Fish Habitat Partnerships Making a Difference: Green River Enhancement within the Green River Wildlife Management Area, KY
from the National Fish Habitat Partnership's 2015 Through a Fish's Eye Report
Summary
Partnership – Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership The Green River and Green River Lake provide aquatic habitat in the Green River Wildlife Management Area near Campbellsville, KY. The river is in declining condition due to severe erosion over almost four decades. Its rehabilitation will allow it to support improved populations of white bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, flathead catfish, walleye, and muskellunge along with providing important sportfishing opportunities for anglers. A 1,400 linear foot section of the river bank was chosen as the site for restoration, due to its rapid rate of erosion - a rate of 20 feet per year. Sediment loss from this section of the river bank fell into the river and eventually moved into Green [...]
The Green River and Green River Lake provide aquatic habitat in the Green River Wildlife Management Area near Campbellsville, KY. The river is in declining condition due to severe erosion over almost four decades. Its rehabilitation will allow it to support improved populations of white bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, flathead catfish, walleye, and muskellunge along with providing important sportfishing opportunities for anglers.
A 1,400 linear foot section of the river bank was chosen as the site for restoration, due to its rapid rate of erosion - a rate of 20 feet per year. Sediment loss from this section of the river bank fell into the river and eventually moved into Green River Lake. The adjacent field historically was used as cropland and more recently managed for wildlife habitat and public access/use.
This project stabilized 1,400 feet of outside bank of the Green River in Adair County, Kentucky. This was accomplished by using rock and log structures to divert flow and alleviate bank stress, creating a more stable flow pattern while providing habitat for fish. Stabilization techniques included the construction and installation of a
bankfull bench, terrace grading,
rocktoe protection, erosion control blanket, and
riparian zone plantings. The riparian zone plantings included 1,550 live stakes of black willow, dogwood, and buttonbush. In addition, the KDFWR Wildlife Division reforested the adjacent field with several mast producing species. The site continues to be stable and the planted riparian vegetation has been successful. The project has stopped the excessive erosion and reduced sediment loading into the Green River.
The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) is partnering with the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) to produce the 2015 report entitled, "Through a Fish's Eye: The Status of Fish Habitats in the United States 2015". The information contained within this item is a product of NFHP. The Bureau is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy or the use of the scientific content within this item. This content is considered preliminary pending subsequent review and approval.
