Opequon Creek Project Team

Stream Restoration and Buffer on Mill Creek

A partnership between Opequon Creek Project Team (OCPT), Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), and Canaan Valley Institute (CVI) received approximately $400,000 through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act to implement practices to reduce nonpoint sources of pollution in the Mill Creek watershed. One project, completed in the summer of 2009, is a natural stream design that stopped eroding streambanks along approximately 1210 feet of Mill Creek. This project eliminated cattle waste from entering the stream, decreased the amount of sediment entering the stream from steep, bare banks, and increased the vegetation in the area adjacent to the stream. Phase I of a native riparian buffer has been planted to protect the restoration.

On December 1, 2009, 12 volunteers planted several hundred willow and dogwood stakes along with ~50 shrubs and trees to stabilize the outside bends of the restored creek banks.