Stream and Wetland Restoration

Our stream and wetland restoration program is committed to improving streams, wetlands, and other degraded habitats to filter pollutants, reduce erosion, protect drinking water sources, and provide critical habitat areas for valuable plants and wildlife.

Downstream Strategies provides full-service environmental consulting and innovative solutions from start to finish for low-risk, successful stream and wetland restoration projects. Our team brings experience in grant writing, natural stream design, wetland science, construction management, and multidisciplinary science planning to handle any project from funding to fruition. Many of our stream and wetland restoration projects incorporate long-term monitoring to ensure ongoing success.

We complete quality, ecologically-sound restoration projects for local and state government clients, nonprofits, mitigation bankers, and private clients.

Our services include:
  • Grant writing
  • Stream and wetland assessment and delineation
  • Restoration planning, design, budgeting, and permit compliance
  • Implementation and construction
  • Long-term monitoring and reporting

Stream and Wetland Restoration Contact

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Projects

Gandy Creek Stream and Wetland Restoration Project

Gandy Creek is a high-quality trout stream that meanders in and out of the Monongahela National Forest. Past efforts to straighten the stream resulted in a uniform stream bottom that lacked natural features necessary for healthy aquatic life. Streambanks were rapidly eroding, and most of the riparian zone was converted from native vegetation to pastureland. Working with The Nature Conservancy and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Program, Downstream Strategies restored approximately one mile of Gandy Creek and a small tributary and improved 0.63 acres of wetland habitat. Large logs added to the stream now provide habitat for fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, and other aquatic organisms. Pools were created or deepened to provide varied habitat and spawning locations for native brook trout and other fish. The riparian zone was planted with native trees and shrubs that help shade the water, keeping it cool for fish and providing habitat for other animals. The restored section of stream provides connectivity between two high-quality ecosystem areas, the Laurel Fork Wilderness Area and the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area.