Background: Benson Creek Stream Restoration

In July 2006, we, 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.

Before we started our on-the-ground work, we took measurements from high-quality natural streams on lands with the same soils, slopes and plant communities. Next, we processed this data through a technique called natural stream-channel design in order to design stable creek that will move water and sediment and have a natural flood pattern.

Once we had a good design in place, we began the earthwork in September. We are literally breaking ground with this project -- hoping our work will be used on streams throughout the Delta and the nation that face these same, ubiquitous threats.