The Peters Creek Restoration Project reduced ongoing erosion and channel instability as well as served as a Natural Channel Design (NCD) demonstration project in southwest Michigan. NCD techniques were used to obtain the proper pattern, profile and dimension of the stream and utilizing structures with natural wood material (e.g., toewood, log vanes, log riffle) to assist in meeting design criteria. NCD was used to stabilize the stream which was undergoing significant streambank erosion and channel bottom downcutting prior to the project. To create a stable stream reach, the channel was sized and relocated to meet reference conditions. Bankfull (floodplain) benches were created along the entire restoration stream reach. Other design features included the use of toewood to reduce velocities and near bank shear stress resulting in decreased bank erosion, installation of a j-hook log vane to direct velocity vectors away from the bank, and the construction of log riffle to serve as grade control. The Peters Creek Restoration Project was funded by both the ODC Network’s Project Clarity Initiative and EGLE’s Non-Point Source Program (319) grant funding.
