New Ways to Think About Streams and Floodplains

The objective of this project is to manage streambanks and floodplains along Elm Creek in Martin County in order to improve water quality and reduce erosion. Elm Creek flows into the Blue Earth River, which flows into the Minnesota River. Elm Creek is currently listed as impaired for fish bioassessments, turbidity, and fecal coliform.
The four projects will use site specific techniques and state of the art channel design. These projects include the addition of log and rock vanes as well as tree revetments and willow cuttings when needed. Instead of using rock riprap, this project will only place a minimal amount of rock at the toe of the slope for stability. The vanes reduce the velocity and energy during peak flows and redirect the current toward the center of the channel, which in turn reduces flooding, streambank erosion, and helps reduce phosphorus carrying sediment. One of the projects will redirect a small area from its current channel, which is straight and erosive, to a lengthier, meandering channel. These 4 projects will serve as a model for future projects because of the ideal locations and the vulnerable conditions of these sites.