Shade for Trout in a Reclaimed Habit

[L_soult]

Friends-

There is a section of stream in my area that is barely holding wild trout along a main road. I’d like to help the situation, and thought this forum would be a good resource for recommendations.

There is no soil between the road and the stream, and the water is in direct sunlight for most of the day. The bank is covered with large limestone pieces referred to as Rip-Rap in the construction industry.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a fast growing tree that would have strong roots, and provide shade on a stream bank that is made up of large Rip-Rap limestone?

Planning to fill in the spaces between the limestone with soil before planting.

Looking forward to getting some advice, but I’m unable to respond to comments more than one or twice a day as time permits.

Thanks,

Launce

 

[troutbert]

If you could post some photos that be helpful in understanding the situation.

 

[Millsertime]

Do you own the land?

 

[troutbert]

I have seen some shrubs growing among rocks along streams. I'm not sure of the species, though.

But I've also seen areas with large rocks along streams where not much vegetation was growing. If the stream flows swiftly there, it's likely that scour during floods will strip away any soil you place there.

If it is a lower gradient section of stream, though, the soil might stay in place with the aid of the vegetation.

 

[Acristickid]

L-

I recently attended a Riparian buffer and coldwater conferences. This was attended by watershed groups, environmental engineers, DCNR etc...

Suggest you find out your county forester, DCNR- you can call your local DCNR. This is exactly the types of things they do.

Clearfield Co- Rick Conrad, 814-249-1210 riconrad@pa.gov

Also recommend a local watershed group ( it would be perfect if there was a group in your watershed) , they could help with this stuff.

Heck- half of this stuff gets paid for with grants if you show the benefits of stabilizing a bank or create less runoff or sediment.

Rest of the list-

http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_20033370.pdf

 

[lycoflyfisher]

If the site is in Clearfield Co where your profile says your from, contact the Conservation District and talk to the watershed specialist Kelly Williams. Their office also houses a TU biologist who is very active in AMD remediation and stream restoration projects. They will be able to provide the most helpful information. Placing topsoil (fill) in the floodway may not be allowed permitting wise depending on the site.

 

[Zak]

Unless the root system of the trees are able to contact the dirt under the rip rap you will be very hard pressed to make any thing with size grow in that environment or, like most things in nature, they would already be growing. I think your best bet of shrubs and brush which can most certainly provide excellent shade and cover.

 

[KenU]

Your last name is familiar. I live in Clearfield and belong to the Allegheny Mt. Chapter of TU. I work with both Kelly Williams (Clfd Cty Conservation Dist.) and Rachel Kester (TU lady who works out of the CCCD office). Can I help? Call Ken at 814-765-1035

 

[Maurice]

Hey Launce,

A cheap, fast growing, and hearty streamside vegetative choice woulf Silky Dogwood and Willow cuttings.

Find a source for some mature plants with main stems 3/4" to 2" in diameter. Cut with a good set of loppers to 18"-24" long and angle the bottom so it can penetrate the substrate. (and so you can tell the bottom from the top)

This is the perfect time for harvesting them (just a little past prime)

Store in a bucket or cut off barrel of water, or wet burlap until installation. Then just wade along the bank with a two pound sledge and a bundle and pound them in at the toe of the slope, (near the waters edge). Tilt the stalks on a downstream angle to discourage debris collection and dislodging. They will regenerate growth from each node and root themselves in moist conditions, adding soil may help but may not be necessary.

By fall you will have established vegetative growth of the survivors. Over the years it will become thicker and thicker. Root masses will develop at the waters edge for some overhead cover.

Its a marathon not a sprint so be patient and replenishment where they don't make it may be necessary.

You may want to find out who owns the land but its probably state maintained if its a riprap (rock dump) and no homes or lawns are across the creek. Just do it.

Look up Live Staking and Branch Packing for more information.

Maurice

 

[deaddriftx]

Go gather some Black Willow cuttings. Native, water loving and very fast growing.

 

[L_soult]

Thanks for the responses, recommendations, and links to resources.

 

[L_soult]

Thanks Ken. I'll get in touch if I move forward.

 

[bearfisherman]

I just cut 300 buttonbush, silky dogwood, sandbar willow, and elderberry live stakes for our riparian project. I like having a variety of species.

 

[Oregon_OwlII]

If it is that close to the road you may have the highway department cutting the stuff down. There may also be a question of ownership. Do check with the local watershed association. There may be a grant opportunity and improvements above or below the location you identified that might help. Also, Adopt A Stream has experience with fluvial morphology. If the stream flow can be directed toward the opposite bank, a gravel bar may develop on the side needing vegetation. It would be easier to accomplish then. Agree with others. get partners, local watershed association and TU chapter are good starts.