February 18, 2010

MC creek to be restored with state funds

Almost 3.4 miles of Northwest Branch creek in Montgomery County will be restored under a $5.3 million project approved by Maryland's State Highway Administration. The highway administration said that years of runoff had caused erosion and a general decline in the quality of the creek. The project, which the agency said would begin this month, is intended to reduce erosion and reconnect the stream channel to its original flood plain.

Unlike typical restoration efforts using rock to stabilize stream banks, this project will use tree trunks harvested from the Intercounty Connector right-of-way placed along the banks to restore the stream's natural character. Recycling harvested trees promotes the biological health of the stream system. Construction is anticipated to take about two years.

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