add tothe variety of habits in the stream’secosystem and are often used asnursery waters for young trout. Theymight be best used to direct normalflows away from a road, building orother property. However, rememberthat the blocked channel will still fillwith water during higher flows.

When deciding to modify a splitchannel with this structure, it is crit-ical to choose the best channel toblock off. Though many factors comeinto play, generally it is best to work


with what the stream may be tryingto do. It is important to constructthese structures at a lower elevationthan the surrounding stream banks,as to allow higher flows to pass overthe device, releasing pressure on themain channel.

A lloogg ffrraammee cchhaannnneell bblloocckk (see page35), best for smaller streams, isstarted by placing two parallel logsinto slight depressions across thestream bottom and into trenches ineach stream bank. The logs shouldbe about 4 feet apart with the backlog a little smaller or sit slightlylower than the front log. Pin thesetwo logs in the trenches using 3-footor 4-foot rebar pins.

Next, cut brace logs long enough tospan the distance across the twolower logs. Spaced about 4 feet to 5feet apart, pin the brace logs inplace by driving a 4-foot pin throughboth logs and into the stream bot-tom.

Fill this frame and the trenches withstone, making sure that the overallheight of the structure is lower thanthe surrounding stream banks. Tocomplete the structure, place stonebehind the back log, tapering down-stream, to prevent scouring in thisarea.

In some situations, especially largerstreams with higher flows, it may bemore feasible to build a ssttoonnee cchhaann-nneell bblloocckk (see page 35). Use stonelarge enough so they are not movedby normal high flows. Key them in

the width of the channel bottom and slightlyinto the stream banks. Larger stoneshould be used as a frame to holdthe smaller stone in the middle andbehind the structure. As with the logframe structure, make sure the over-all height of the stone structure islower than the surrounding streambank.

Closing

The first version of this publicationwas printed in the 1950s, and the

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commis-sion has been conducting fish habi-tat improvement since the 1930s. Atfirst, work was done with Commis-sion staff and equipment. Later, thework developed into a cooperativeprogram using conservation-mindedvolunteers from all over the Com-monwealth. Over the years, thedesigns and techniques havechanged, but the mission remains

the same—providing fishing and boating oppor-tunities through the protection andmanagement of aquatic resources.

In 2006, the Commission elevatedits commitment to restoring andimproving aquatic habitats by creat-ing the Division of Habitat Manage-ment under the Bureau of Fisheries.This new division will build ondecades of successful habitat workby providing more expertise in thefield, bringing more funding to thetable, and extending its outreach tothose interested in improving theaquatic resource. Continuing andexpanding the existing partnershipswith individuals, organizations andother agencies will be a vital part ofcompleting the high-quality habitatwork that will keep Pennsylvania anational leader in fish habitat initiatives.

ReferencesBarbour, M.T.; Gerritsen, J.; Snyder, B.D.; and Stribling, J.B. Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streamsand Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Fish. Second Edition. EPA 841-B-99-002, U.S.Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. Washington, D.C., 1999.

Lalo, J. and Lutz, K.J. Corridor Management for Pastureland Streams. Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission,1994.

16


PPeennnnssyyllvvaanniiaa FFiisshh && BBooaatt CCoommmmiissssiioonnDDiivviissiioonn ooff EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall SSeerrvviicceess

HHaabbiittaatt MMaannaaggeemmeenntt SSeeccttiioonn445500 RRoobbiinnssoonn LLaannee

BBeelllleeffoonnttee,, PPAA 1166882233-99662200

EErroossiioonn && SSeeddiimmeennttaattiioonn CCoonnttrrooll PPllaannffoorr tthhee CCoonnssttrruuccttiioonn ooff

FFiisshh EEnnhhaanncceemmeenntt SSttrruuccttuurreess

1. Maps and Plans:

• Maps should show the location of the project with respect to municipalities, access roads, existing structures or other landmarks.

• Work plans should show a detailed drawing of the specific work site including device dimensions, streamwidth and other on-site features (including seed mixtures and rates of seeding and mulching).

2. All work will be done during low-flow conditions, avoiding periods during or immediately following heavy precipitation.

3. Any and all equipment work will be done from the stream bank. Equipment should be inspected to ensure thatthere is no leaking of lubricants, fuel, hydraulic fluids, etc.

4. Excavation of stream banks and/or stream bottom for the purpose of keying in stone and/or timbers, will berestricted to work that can be completed in one day.

5. All disturbed areas will be immediately stabilized with rock, seeding, and mulching, or other suitable material,during the one-day construction limit. Newly vegetated areas will be inspected and repaired (as needed) untilgrass is well established.

6. Grass seed mixtures used in stabilization will be either a shade, conservation or slope variety depending uponthe site requirements. Hand broadcasting of seed will average six pounds per 1,000 sq. ft.

7. Straw or hay mulch will be placed by hand to produce a loose layer three-fourths to one inch deep. (2.5Tons/Acre)

8. Only clean, nonpolluting materials shall be used as fill, which should be shingled or keyed into the structuresfor longevity. Minimum stone size should be R-4, as rated by the National Stone Association.

9. Any material excavated during the installation of the structures should be deposited in a suitable site awayfrom areas affected by flood waters or wetlands, and stabilized within 24 hours of initial excavation.

10. All enhancement structures shall be constructed according to approved Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commissionspecifications. Other designs may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

11. Enhancement structures shall be maintained in a safe and functional condition, including necessary debrisremoval by the owner.

Revised 6/11/98

Sample Erosion and Sedimentation Plan

17

18


Deflector Dimensions and Spacing

1/3 1/3 1/3

19


Habitat Assessment Field Data Sheet – Low Gradient Streams (side 1)

Stream Name: Location:

Station #: Rivermile: Basin/Sub-basin: Agency:

Lat: Long: Date: Time: am pm

Reason for Survey:

Investigators: TOTAL SCORE:

Condition Category Habitat Parameter

Optimal Suboptimal Marginal Poor Greater than 50% of substrate favorable for epifaunal colonization & fish cover;mix of snags submerged logs,undercut banks, cobble orother stable habitat and at stage to allow full colonization potential (logs/snags that are not new fall and not transient

30-50% mix of stable habitat; well suited for full colonization potential; adequate habitat for maintenance of populations; presence of additional substrate in the form of newfall, but not yet prepared for colonization (may rate athigh end of scale.

10-30% mix of stable habitat; habitat availability less than desirable; substrate frequentlydisturbed or removed.

Less than 10% stable habitat; lack of habitat is obvious; substrate unstable or lacking

1. Epifaunal Substrate/ Available Cover

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Mixture of substrate materials, with gravel and firm sand prevalent; root matsand submerged vegetation common.

Mixture of soft sand, mud or clay; mud may be dominant; some root mats and submerged vegetation present.

All mud or clay or sand bottom; little or no root mat; no submergedvegetation.

Hard-pan clay or bedrock; no root mat or vegetation.

2. Pool SubstrateCharacterization

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Even mix of large-shallow, large-deep, small-shallow, small-deep pools present.

Majority of pools large-deep; very few shallow.

Shallow pools much moreprevalent than deep pools.

Majority of pools small-shallow or pools absent.

3. Pool Variability

Note: Deep = > 18”

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Little or no enlargement of islands or point bars and �20% of the bottom affected by sediment deposition.

Some new increase in bar formation, mostly fromgravel, sand or fine sediment; 20-50% of the bottom affected; slight deposition in pools.

Moderate deposition of new gravel, sand or fine sediment on old and new bars; 50-80% of the bottomaffected; sediment deposits at obstructions,constrictions and bends; moderate deposition of pools prevalent.

Heavy deposits of fine material, increased bar development; more than 80% of the bottomchanging frequently; pools almost absent due to substantial sediment deposition.

4. Sediment Deposition

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Water reaches base of both lower banks and minimal amount of channel substrate is exposed.

Water fills � 75% of the available channel; or � 25% of channel substrate is exposed.

Water fills 25-75% of the available channel, and/orriffle substrates are mostly exposed.

Very little water in channel and mostly present as standing pools.

5. Channel FlowStatus

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Habitat Assessment Forms

20


Low Gradient Streams (side 2)


Optimal Suboptimal Marginal Poor Channelization or dredging absent or minimal; streamwith normal pattern.

Some channelization present, usually in areas ofbridge abutments; evidence of past channelization i.e.,dredging (greater than past 20 years) may be present,but recent channelization is not present.

Channelization may be extensive; embankments orshoring structures present on both banks; and 40-80% of stream reach channelized and disrupted.

Banks shored with gabion or cement; over 80% of the stream reach channelized and disrupted. Instreamhabitat greatly altered or removed entirely.

6. ChannelAlteration

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 The bends in the streamincrease the stream length 3 to 4 times longer than if it was in a straight line. (Note: channel braiding isconsidered normal in coastal plains and other low-lying areas. This is not easily rated in these areas).

The bends in the streamincrease the stream length 2 to 3 times longer than if it was in a straight line.

The bends in the streamincrease the stream length 1 to 2 times longer than if it was in a straight line.

Channel straight; waterway has been channelized for a long distance.

7. ChannelSinuosity

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Banks stable; evidence oferosion or bank failure absent or minimal; little potential for future problems. � 5% of bank affected.

Moderately stable;infrequent, small areas of erosion mostly healed over. 5 – 30 % of bank in reach has areas of erosion.

Moderately unstable; 30 – 60 % of bank in reach has areas of erosion; high erosion potential during floods.

Unstable; many eroded areas; raw areas frequent along straight sections and bends; obvious bank sloughing; 60 – 100 % of bank has erosional scars.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

8. Bank Stability

Note: Determine left & Right by facing downstream.

Score (LB):

Score (RB): 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 More than 90% of the streambank surfaces and immediate riparian zone covered bynative vegetation, including trees, understory shrubs, ornon-woody macrophytes; vegetative disruption through grazing or mowing minimal or not evident; almost all plants allowed to grow naturally.

70 – 90% of the streambank surfaces covered by native vegetation, but one class of plants is not well represented; disruption evident but not affecting full plant growth potential to any great extent; morethan one-half of the potential plant stubble height remaining.

50 – 70% of the streambank surfaces covered by vegetation; disruption obvious; patches of baresoil or closely cropped vegetation common; less than one-half of the potential plant stubble height remaining.

Less than 50% of the stream bank surfaces covered by vegetation; disruption of stream bank vegetation is very high; vegetation has been removed to 5 centimetersor less in average stubble height.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

9. Vegetative Protection

Score (LB):

Score (RB): 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Width of riparian zone � 18 meters (58”); human activities (parking lots, roadbeds,clearcuts, lawns or crops) have not impacted zone.

Width of riparian zone 12 – 18 meters (39’-58’); human activities have impacted zone only minimally.

Width of riparian zone 6 – 12 meters (20’-39’);human activities have impacted zone a great deal.

Width of riparian zone � 6 meters (20’); little or no riparian vegetation due to human activities.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

10. Riparian Vegetative Zone Width

Score (LB):

Score (RB): 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

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Habitat Assessment Field Data Sheet – High Gradient Streams (side 1)

Stream Name: Location:

Station #: Rivermile: Basin/Sub-basin: Agency:

Lat: Long: Date: Time: am pm

Reason for Survey:

Investigators: TOTAL SCORE:


Optimal Suboptimal Marginal Poor Greater than 70% of substrate favorable for epifaunal colonization & fish cover;mix of snags submerged logs,undercut banks, cobble orother stable habitat and at stage to allow full colonization potential (logs/snags that are not new fall and not transient

40-70% mix of stable habitat; well suited for full colonization potential; adequate habitat for maintenance of populations; presence of additional substrate in the form of newfall, but not yet prepared for colonization (may rate athigh end of scale.

20-40% mix of stable habitat; habitat availability less than desirable; substrate frequentlydisturbed or removed.

Less than 20% stable habitat; lack of habitat is obvious; substrate unstable or lacking

1. Epifaunal Substrate/ Available Cover

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Gravel, cobble and boulderparticles are 0-25% surrounded by fine sediment.Layering of cobble provides diversity of niche space.

Gravel, cobble and boulderparticles are 25-50% surrounded by finesediment.

Gravel, cobble and boulderparticles are 50-75% surrounded by finesediment.

Gravel, cobble and boulderparticles are more than 75% surrounded by fine sediment.

2. Embeddedness

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 All four velocity/depth regimes present (slow-deep, slow-shallow, fast-deep, fast-shallow) (Slow is �0.3 m/s,deep is � 0.5 m).

Only 3 of the 4 regimes present (if fast-shallow is missing, score lower than if missing other regimes).

Only 2 of the 4 habitat regimes present (if fast-shallow or slow-shallow are missing, score low).

Dominated by 1 velocity/depth regime(usually slow-deep).

3. Velocity/Depth Regime

Note: Deep = > 18”

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Little or no enlargement of islands or point bars and �5% of the bottom affected bysediment deposition.

Some new increase in bar formation, mostly fromgravel, sand or fine sediment; 5-30% of the bottom affected; slight deposition in pools.

Moderate deposition of new gravel, sand or fine sediment on old and new bars; 30-50% of the bottomaffected; sediment deposits at obstructions,constrictions and bends; moderate deposition of pools prevalent.

Heavy deposits of fine material, increased bar development; more than 50% of the bottomchanging frequently; pools almost absent due to substantial sediment deposition.

4. Sediment Deposition

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Water reaches base of both lower banks and minimal amount of channel substrate is exposed.

Water fills � 75% of the available channel; or � 25% of channel substrate is exposed.

Water fills 25-75% of the available channel, and/orriffle substrates are mostly exposed.

Very little water in channel and mostly present as standing pools.

5. Channel FlowStatus

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

22


High Gradient Streams (side 2)


Optimal Suboptimal Marginal Poor Channelization or dredging absent or minimal; streamwith normal pattern.

Some channelization present, usually in areas ofbridge abutments; evidence of past channelization i.e.,dredging (greater than past 20 years) may be present,but recent channelization is not present.

Channelization may be extensive; embankments orshoring structures present on both banks; and 40-80% of stream reach channelized and disrupted.

Banks shored with gabion or cement; over 80% of the stream reach channelized and disrupted. Instreamhabitat greatly altered or removed entirely.

6. ChannelAlteration

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Occurrence of riffles relatively frequent; ratio of distance between riffles divided by width of the stream � 7:1 (generally 5 to 7); variety of habitat is key in streams where riffles are continuous, placement ofboulders or other large natural obstruction is important.

Occurrence of riffles infrequent; distancebetween riffles divided bythe width of the stream isbetween 7 to 15.

Occasional riffle or bend; bottom contours provide habitat; distance between riffles divided by the width of the stream is between 15 to 25.

Generally all flat water orshallow riffles; poor habitat; distance between riffles divided by the width of the stream is a ratio of � 25.

7. Frequency of Riffles (or bends)

SCORE: 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Banks stable; evidence oferosion or bank failure absent or minimal; little potential for future problems. � 5% of bank affected.

Moderately stable;infrequent, small areas of erosion mostly healed over. 5 – 30 % of bank in reach has areas of erosion.

Moderately unstable; 30 – 60 % of bank in reach has areas of erosion; high erosion potential during floods.

Unstable; many eroded areas; raw areas frequent along straight sections and bends; obvious bank sloughing; 60 – 100 % of bank has erosional scars.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

8. Bank Stability

Note: Determine left & right banks by facing downstream.

Score (LB):

Score (RB): 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 More than 90% of the streambank surfaces and immediate riparian zone covered bynative vegetation, including trees, understory shrubs, ornon-woody macrophytes; vegetative disruption through grazing or mowing minimal or not evident; almost all plants allowed to grow naturally.

70 – 90% of the streambank surfaces covered by native vegetation, but one class of plants is not well represented; disruption evident but not affecting full plant growth potential to any great extent; morethan one-half of the potential plant stubble height remaining.

50 – 70% of the streambank surfaces covered by vegetation; disruption obvious; patches of baresoil or closely cropped vegetation common; less than one-half of the potential plant stubble height remaining.

Less than 50% of the stream bank surfaces covered by vegetation; disruption of stream bank vegetation is very high; vegetation has been removed to 5 centimetersor less in average stubble height.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

9. Vegetative Protection

Score (LB):

Score (RB): 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Width of riparian zone � 18 meters (58”); human activities (parking lots, roadbeds,clearcuts, lawns or crops) have not impacted zone.

Width of riparian zone 12 – 18 meters (39’-58’); human activities have impacted zone only minimally.

Width of riparian zone 6 – 12 meters (20’-39’);human activities have impacted zone a great deal.

Width of riparian zone � 6 meters (20’); little or no riparian vegetation due to human activities.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

10. Riparian Vegetative Zone Width

Score (LB):

Score (RB): 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

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Structure Drawings

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Documents

PENNS YLV ANIA Fish & Boat Commission habitat improve trout.pdf · Wild Trout Initially, when many people think of improving wild trout habitat, they usually picture a large, easily