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Browsing by Author "Hartsell, Jonathan"

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    Middle Fork New River Restoration Prioritization Plan
    Jennings, Greg; Patoprsty, Wendy; Blount, Chelsea; Hartsell, Jonathan (New River Symposium, 2019-04-12)
    The Middle Fork Greenway is an emerging multi-use greenway connecting the towns of Blowing Rock and Boone along the Middle Fork New River in Watauga County, NC. We developed a comprehensive River Restoration Prioritization Plan in 2018 to guide restoration activities and contribute to the health of the corridor as the trail is developed. This restoration plan describes existing conditions for six river reaches extending from Blowing Rock to Boone. Assessments of stream morphology, erosion potential, and riparian vegetation were used to classify river segments based on level of concern. For each segment, specific river restoration opportunities were identified to improve water quality, aquatic habitat, floodplain function, streamside vegetation, and environmental educational opportunities for greenway users. River segments classified as Extreme are the highest priority for restoration due to severe problems with bank erosion, in-stream habitat, floodplain functions, and riparian vegetation. Recommended restoration plans for these river segments include channel realignment and floodplain connection, streambank grading, in-stream log and rock structures for protecting banks and enhancing habitat, and native riparian vegetation planting. This presentation describes results of the plan and next steps for priority restoration projects including funding acquisition, engineering, permitting, construction work, and vegetation management to achieve ecological objectives.