Case Study

Streamside Trail Enhancement

Living Waters Consultants provided comprehensive Engineering Services including Project Management, Fluvial Geomorphic Evaluations, Stream Design, Wetland Enhancement, Plans, Specifications, Permitting, Meetings, and Construction Observation for trail enhancement along 1100 linear feet of Seavey Ditch. Client was later awarded County Stormwater Community of the Year. Grants for 40% of project costs were received. The Project Trail is located adjacent to four parks, a regional bike path, a stormwater detention facility, and residential areas. Natural channel design was used to enhance the stream and trail corridor. Past impacts included channelization, severe streambank erosion, sedimentation, wetland degradation, encroachment of invasive riparian plant species, and loss of aesthetic and recreational opportunity along the stream corridor. Stream restoration measures included in-channel wetland enhancement, rock riffle grade control structures, replacement of the degraded riparian corridor with native species, selective tree and shrub removal, enhancement of accessibility for residents to the stream corridor, water quality improvement, and other measures. Benefits include erosion control, water quality improvements, aquatic habitat enhancement, and reduction of in-stream sedimentation at culverts. LWC observed construction by Applied Ecological Services.