Stream Projects 2023-2025
Slab Cabin Run at Millbrook Marsh Habitat Improvement and Streambank Stabilization:
Construction started on 07-26-2024.
Initial Construction was the Access Road and Temporary Bridge Crossing starting at College Township and Extending down to the confluence of Slab Cabin and Thompson Run. Work is being performed from Thompson Run up to College Township.
Photo of Bridge at College Twp.
3. Construction of the first structure was mudsill cribbing. It is used for streams with steep eroded banks and can be place along a straight section or along the curve of streambank in order to create stability as well as fish cover.
Photo of Mudsill Construction at Thompson Run Boardwalk
4. This structure is upstream from the confluence with Thompson Run. It is called Toe Wood and incorporates native woody material into a submerged undercut bank to replicate natural streambanks while stabilizing the stream.
Toe Wood structure upstream from Thompson Run
5. The following photo show construction of a vernal pool. Three vernal pools are planned for the East side of Slab Cabin Run to help protect the wetlands from overflow from Slab Cabin Run. This one is located near the confluence of Thompson Run.
Vernal pools are seasonal depressional wetlands that are covered by shallow water for variable periods from winter to spring but may be completely dry for most of summer and fall. They assist in the infiltration process.
6. Cross vanes are channel-spanning structures that provide grade control, dissipate energy, deflect stream flow to the center of the channel, and create pools. A grade control structure stabilizes the stream channel by preventing changes in bed elevation at that point. It can also protect a streambank from undesirable erosion or migration when the erosion is caused by flows impacting the bank face.
Log Cross Vane Under Construction
7. The following photo shows an installed structure.
Log Vane below Tow Wood Structure
8. Construction will be completed this year on the section from the Thompson Run confluence to College Township. We are restricted from working in the stream from October 1st through April 1 by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission restrictions. Remaining construction section from Thompson Run to Puddintown Road will be next year probably in the June/July timeframe depending on the weather. The access road for this construction will be from the field east of the Quonset Hut. It will also require a temporary Bridge and we do not want to have the bridge up when we are not actually in construction.
9. Construction of the College Township/Thompson Run reach will be completed during the last week of September. No stream work is planned for Slab Cabin after October 1st. We will be removing the College Township temporary bridge and cleaning up College Township property. We would expect that some of the removal and replanting will take place during the first week in October.
