Arkansas Stream Restoration

In July 2006, The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas began work to restore 2.5 miles of headwaters and reforest 440 acres of farmland at Benson Creek. During a watershed study funded by the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission, stream restoration of ditches was identified as a priority need to reduce sediments in Bayou DeView and the Cache River.

We (Nature Conservancy researchers) took measurements from high-quality natural streams on lands with the same soils, slopes and plant communities. We then processed this data through a technique called natural stream-channel design in order to design a stable creek that will move water and sediment and have a natural flood pattern.

Connecting this stream with its natural floodplain and re-creating meanders, riffles, and pools will alleviate excess sediments and nutrients, while simultaneously creating habitat for many plant and animal species.

Funding for this project is provided in part from a US Fish and Wildlife Service's Private Stewardship Grant intended for the restoration or rehabilitation of suitable habitat for the recently re-discovered ivory-billed woodpecker.

Those most working on the project -- and maintaining this blog -- are:

* Delta Ecologist Josh Duzan: jduzan@tnc.org
* Delta Ecologist Matt Lindsey: mlindsey@tnc.org
* Delta Program Manager Roger Mangham: rmangham@tnc.org.

Email us. We'd love to hear from you!