Bed-level Crossing Creates a Win-Win for Both the Landowner and the Thames River Watershed
At the request of a West Perth landowner, 糖心直播 (UTRCA) staff recently developed a plan for a Flat Creek stream crossing that would create a safe and stable vehicular crossing and have a positive impact on the creek. 听
The existing point of access across the creek was a combination of a historic concrete bed-level crossing (completed by the previous landowner) and years of adding field stone in an attempt to protect and maintain the crossing. The result created a significant barrier in the creek that restricted the movement of fish and other aquatic life, disconnecting Flat Creek from the rest of the Thames River. Although the “dam” was only about 60 cm in height, with such a low gradient creek, the impact was substantial. 听
Pre-construction 鈥� Prior to work commencing, a barrier had been created along Flat Creek, essentially restricting all fish and aquatic species movement upstream.
The solution involved removing the aged crossing and stone and using concrete barn slats to recreate the crossing at the bed of the existing creek bottom. Next, stone was used to surround and protect the new crossing and construct a riffle downstream of the new crossing. This created a natural connection through the reach. Staff worked with a local drainage contractor in carrying out the work, which was his first opportunity to do a crossing of this nature. His understanding of the project will hopefully help other clients in the future.听 听
During and after construction: Once completed the new bed-level crossing allows for safe access across the creek during low flow periods.
As the work was being carried out, UTRCA Aquatic Biologist, Erin Carroll, noted, “it鈥檚 very exciting to see fish moving upstream through the new riffle and across the crossing this quickly 鈥� something that they have been unable to for many years!”
Common Mudpuppy sighting 鈥� Although not a rare species, this rarely-seen amphibian is actually a salamander and spends its entire life in the water. As part of UTRCA sampling, the Northern Sunfish, a species at risk, was found along with indications of Spike and Giant Floater mussels. Thirteen other species of common fish such as Black Bullhead, Central Stoneroller, Creek Chub, Fantail Darter, and Greenside Darter were also present in this area.
The UTRCA would like to credit the landowners, Murray and听Monica Elliott, for taking the initiative with this and past projects including conservation tillage and the construction of a water and sediment control basin (2006), improving their septic system, upgrading a wellhead, and decommissioning an unused well on their farm. Without their progressive approach and thoughtful attitude around conservation, these types of projects would not be possible.
Thank you to the Elliotts!听
The completed project