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Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project Ribbon Cutting Takes Place Thursday In Boone

Last Updated on May 22, 2017 7:40 pm

*Press Release from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers*

HUNTINGTON, W.Va –A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 11 a.m. to observe the completion of the Watauga Section 206 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project in the Town of Boone, N.C., in Watauga County along the South Fork of the New River.

 The event will take place by the State Farm Parking Lot at 300 Dale Street (also listed as 206 Intramural Field Drive).

   This aquatic ecosystem restoration project was constructed within approximately 3,700 feet of the South Fork of the New River. The project was constructed to improve in-stream habitat and establish riparian and wetland areas. A variety of river restoration and bio-stabilization techniques have been implemented to provide stable riverbank slopes to reduce sedimentation and establish riparian and wetlands areas with native vegetation in the project reach. In-stream features provide important habitat for fish and the aquatic community. The native riparian areas are critical to the water quality of the stream. Wetland areas will help filter pollutants from surrounding areas and provide habitat for fish and wildlife.

   Construction began in August 2014. The construction of project features in the river channel and riparian areas was completed in November 2015. Plant establishment efforts continued into 2016 with invasive species management continuing through 2017.

   Speakers scheduled to take part in the event include: the Honorable Rennie Brantz, Mayor, Town of Boone; Dr. Sheri Everts, Chancellor, Appalachian State University;Walter Clark, Executive Director of Clean WaterManagement Trust Fund; Mike Fenley, Field Representative for Senator Richard Burr; and Col. Philip Secrist, Huntington District Commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

   The project was sponsored by the Town of Boone. The project stakeholders are: Town of Boone, Appalachian State University, The Clean Water Management Trust Fund, and the New River Conservancy.

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