As part of the continuing effort under the Beaver Creek initiative a new project got underway in the fall of 2004, just down stream from the Barr project. At the present day Jackson property, where the former Newcomer Grist Mill altered and channelized the stream, 900 feet of Beaver Creek have been restored to its proper width and depth. In-stream J-hooks and cross vanes have been constructed. Bioengineering to stabilize stream banks was also completed. This included the use of live stakes, wetland planting mixes and a riparian forest buffer. All of this will help create more spawning habitat, eliminate stream bank erosion, and allow for better transport of sediment in an attempt to return the stream to its original condition, so aquatic life can thrive once again.
The Jackson property was also permanently protected with a Forest Conservation easement using funds from Washington Counties Forest Conservation Fund. A total of 5.751 acres were placed under permanent protection along Beaver Creek for the Jackson family.
Monitoring of tree and shrub survival will be conducted in the fall of 2005 and any new planting or re-plantings will be accomplished in the spring of 2006.
PROJECT DETAILS
Partner Roles
1. Grant seeking/obtained funding
2. Partner coordination
3. Design and Drafting
4. Obtained all needed permits
5. Negotiated agreements with adjoining landowners
6. Contract preparation
7. Coordinate and execute competitive bidding process
8. Contract administration
9. Construction supervision
· Beaver Creek Watershed Association
1. Acted as local grass roots project proponent
2. Provided funding for initial field data collection
3. Coordinated and participated in data collection
4. Coordinated initial field survey with private sector company and WCSCD
5. Coordinated portions of design work with project designer Dr. Steven Jones
6. Provided volunteers for tree and shrub planting
7. Assisted WCSCD with partner coordination
· Washington County government
1. Provided major funding
2. Assisted with design and contract writing
· Department of Natural Resources
1. Proved major funding through Clean Water Act Section 319 grant
2. Conducted electro fishing to re-locate fish during construction
3. Provided professional advice on habitat issues
· Seneca Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited
2. Selected species and designed planting plan for tree and shrub planting
3. Purchased plant materials
4. Coordinated tree and shrub planting
5. Provided volunteers
· Mid Atlantic Chapter Federation of Fly Fishers and Antietam Fly Anglers
1. Provided volunteers for tree and shrub planting
· Maryland Department of the Environment
1. Provided funding
2. Ensured compliance with sediment and erosion control plan
Project Expenses
• Awarded Contract Price 209,000
• Change Order 2,364
• Total Contract Price 211,849
• Administration/Engineering 30,342
• Miscellaneous Project Costs 1,402
• Partner Commitments 10,000
Total Expenses $ 253,594
Project Partners and Funding Amounts
• Washington County (Admin/Eng/Const) 163,831
• DNR 319 Grant (Admin/Const) 67,680
• Seneca Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited 10,000
(Plant Materials/Labor)
• Mid Atlantic Chapter Federation of Fly Fishers
Beaver Creek Watershed Association 6,458
(Data collection/Engineering)
MDE Mitigation Funds (Admin/Eng/Const) 5,625
Funding Total $ 253,594
For more information, contact Elmer Weibley at the Washington County Soil Conservation District. He can be reached at 301.797.6820 Extension 3
Below are some photos of the Jackson Restoration in progress and towards completion
-Towards the completion stage-
site created: October 28, 2004
site updated: March 9, 2005
photos by D. Bard