Stream restoration at Denali National Park and Preserve
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page This publication is findable using the Search function
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Placer mining for gold has severely disturbed many riparian ecosystems in northern regions. We are conducting a long-term project to test methods to promote restoration of a placer-mined watershed in Denali National Park and Preserve. The project included hydrological restoration of the unstable and excessively confined stream with heavy equipment. We stabilized the floodplain with bioengineering techniques, including alder and willow brush bars anchored laterally to the channel and willow cuttings along the channel. A moderate flood near the end of construction showed that the brush bars provided substantial protection, but some bank erosion and changes in slope and sinuosity occurred. Subsequent refinements included greater sinuosity and channel depth, pool/riffie construction with stone weirs, and buried alder and willow brush projecting from the bank. The reconstructed stream and floodplain have remained stable for five years, but have not been re-tested by a another large flood. The willow/alder riparian plant community is naturally revegetating on the new floodplains, but vigorous willows which sprouted from branches in brush bars and banks still provide the erosion protection.
Study Area
| Publication type | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
| Title | Stream restoration at Denali National Park and Preserve |
| Year Published | 1999 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Colorado Water Resources Research Institute |
| Description | 14 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Book |
| Larger Work Subtype | Conference publication |
| Larger Work Title | Proceedings: High altitude revegetation workshop No. 13; Information series no. 89 |
| First page | 174 |
| Last page | 187 |
| Conference Title | High Altitude Revegetation Workshop no. 13 |
| Conference Location | Fort Collins, CO |
| Conference Date | 4-6 March, 1998 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Other Geospatial | Denali National Park and Preserve, Glen creek watershed |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |