Valley River Stream Restoration
Cherokee County, NC

Mulkey completed the restoration of over 5,500 linear feet of steam channel associated with the Valley River using natural channel design methodologies. This is the largest river the firm has restored, with bankfull widths ranging from 100 to 150 feet. The overall drainage area exceeded 55 square miles. Implementation involved a variety of natural channel design techniques, including the installation of cross vanes, j-hook vanes and rock vanes. Rootwads were used for enhancing aquatic habitats. The vanes arms associated with most of the structures exceeded 100 feet in length and required over 200 boulders to construct. Mulkey was responsible for field surveys, engineering, Section 404 and 401 permits, and construction supervision. This “showcase” project involved considerable coordination with resource agencies due to its classification as a trout stream and the existence of several protected species. The construction period lasted over three months.