Case Study

Dixie Creek Restoration Project

Living Waters Consultants provided comprehensive Engineering Services including Fluvial Geomorphic Evaluations, Natural Stream Channel Design, Surveying, Engineering Plans, Construction Observation, Grant Assistance, Monitoring, and Maintenance Observation for 1750 linear feet of Dixie Creek within the Dixie Briggs-Fromm Open Space (Illinois Nature Preserve).

Approximately 50% of project costs were provided by grant funds. Natural channel design was used to stabilize the severely eroding stream which was also impacted by debris jams, and severe channel downcutting. Ongoing watershed development threatened to worsen site conditions by increasing runoff flowing to the site and contributing to erosion. The Design included protection and preservation of a calcareous fen, several sedge meadows, and state endangered plant species. Stream stabilization techniques included rock riffle grade control structures and natural weirs to prevent downcutting, raising the streambed elevation to allow flood flows to filter through the riparian corridor and to prevent lowering of groundwater elevations. Bank stabilization included rootball revetments, tree revetments, geogrid terracing, stone, re-graded slopes, coir logs, and other measures, and replacement of invasive riparian vegetation using native species within the riparian corridor.

The Dixie Creek Restoration Project was awarded the U.S. EPA / Chicago Wilderness Conservation and Native Landscaping Award. LWC observed construction by Earthwerks.