Stream Restoration on the Hellbranch Run, Big Darby Creek Tributary

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Stream Restoration on the Hellbranch Run, Big
Darby Creek Tributary

• Carrie Morrow
• Assistant Resource Manager
• Columbus Metro Parks

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Stream Restoration on the Hellbranch Run

• Metro Parks and the Darby Watershed
• EPA WRRSP
• The Sheets Property
• Restoration Options
• Our Restoration Design
• The Future of Hellbranch Run

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Metro Parks

• Over 8,000
• acres
• Two Metro
• Parks
• Darby Accord
• Grants for
• Land Acquisition

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What is WRRSP?

• The Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program
  was created to counter the loss of ecological
  function and biological diversity that
  jeopardizes the health of Ohios water resources.
  This program funds both preservation and
  restoration of aquatic habitat to accomplish this
  goal.

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What is the purpose of the WPCLF Water Resource
Restoration Sponsor Program (WRRSP)?

• To address a broader category of water resource
  needs in Ohio through direct WPCLF loans.
• Reduce the impacts from nonpoint source runoff,
  habitat degradation, and watershed disturbances.
• To counter the loss of ecological function and
  biological diversity that jeopardizes the health
  of Ohio's water resources.
• Provide funds, through WPCLF loans, to finance
  planning and implementation of projects that
  protect or restore water resources.

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WRRSP Land Purchases in 2007

• ANGEL 79 acres
• SHEETS 69 acres

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Sheets Property
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Darby Creek Watershed Restoration WRRSP

• Preliminary plan submitted in 2005
• 2 mil to purchase available properties along Big
  Darby Creek
• 200k for restoration
• Three properties have been secured Young 40
  acres, Angel 79 acres and Sheets 69 acres
• Lack of available properties led to incorporate
  restoration efforts with remaining funds

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Linear corridor with narrow 40 year old
cottonwoods and ash
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Soils
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Restoration Options

• Natural Succession
• Reforestation Plantings
• Levee breaches
• Create new channel

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Hellbranch Runs access to floodplain
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Man made stream bank
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Old stream bed coverts to depressional wetlands
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Final Restoration Design

• Creating a 3,900 foot oxbow channel
• Removing flood gates and sections of levee
• Invasive plant removal
• Extensive tree, shrub and seed plantings

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Remove gate and breach levee
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Incorporate

• Wider riparian corridor
• Access to floodplain
• Removal of invasive species
• Increased sinuosity
• Could place Hellbranch Run outside of other
  agency easements

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Invasive Plant Removal
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Improvements to Access Road
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Restoration Potential
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Photo creditsPat DeeringCarrie MorrowOxbow
River Stream Restoration, Inc.
Thanks to our partners
Ohio Department of Transportation
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Stream Restoration on the Hellbranch Run, Big
Darby Creek Tributary

• Carrie Morrow
• Assistant Resource Manager
• Columbus Metro Parks