Valley Creek Mainstem Restoration Project

The Valley Creek Mainstem Restoration Project will continue to protect and improve Valley Creek, a world-class trout stream located in the Valley Branch Watershed District (VBWD). The project, identified and prioritized for restoration by VBWD as part of a watershed-wide assessment of Valley Creek and its watershed, will increase the creek's floodplain connectivity by reshaping 600 feet of the creek's banks and removing approximately 12,100 cubic yards of material. This will reduce the erosiveness of the waterpower and annually prevent 8.5 tons of sediment from eroding and silting over trout spawning sites. The project will establish a 60-footwide floodplain with native vegetation, replacing buckthorn, burdock, reed canary grass, and other invasive species. This will improve nesting habitat for birds, pollinator habitat, and a wildlife corridor. Establishing a deep-rooted vegetated floodplain is imperative to prevent erosion during high water periods and to maintain the health of this important stream and the downstream St. Croix River. Due to incision in creek, the project will raise the streambed by 1 foot with four 3-inch steps to allow for improved fish passage. The project will employ measures the VBWD has successfully implemented, such as cross vanes and single vanes to direct flow away from outer banks and a series of 3-inch steps to allow fish passage and stop downcutting. Root wads will also be installed along the banks for stabilization and to provide scour holes for fish refuge and habitat. Not only will this project protect the treasure of Valley Creek, but it will also protect the downstream nationally protected but nutrient-impaired St. Croix River.