PENNS YLV ANIA Fish & Boat Commission

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PENNSYLVANIAFish & Boat Commission

Habitat ImprovementF O RT R O U TS T R E A M SPREPARED BY:Karl J. LutzHabitat Management DivisionPennsylvania Fish & Boat CommissionDRAWINGS BY:Carey W. Huber2007PUBLISHED BY THEPennsylvania Fish & Boat CommissionP.O. Box 67000Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000 2007 Pennsylvania Fish & Boat CommissionAll rights reserved.

ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Stream Ecology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Dynamic Nature of Streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Stream Bank Stabilization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Flood Plains, Wetlands and Storm Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Diversity of Habitats for Wild Trout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Woody Debris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Stream Corridor Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Stream Assessment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Permit Requirements for Habitat Enhancement Structures . . . . . 6Department of Environmental Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6U.S. Army Corp of Engineers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6General Construction Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Construction Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Logs and Timbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Reinforcement Rods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Nails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Construction of Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Boulder Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Half-Log and Whole-Log Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Deflectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Low Flow Channel Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Adding Downstream Wings to a Water Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Mud Sill Cribbing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Channel Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Sample Erosion and Sedimentation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Deflector Dimensions and Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Habitat Assessment Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Structure Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Karl J. LutzHabitat Manager450 Robinson LaneBellefonte, PA 16823814-359-5191E-mail: klutz@state.pa.us

H A B I TAT I M P R O V E M E N T F O R T R O U T S T R E A M SIntroductionFish, like all living organisms,need a certain amount ofspace in which to live andgrow. This space is called their habitat, and it must provide everythingthat they require for their survivaland prosperity. The more diversethis habitat is, the greater potentialit has to support a healthy, self-sustaining population. While naturedoes well on its own, the placementof artificial habitat structures canoften enhance stream reaches thatlack naturally occurring habitat features. Lack of natural habitat can bethe result of many situations, including stream channelization, pooragricultural practices, inadequatestormwater management, and disturbance to the riparian zones bordering the stream.The Pennsylvania Fish & BoatCommission affirms that fish habitatimprovement projects contribute toits mission of providing fishing andboating opportunities through theprotection and management ofaquatic resources. However, thedesign and placement of fish habitatimprovement structures should notbe a haphazard venture. There is ascience, and to some extent, an artto this process that should not beignored. The science comes fromvery specific criteria that has beendeveloped by the Pennsylvania Fish& Boat Commission from decadesof hands-on experience and creatingcountless successful stream projects. It is also important to understand how flowing water reacts toan improvement structure underThe terms “fish habitat improvement”and “habitat restoration,” as discussed in this booklet, involve theenhancement of the existing streamchannel. With these methods, thereis only minor disturbance to thestream channel and every effort ismade to use natural materials thatallow fish habitat structures to blendwith their surroundings. Streambank stability is often a secondarybenefit, but the primary objectiveThis publication presents some basicshould be resource-based andunderstanding of stream ecology andshould seek to provide better aquaticmanagement philosophy as it relatesand riparian habitats. While there isto habitat improvement. It discussescertainly some overlap of purpose,stream habitat assessment to helpother stream restoration methods,determine the “limiting factors” thatincluding fluvial geomorphologymay keep a stream from reaching(FGM), or Natural Stream Channelits potential. It offers some generalDesign (NSCD), have a primary goalguidance in determining which habiof creating stream channel stability,tat structure is appropriate for awhich often involves a reconfigurasituation and how to construct thetion of the channel and often withdevice. Permit requirements formajor disturbance. Determiningthese designs, which are adminiswhat level of restoration that istered by the Department of Environactually needed will determine themental Protection (DEP), are alsobest approach.explained.normal and, most especially, higherflows. The artistic process comesfrom developing a personal expertiseand philosophy in structure designand placement. And while there arestandard designs for all fish habitatimprovement structures,there maybe a necessity to use some creativityand imagination to modify a deviceor adjust the placement as the sitedictates.1

H A B I TAT I M P R O V E M E N T F O R T R O U T S T R E A M SStream EcologyKnowing the mechanics offlowing water, what has goodand poor habitat value, andhow a stream reacts to change areimportant elements in understandingand conducting habitat work.Dynamic nature of streamsWhether a headwaters troutstream or a larger river, allwaterways have something in common; they are dynamic systems,which means they are ever-changingand reacting to other processes,both natural and man-made. This isa natural process as the waterwaytends to seek equilibrium with a stable pattern, profile and dimension. Ifa stream is channelized and madewider, shallower and straighter, itwill inevitably begin to narrow anddeepen itself again and re-establishits natural meandering pattern. As astream changes, some features likedeep pools, remembered as old fishing holes, may temporarily or permanently be lost, but they mayappear elsewhere as the streamevolves through years of varyingflows. The formation of split channels is also a natural process andoften provides beneficial habitatvariation for young trout and otherwildlife. Even though it ishuman nature to try to“stabilize” streams, theirnatural evolution causes their changing andeven moving from oneplace to anotheracross a valley floor.These changes can besubtle, taking decades tooccur, or they can happensuddenly during a single highwater event. Successful streamrestoration approaches should workwith what the stream is trying to do,if possible, instead of working“against the flow.”plain cannot be over-stated. Byallowing high flows to escape thechannel and spread out across awider area, the hydraulic energy isreleased in a more dispersed fashion. In contrast, constructing a barrier between the stream and its floodplain confines all the energy fromraging high water to the streamchannel, where it scours away existing habitats and can cause extensivestream bank damage as it tries toescape. Evidence of this process canbe readily seen in more urban areas,where flood plains have been developed and the destructive energy ofhigh flows is compounded by poorstorm-water practices. Developedflood plains coupled with ineffectivestormwater management plans allowStreamexcess flows to reach the streamBank Stabilizationmore quickly, causing higher-thanhe use of rip-rap (large stone),normal flows. Since there is lessgabions (stone-filled wire bastime for water to soak in to thekets) and concrete-lined streamground, a period of lower-than-norbanks all provide good bank stabimal flows can soon follow. Retentionlization when properly used, but with of storm water will go a long waythe possible exception of rip-rap,toward helping retain natural aquaticthey have little or no habitat value to and riparian habitats. Natural floodthe aquatic environment. To increase plains often contain wetland featuresthis value and add some variation, a that are not only valuable for wildlifemore habitat-friendly approachhabitat, but they also act as largeshould always be considsponges, soaking up higher flowsered as an option for and releasing them gradually, thusstream bank stabi- minimizing high flow damage. Elimilization. A variety nating wetlands not only hurts fishof more natural and wildlife habitat, but it alsotechniques dis- increases the likelihood of stormcussed later in water damage to human interests.this publicationDiversity of Habitats forcan provideWild Troutstream bankstability whilenitially, when many people think ofimproving fishimproving wild trout habitat, theyhabitat.usually picture a large, easily fishedthat will be filled with “lunker”Flood Plains, Wetlands holetrout. However, the physical makeupand Storm Waterof an ideal trout stream will have ahe importance of keeping thediversity of habitat types for all sizestream connected to its floodclasses of trout and other aquaticTIT2

H A B I TAT I M P R O V E M E N T F O R T R O U T S T R E A M Sshape the stream channel and creates variability in habitat types.Woody debris can also provide excellent trout habitat and is not easilyduplicated.organisms. Goodfish habitat serves all the ecologicalneeds of the species, includingspawning areas, nursery habitats,and foraging, resting and hidingareas. Therefore, the objective ofundertaking a fish habitat improvement project should address allaspects of the life history needs ofthe designated species.The objective should not necessarilybe to make every linear foot ofstream fishable for adult trout.Habitat diversity is the key and willincrease the potential for a healthy,self-sustaining ecosystem. It is alsoimportant to examine anextended stream stretch beyond theimmediate treatment area and anyartificial boundaries or propertylines. For example, a good rifflestretch on one property may be theonly available riffle habitat nearbyand should not necessarily be converted to more pool habitat. Goodhabitat management values theprotection of important existinghabitats as well as the creation of new habitats.Woody debris provides many benefitsto the stream ecosystem, but individual debris jams may increaseerosion or endanger roadways,bridges and personal property. Inthese cases, it may be necessaryto remove part or all of the jam toalleviate the problem. Removal decisions are subjective and should bemade individually, ultimately removing or altering only what is necessary.In more wilderness areas, it can beargued to allow woody debris to continually shape and change a streamchannel as a natural process withoutinterference. It should also be notedthat good wild trout habitat in thisform might not always be “pretty” oreasily fished, but it remains a vitalcomponent of the stream ecosystem.Woody DebrisTo this day, it is oftenconsidered an acceptable practice to keepstream channels “clean” bycutting brush from thestream banks and by removing larger woody debris fromthe channel. Although theseefforts seem pleasing to the eye,they usually prove detrimental to theaquatic environment. Large woodydebris (fallen trees, roots, log jams)and vegetative matter, such asleaves and twigs, which enter thestream channel, are an importantand necessary component of theaquatic ecosystem. This materialserves as a primary food source aswell as habitat for many organismsthroughout the food chain. Largerwoody debris helps to form and3Stream CorridorManagementAstream is only as healthy as theland it flows through. In return,the land area adjacent to the stream(known as the riparian zone) derivesnourishment from the stream’swater. They are connected anddepend on each other for their well-

H A B I TAT I M P R O V E M E N T F O R T R O U T S T R E A M Sbeing. The waterway and its riparianarea are a complete ecosystem andshould be managed as a whole.Therefore, when considering aquatichabitat enhancement, managing theriparian area is just as important asplacing artificial structures in thestream. Having a vegetated bufferzone between the waterway andother land uses has many benefits.Root systems help to keep streambanks stabilized, reducing theamount of silt that enters thestream. Shading from the treecanopy helps keep water temperatures cooler, which is necessary forthe survival of many aquatic organisms. There is a direct increase infood, cover and nesting habitat for avariety of terrestrial wildlife species.Woody debris and leaf litter, whichend up in the stream, are a necessary element in a healthy aquaticecosystem’s “food chain.” Manyaquatic invertebrates use this material as habitat and as a food source.The aquatic invertebrates in turnit can use a more specific approach.For example, wildflowers or flowering trees can be planted to improveaesthetics. Planting to attract wildlifeor to improve water quality may be apriority, or planting fruit trees ormanaging for timber production toyield a future crop can be a goal.Planting materials should be nativespecies that tolerate moist soils.create an ample forage base for fish. Studies have shown that the survivalLarger trees absorb excess nutrients of aquatic invertebrates feeding onthrough their root systems, changing native leaf litter was significantlyhigher than those consuming exoticthem into plant tissue, while somenutrients are broken down by organ- plant species.isms in the soil and leaf litter. SediIn the year 2000, the Pennsylvaniament can also be filtered out byFish & Boat Commission establishedthick, understory vegetation. Aa riparian buffer policy to establishbuffer of larger shrubs and treesand/or preserve, wherever feasible,helps to slow flood waters whilea stable, vegetated riparian bufferdeflecting or catching debris, thuszone between waters of the Comprotecting fences and other property.monwealth and other land uses onDepending on objectives, management all Commission property. An excerptof the buffer can either be as simple of the Commission’s riparian bufferguidelines follows:as letting nature take its course, orExisting riparian buffers will be protected and encouraged to develop naturally with a minimum ofdisturbance.Riparian buffers may be established by simply allowing an area to grow naturally, allowingnatural succession to determine vegetative composition, or can be accelerated with plantings ofnative shrubs and/or trees.Buffer Composition: A forested buffer provides the most benefits and should be promotedwhenever possible. However, a native shrub and/or grass community is also acceptable if it is amore amenable land use. Native vegetation should always be selected while the use of exotics andornamentals should be avoided.Buffer Width: The width of the buffer area can be very subjective depending upon the use of thesite. Forested buffers and areas of limited use should be a minimum of 35 feet wide, measured fromthe top of the bank or shoreline. On areas that have been routinely mowed for aesthetic reasons, aminimum five-foot strip of denser vegetation should be established along the top of the bank.Buffer Maintenance: Riparian buffer areas should be allowed to grow naturally and with aminimum of disturbance. Any removal of noxious plant species and exotics should be donemechanically whenever possible. If chemicals are to be considered, they should be applied to specific target plants and they need to be approved for use near water. They also need to be used inaccordance with label instructions and conform to all Federal, State and Local regulations. Grassbuffers in more manicured areas can be maintained by occasional weed eating, but should remainconsiderably denser and higher than the adjacent mowed lawn.Larger woody debris found within the stream channel, on the stream banks or elsewhere in theriparian zone should be left as habitat for aquatic and terrestrial animals, unless it is causing property damage or posing a public health or environmental safety hazard.4

H A B I TAT I M P R O V E M E N T F O R T R O U T S T R E A M SEven though the majority of streamsin Pennsylvania can benefit fromvegetated riparian buffer zones,some select streams without temperature-related problems couldactually be enhanced by “daylighting”cuts of the thicker, shrubby vegetation. Typically, the streams that mayfit into this category are the springfed, meadow limestone streams witha constant water temperature. Bymaintaining a scattering of largeroverstory trees and thicker grassyvegetation for stabilization and overhanging cover, the stream actuallycan be made more productive byhaving sunlight reach a portion ofthe stream channel. This techniqueshould be considered only wherewater temperatures would not riseabove the trout’s tolerance.Addressing stream and riparianrelated concerns on agricultural landbrings into focus some additionalcomponents of stream corridor management. Practices like streamsidefencing and the construction of stable livestock access ramps andcrossings are important in managingmany farm properties.related concerns, see the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission publication, Corridor Management forPastureland Stream (Lalo, J., et al.,1994).Improving a small stream stretchand its riparian corridor will showmany benefits. However, to realize agoal of trout stream restoration, it isoften necessary to extend the scopeof the project to a watershed scale.By assessing the entire stream andall of its tributaries, problem areascan be identified, priorities can beFor more detailed information onestablished, and an organized plan ofthese matters and other agriculturalimprovements can be implemented.Stream AssessmentConducting pre-projectassessments can be beneficialduring the initial stages ofhabitat enhancement planning. Beforebeginning any design work, it isimportant to determine the problems,or limiting factors, that keep thestream from reaching its potential.By identifying these limiting factorsand developing objectives, creatingan effective work plan will be easier.The lack of good habitat is often thelimiting factor and can easily beaddressed, but sometimes more difficult problems need to be solved,such as water quality, stormwaterissues and water temperature.To evaluate habitat features, thePennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission uses a habitat assessment procedure that originated in the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency’sRapid Bio Assessment Protocols (seepages 19–22). The procedure is quickand simple to complete and is usefulin identifying habitat-limiting factorsand making planning decisions toimprove habitat. The assessmentwill also provide a numerical scoreto show justification for project proposals, or the evaluation can becomparedwith post-project assessments.Stream stretches to be assessed arefirst classified as either riffle/runpredominant or glide/pool-predominant. The assessment then rates

human nature to try to “stabilize” streams, their natural evolution caus-es their changing and even moving from one place to another across a valley floor. These changes can be subtle, taking decades to occur, or they can happen suddenly during a single high-water event. Successful stream restoration approaches should work

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