The replacement of the Dry Brook culvert opened up 1.8 miles of high quality trout habitat in the Beaverkill watershed.
Photo by TU September 2014
Nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains near Roscoe, NY, the Dry Brook can now flow freely once again thanks to another successful culvert replacement by our friends at Trout Unlimited and their 1,000 Miles Campaign. The project, completed this past fall, opened up nearly two miles of high quality trout habitat in Dry Brook which winds and bends its way into Horton Brook, finally meeting the Beaverkill River downstream.
Confluence of Horton Brook and the Beaverkill
Photo by Roy Lamberton 2012
“The Beaverkill represents one of the most economically important trout fishing destinations in New York.” – TU
In just a months time, TU, along with local support (local landowners, Woidt Engineering and Consulting, and Delta Engineers), was able to rehabilitate Dry Brook back into its role as key trout spawning habitat. The project involved removing the culvert barrier, replacing it with a 24 foot single span bridge, and creating habitat and stream flow structures for healthy fish populations.
This photo was taken prior to restoration. Located on private property, the driveway culvert was perched, undersized and a barrier to fish passage.
Photo by TU 2013
“The installation of the bridge included the shaping and stabilization of the stream banks, the installation of the rock abutments and the installation of 4 in-stream grade control structures. The in-stream structures were designed to mimic the step pool sequence and design of the upstream reference reach. Design parameters ensure that enough variability exists in the structure to allow for passage of a diversity of aquatic species and age classes.” – TU
The Dry Brook culvert was replaced with a single span pre-engineered bridge, reconnecting 1.8 miles of high quality trout habitat.
Photo by Dave Plummer October 2014
Needless to say, the Dry Brook might have to be renamed thanks to the TU/Orvis 1,000 Miles campaign and all those who have donated this past year.