U.S.D.A. TEAM EXCELLENCE AWARD - 2004

Team Name: Eighteenmile Creek Streambank Stabilization and Habitat Restoration Project 

Team Leader: Amy E. Fisk, Niagara County Department of Economic Development

Team Members: Greg Tessmann (USDA NRCS), Robert Remillard (USDA NRCS), Michael Shinnick (USDA NRCS), Mark Seider (Niagara County SWCD), Maria Zwack (Americorps), Dr. Dave Derrick (United States Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center), Anthony Friona (US Army Corps of Engineers – Buffalo District), Kris Erickson (Ecology and Environment Inc.), Paul Fuhrmann (Ecology and Environment Inc.), Sean Meegan (Ecology and Environment Inc.), Eric Krueger (Supervisor, Town of Newfane), Bo Erck (Town of Newfane), Timothy Spierto (NYS DEC), Sarah Lazazzero (NYS DEC), Dick Lang (NYS DEC L.E. retired), Michael Thompson (Niagara County Department of Economic Development), Rob LaPoint (Radiance Media Services)

Team Sponsor: Robert Remillard, Lake Plains RC&D Coordinator

Team Purpose: Improve the habitat for coldwater fish species immediately below Burt Dam, and improve bank stability and provide for non-point source pollution control through the application of appropriate stabilization techniques including bioengineering techniques along existing eroding streambanks.  Improve public access and provide for safety improvements including the creation of a safe hiking trail from the access point to the dam and the creation of additional bankside fishing access points.  Riparian improvements including establishment of bankside vegetation and canopy tree species.  The project is located in the Town of Newfane, Niagara County along a ¼ mile stretch of Eighteenmile creek.

Time Period: September 2001 to September 2004

Accomplishments: (1) Acquisition of public easements (2) Trail Reconstruction and Stabilization of the ¼ access trail from the Burt Dam Fish Access Parking Area to Burt Dam. (3) The discharge basin immediately below the dam was cleaned up (garbage, structural debris, and other undesirable debris was removed). (4) Streambanks were stabilized using structures coupled with native flora plantings to prevent erosion and sedimentation. (5) Native plantings were done to improve habitat diversity. (6) An integrated bioengineering approach featuring innovative techniques was developed to address the stabilization and sedimentation issues as well as to modify the stone armoring design for the eroded stream bank and trail. (7) The public outreach component of the project included: hosting a 2-day educational workshop on watershed restoration (May 2004), and development of an educational video.

Impacts (Describe why this team deserves recognition): This project is an excellent example of Local, State, and Federal agencies working together. This project was awarded a New York State Governor’s Waterfront Re-Discovery Award on May 25, 2004.  One of the design challenges of the project was that the area has historically been one of the most popular fishing destinations for anglers in Niagara County and typically draws thousands of fishermen yearly, particularly during fall salmon runs.  The sheer number of people utilizing the site at one given time was an important consideration in designing the project.  Restoring the Eighteenmile Creek watershed has been a high priority for Niagara County and the Town of Newfane for several years. Through a cooperative effort by numerous stakeholders, the vision of transforming a popular fishing destination into a safe and more enjoyable recreational experience while simultaneously restoring quality aquatic habitat has become a reality.  Because of the extensive bioengineering that was incorporated into the project, it will be used as a model locally for future streambank stabilization and habitat restoration.  The project will improve the water quality and fish habitat of Eighteenmile Creek, a “Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat” within the New York Coastal Management Program.

**** Award nomination as submitted by Robert Remillard, Lake Plains RC&D Coordinator

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