On June 30-July 1, 2017 an extreme rainfall event caused the lateral migration of the of Tributary 26 to Butternut Creek located south of Colton Road in LaFayette, New York. The migration of the stream channel caused undercutting and erosion of the stream bank to the east and deposition of new point breaks downstream.
Tributary 26 looking southerly. Eroded streambank visible on left (east).
In collaboration with Dr. Ted Endreny from SUNY ESF and the Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District, NSE developed a design plan for the restoration of this stretch of Tributary 26 and was intended to reclaim riparian area east of the creek for the landowner and implementing conservation and restoration techniques intended to prevent future lateral migration of the creek and preserving it’s natural function. The design followed Rosgen stream restoration principles and consisted of:
- reestablishment of the creek channel to the west
- bendway weirs to deflect and dissipate energy away from the eroding east stream bank
- rock riffles and large stones to dissipate energy within the newly reestablished stream channel
- dogwood plantings in the reclaimed floodbank and fascines to protect the edge of bank.
Design plan for Tributary 26 Restoration
Construction was initiated per the design plan by the selected contractor J&J Landscaping the week of November 27, 2017 and earthwork completed on December 8. Plantings to follow in mid-December.
Reestablished creek looking southerly from Colton Road.
Assuming continuing adaptive management measures to be informed by the landowner, the reestablished creek and energy dissipation measures will provide for a stable planform, yet able to pass extreme events via a connected functioning floodplain.
