Key Branch Wetland and Stream Restoration

Client: North Carolina Department of Transportation

Location: Anson County, North Carolina

Services: Environmental planning and design

KCI conducted a complete site inventory and developed a mitigation plan to restore, enhance, preserve and manage a 125-acre mitigation bank site. A bottomland hardwood wetland and stream complex in south-central North Carolina, this site had been converted via agricultural and flood control activities. Under production since at least the early 1890’s, the site has undergone significant changes, including the straightening and deepening of the natural stream channels, as well as ditching of wetland areas.

A detailed site analysis included locating and assessing ecological communities, water quality monitoring, and soil surveying and mapping. Site hydrology was also inventoried and monitored. The streams were classified using the principles and techniques of applied fluvial geomorphology (Rosgen).

Collected data gathered from wetland and stream reference sites was compiled, evaluated and utilized to develop a mitigation plan and subsequent design plans for the restoration of the site. KCI provided construction oversight during construction.

Restoration activities implemented to restore 106 acres of wetland and 6000 linear feet of stream included the reestablishment of natural drainage patterns, including the blocking and elimination of drainage ditches and the realignment of the deranged stream channels.


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