Project Title: Restore Darby Creek Watershed (FFS #R3UB)

State: Illinois

Project Description: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Carterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Illinois received $72,000 in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to support restoration of the Big Darby Creek Watershed in the Ohio River Basin. The project support reconstruction of approximately one mile of coldwater habitat to benefit a variety of aquatic species including sport fish, imperiled fish and native mussels, and included relocating a gas pipeline deeper beneath this newly created stream channel and floodplain. The project completion is on schedule for Fall 2011.

The Big Darby is a high-priority watershed for protection and restoration because of its high biologic diversity, ecosystem integrity, and high-quality recreational opportunities. Non-point source pollution from eroding banks in this reach of the Big Darby is one of the leading causes of deteriorating water quality. This section of the creek was channelized a century ago which, combined with other land use practices in the watershed, has resulted in major habitat deterioration. This project will result in improved habitat and water quality for one of the Midwest’s most biologically diverse streams and improve water quality in its tributaries for key sport fish species, including smallmouth bass.

For additional information about the Carterville National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, visit the Carterville-Marion NWFCO website.

News Release: Secretary Salazar Announces $72,000 to Carterville FWCO for Ohio’s Big Darby Creek Watershed Restoration

Photos:

Looking downstream at Big Darby Creek tract before restoration work

Looking upstream at Big Darby Creek tract before restoration work

TNC Project Manager Anthony Sasson overlooks a section of Big Darby Creek floodplain below the location where the stream crosses the pipeline. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo by Rob Simmonds)

A Columbia Gas employee discusses progress on gas pipeline relocation at this site where pipeline was exposed and directional drill (left) is bored alongside. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo by Rob Simmonds)

Originally posted 08/06/2009
Updated 10/02/2009
Updated 11/02/2011