• Participants will be introduced to two stream/riparian restoration projects in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
• Participants will critically evaluate two stream/riparian restoration projects in the field by applying both visual and analytical methods of monitoring.
• Participants will develop a list of action items and suggest adaptive management actions for each site.
  
  

Stream restoration in New Jersey has typically been limited to traditional bank stabilization and riparian buffer projects. NJDEP permitting is not designed to facilitate significant restoration projects that incorporate natural channel design elements; however, in 2006 and 2009, two projects incorporating these concepts were successfully implemented in the Raritan Basin. Each project required the sponsors to work closely with NJDEP to meet permitting requirements. These projects were unique in their use of innovative bank protection and redirective measures, their scale, their nature and utilization of adaptive management, and they will serve as models for future projects.

The Hoffman Park Stream Restoration Project was completed in 2006. Prior to implementation, this reach of Mulhockaway Creek followed a relatively straight course through forested upland and wetland areas. A deteriorated and undersized culvert was present under the access road. An accumulation of sediment had occurred on the upstream side of the culvert. The stream was incised, leading to banks that were approximately six feet in height, eroding and unstable. This project re-established the stream’s connection to the floodplain, increased the sinuosity of the stream, and incorporated several in-stream structures to stabilize the banks and redirect flow. The project design included the following:

• Adjust stream pattern and profile: The stream sinuosity was adjusted to establish a stream slope capable of transporting the sediment load without degrading or aggrading the channel.
• Adjust stream dimension: A bankfull bench was established along the stream channel to provide a place for energy dissipation of water and sediment during high flow events and to provide riparian habitat.
• Install instream structures to stabilize the stream: Several types of in-stream structures – log vanes, cross vanes and root wads - were installed to stabilize the stream bed, to reduce streambank erosion, to reduce near-bank stress and create aquatic habitat.
• Replace the culvert system
• Plant native vegetation
  

The Walnut Brook Riparian Restoration Project, constructed in 2009, focused on two stream treatment areas, significant riparian buffer establishment and wetland creation. Through the two reaches, nearly 700 feet of streambank was treated with innovative techniques such as longitudinal peaked stone toe protection, rock vanes, single stone bendway weirs, engineered rock riffles and traffic control stones.

Both sites have experienced many bankfull and out-of-bank flows since completion.

These projects are part of the comprehensive source water protection efforts underway in the Raritan Basin of New Jersey. The focus of the workshop will be on ways to critically evaluate these stream restoration projects and similar projects through ongoing monitoring and visual observations. As part of the adaptive management program for each site, attendees will be asked to perform evaluations of each site and to provide suggestions for future actions.

Topics to be covered include an overview of the goals and objectives of two significant stream stabilization projects in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, ways to evaluate projects and to identify future management actions.

At the conclusion of the workshop, attendees will have the skills to critically evaluate and assess stream restoration projects.

Come prepared for field work, which may include walking through the park and potentially in the stream, although both projects can be viewed from the banks. New Jersey weather in November is variable, be prepared for rain and cold. Wear appropriate clothing – boots, rain jackets, etc. bug spray may be needed.

Maximum of 40. Students will be enrolled in the order in which their registration is received. The workshop will be cancelled if enough participants are not enrolled by October 11.