Buck Stream Stabilization
Preventing erosion on 1,300 feet of stream by reconnecting its natural floodplain.
Project Location: Stream flowing between Fairlawn Ave and Buck Lake
Status Details:
Construction completed in Fall 2024
Ongoing invasive species maintenance until 2026
This section of Buck Stream became disconnected with its natural floodplain and continued to erode further into the soil with decreased bank stability. The problem was exacerbated by an aggressive presence of invasive species, such as buckthorn, which outcompete native plants and prevent good root growth to stabilize banks. The Buck Stream Stabilization Project includes removing invasives and using natural materials like rock, logs, and root wads to reestablish bank stability and structure. The stream stabilization also includes features designed to slow down the water in stepped banks, riffles and pools. The project will include continued invasive control and native plantings. It is expected that the project will over time establish a long term erosion-resilient stream. Preventing soil from washing into the stream protects water quality in the stream and in downstream Buck Lake. Stream restorations were completed in the fall of 2024 and invasive plant management will continue into 2026.
Benefits
- Prevents 56 tons of soil, sediment and Phosphorus from reaching Buck Lake