Beaver Creek WaterShed Association

Beaver Creek Stream Restoration

BCWA and the Tennessee Stream Mitigation Program (TSMP) have initiated a major project to restore a three-mile segment of Beaver Creek to more natural conditions. TSMP is a private organization established by the State legislature and funded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Its mission is to improve environmental conditions along degraded Tennessee steams. Although Beaver Creek is in violation of water quality standards, it possesses significant potential for restoration, making it an ideal candidate for TSMP assistance.

Project Location
The Beaver Creek Powell Mitigation Site (BCPMS) is in the Powell community and is generally bounded by Central Ave. to the east, Emory Rd. to the north, West Beaver Creek Rd. to the south and Clinton Hwy.to the west.

Existing Conditions
Current land use in the BCPMS area is a mix of residential, agricultural, and commercial uses. Considerable land has been converted from agricultural uses to residential and commercial development in recent decades. Land ownership is fragmented, however – several large parcels are still managed as hayfields or cow pastures. Many of the smaller parcels are residential with active clearing of woody vegetation up to the stream channel. Large impervious surfaces within the stream corridor have stormwater drainage pipes that feed into Beaver Creek. Small forested wetlands persist along the BCPMS and aid the system by providing flood attenuation, nutrient uptake, carbon cycling, and wildlife habitat.

Key Elements of the Restoration Plan
The BCPMS contains approximately 14,335 linear feet of riparian restoration and enhancement. Riparian restoration/enhancement areas will be reforested through tree and shrub planting, and fencing will be constructed to permanently exclude livestock, mechanized land-clearing, mowing, bush-hogging or other maintenance. Alternative watering systems will be constructed to provide landowners with a reliable source of water for their cattle.

Materials and Methods
Tree and shrub planting will be accomplished using TSMP specifications following the Tennessee Stream Mitigation Guidelines. Tree planting will be accomplished by hand and will involve planting seedlings and installing a protective tree guard and two bamboo support stakes at a density of 400 stems per acre (species and percent composition to be determined later). Livestock exclusion fencing and alternative water sources will be constructed using Natural Resource Conservation Service specifications.