Problem Statement and Goals

Problem Statement

Along the targeted project reach on the Shorter Farm, there are two stream crossings used for vehicular and cattle movement between fields. Deterioration at the upstream crossing has caused the riffle to migrate downstream and passage to become dangerous due to deeper waters. The downstream crossing is in an over-widened section of channel with a flattened riffle. These crossings need to be redesigned to be located in more stable sections of the stream.

The reach of concern also hosts the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), which is designated as having Very High Conservation Need by the Virginia State Wildlife Action Plan. The hellbender is highly susceptible to changes in stream habitats and relies on shallow flowing water with ample burrowing rocks to survive. Bank erosion, sedimentation, and stream impoundment in the project reach has resulted in a depleted hellbender population in the area.