For a complete map showing Bear Creek Environmental's fluvial geomorphology experience click here.
Ompompanoosuc River Watershed Stream Geomorphic Assessment and River Corridor Plan
Bear Creek Environmental was retained in 2004 for a multi-year study of the Ompompanoosuc River watershed in several towns in Eastern Vermont. This study included Phase 1 and 2 assessments for the Strafford Conservation Commission, West Fairlee Conservation Commission, and the Thetford Conservation Commission.
Bear Creek Environmental conducted a Phase 1 assessment of over one hundred fifteen river miles using remote sensing and a Phase 2 rapid geomorphic and habitat assessment of thirty-nine river miles. In total, fifty-six stream restoration and protection projects were suggested by Bear Creek Environmental based on assessment data, commission interest, and community interest.
River corridor plans were prepared that included proposed projects to restore riparian buffers, protect the river corridor, remove barriers to aquatic organism passage, manage stormwater, and more. A number of the buffer planting projects have been implemented within the watershed.
Exeter River Geomorphic Assessment and Watershed-based Plan
Bear Creek Environmental, LLC, in partnership with another consulting firm, completed a Geomorphic Assessment and Watershed-based Plan for five subwatersheds in the Exeter River watershed in southeastern New Hampshire between 2008 and 2010. This study was conducted for the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the Town of Exeter.
The study included the assessment of fluvial geomorphic and habitat conditions and the development of a watershed-based restoration and protection plan for 61 river miles. Stressor and departure maps were prepared for each subwatershed to guide the identification of site-specific restoration projects. A total of 24 high priority restoration and protection projects were identified within the study area. At the watershed scale, Fluvial Erosion Hazard (FEH) zones were developed to prevent increased river encroachment in areas prone to fluvial erosion hazards to reduce property loss and damage, and encourage long-term river stability. The results of the study are being used to guide future restoration efforts and educate the larger community in the watershed about the importance of protecting the Exeter River.
Ottauquechee River Watershed Stream Geomorphic Assessment & Flood Resiliency Planning
Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Commission (TRORC) retained Bear Creek Environmental in 2012 to conduct Phase 2 rapid geomorphic and habitat assessments of several flood damaged tributaries to the Ottauquechee River and to develop restoration plans for one or more sites. This assessment followed a study in 2011 of 19 miles of the main stem of the Ottauquehcee River.
One major goal of this project is to improve flood resiliency within the watershed through the selection of restoration/recovery projects and watershed based planning. To date, one site on Pinney Hollow Brook was surveyed by BCE and restoration plans are being developed. This stream was severely degraded during and following TSI, when the channel was excavated and windrowed (i.e. channel substrate piled on the stream's banks in an attempt to prevent future flooding). The restoration plans combine bioengineering, spatial modeling, and natural channel design principles to restore lost habitat and floodplain on Pinney Hollow Brook.
