Killbuck Run and Stream Restoration

The Cambria County Conservation District had a chance to join Trout Unlimited (TU) staff in a tour through Killbuck Run to see stream restoration techniques in action. The staff that attended learned about different programs that TU has to offer and about more natural stream restoration techniques that blend into the surrounding area. These techniques not only look natural and blend into the environment but they give fish a place to hide, create pools, and stop sediment from being pushed downstream and damming the water sources.

Many of these techniques made use of trees in the area. Trees were cut (far away from banks) and put into the water. Other trees would be piled on top to add weight to the system so it didn’t float away. In order to keep the trees from leaving in bad weather where the stream levels rise, some of the trees are in the actual bank. A hole is dug into the bank, and the cut tree has part of it pushed into the hole in order to stabilize it better and prevent movement. These systems are long lasting. Many of the areas seen were several years old are expected to last for many years to come

Stream bank restoration is an important conservation practice that helps to prevent banks eroding and sediment travelling to ponds and lakes. In other words, it keeps streams and lakes neat and prevents people from losing land to unruly streams. Without these practices, many people could lose land as streams tear up banks. It also helps prevent large bodies of water from becoming shallow due to the dirt from stream banks being washed in.

Both the Conservation District and Trout Unlimited have programs for stream bank restoration.