DNR
Home PageRiver Restoration
November 2008
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April 2008
March 2007
River restoration project Construction of one of the new bends in the river shows the shaping of classic Ozark stream features. A long gravel point bar will taper into the stream channel, deepening into a pool below the high bank on the opposite side. This bank is lined with root wads and rocks and is planted in natural riverfront shrubbery including native willows, swamp dogwoods and alders. It contains live stakes of the same species, and ultimately will be held in place with additional native shrubs, trees, grasses and broad-leaved plants. A riparian forest will be started on top. |
Natural river bend Compare this photo with that of the constructed bend shown in the first photo. This photo shows a natural bend in the East Fork at the south end of the park, downstream of the shut-ins and river restoration project area. The constructed stream segments are being built to ultimately look and function like a natural eastern Ozark stream. |
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Scour channel mouth
Numerous measures have been taken in the damaged parts of the park and in the river restoration project area to prevent sediments from creating turbidity downstream during the recovery. Note the difference in water clarity between the river and the project area. Also note a few of the measures identified to stop fine sediment from entering the East Fork.
River construction details
Several of the bioengineering techniques for river restoration can be seen in this photo of one of the new river bends under construction. Live stakes and branch packs of native riverfront trees will help stabilize the new high bank, with a temporary J-hook deflecting current away from the bank while this and additional native plantings take root. The J-hook is made of stone washed into the valley by the reservoir breach.
First steps in the stream construction process
Taken early in the construction of the first bend, this photo shows the digging of the stream channel and preparation of the banks for covering with coir fabric and staking with native trees.
More streambank construction details
A completed section of bank shows the stakes of willow, alder and swamp dogwood driven through a tough coconut-husk fiber blanket to hold the soil in place while a natural riverfront forest develops. The rebuilt stream will flow at the toe of this slope.
Live branches for the new river banks
These plant materials were clipped locally and are being stored in the East Fork prior to being planted. No roots were dug from the donor plants, which will re-sprout and grow as before. The clippings will grow roots and become new trees lining the shoreline of the rebuilt sections of stream. Because this park is such an important natural area, plant materials for the recovery effort are being obtained as locally as possible.
Stream riffle
This riffle was built in March 2006 to prevent erosion through a side channel of the East Fork in the park. Larger ones will be built in the new main channel as part of the river restoration project.
