Located downstream of County F, this highly channelized site contains approximately 1000 feet of stream with three right angle bends. The channelization dates back as far as 1938 per aerial photos. It is common to find sections of stream channelized like this in an agricultural setting and, over the years, we have learned more about the negative impacts of such channelization. Recent, and more frequent heavy rain events have caused the stream to “jump” its banks, heavily eroding cropland as the stream attempted to flow along its historic corridor. The rain event in 2018 caused significant erosion and soil loss just downstream of the County F culvert, as shown on the aerial photo taken within days of the rain event.
Using the 2018 and 2010 rain events as guides, FOSB and its partners are proposing to relocate the stream onto the Hahn property, following the course “drawn” in the cropland by the heavy rain events. By moving the stream out of the current channel, the new corridor will be free of right turns, with healthy meanders, riffle/pool complexes, fish habitat and spawning areas. The Hahns will also be taking 2 acres of marginal cropland out of production, which will reduce phosphorus and sediment loadings to the stream and establish wide riparian corridors for wildlife habitat. This relocation is also anticipated to reduce cropland erosion on the Meyers property to the west.
Funding Sources: Approximately one third of the funding secured from the Fund for Lake Michigan, the Hahns, and Calumet County.
