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Using Environmental Engineering to Recreate a Past Diversion on the West Boulder River

1/24/2020

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River Diversion Rehabilitation Project

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A waterway can be tricky. The ebb and flow depends on the time of year and creates its own unique habitats throughout the process. Mapping and understanding the formation of a waterway is even more difficult. From the plants growing there to natural obstructions and fish spawning habitats, multiple factors come into play and determine whether a wetland is prime fisheries habitat or a small trickling stream. We use our experience and specialized design skills to determine how best to convert a waterway into a prime aquatic habitat. We take into account all biological stages and use environmental engineering to keep our fisheries on the thriving side.
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To counteract natural ebbs and flows, certain techniques are used, such as diversion, to naturally recreate a steadily flowing stream. Our project on the West Boulder River had already been diverted, but incorrectly. The process of diversion for whatever reason may seem simplistic, however, the expected outcome may differ due to multiple factors that were previously not an issue. Too much flow in one direction may cause an embankment to erode, or a lack of depth may cause the fish population to drastically decline. Such is partially the case of our West Boulder River restoration project.
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Environmental Engineering to Recreate and Restore Natural Aquatic Habitats

As can be seen in the photo, the previous point of diversion consisted of a headgate that was located on a side channel of the West Boulder River. The side channel received consistent flow from the main thread, however, it was perched above the main channel such that its flow was commonly too shallow to satisfy diversion requirements at the headgate. The shallow water created the ideal space for blockages to become trapped and accumulate.

During spring runoff, the side channel was chronically prone to sediment and woody debris accumulation, promoted by the current headgate/weir configuration. The accumulated deposits required extensive annual maintenance. To deepen flows at the headgate, a rock weir was installed below the headgate structure. 
The proposed project was designed to maintain necessary water surface elevation that also ensured water delivery to the irrigation ditch. Construction of a stable weir structure was intended to facilitate conveyance of both debris and sediment past the structure, and the relocation of the headgate to the channel margin was designed to remove backwatering that promoted woody debris accumulation. 

From the post-construction picture, you can see the headgate was realigned so that it did not impede natural flow paths along the bank. Urbani Fisheries completed this project in 2009 with their work emphasizing 
                                  
  • Reduced maintenance activities 
  • Reduced water temperatures to improve cool water refuges for trout
  • Increased hydraulic potential for sediment transport
  • Reduced woody debris accumulations at headgate structure
  • Increased flows at the headgate 
Our work is done with the goal of cost efficiency and little to no future maintenance in mind. This project exceeded those goals and will sustain itself for many years to come. Contact us with any questions about rehabilitation projects that could be made more cost effective for you
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TESTIMONIALS

"I can't thank you and the guys enough for your great work! I am so excited for the future of both rivers. We have made such an improvement to the habitat. I couldn't be more proud of the two projects! All my best."

-Michael L. Bateman


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"In 2012 I hired Urbani Fisheries LLC to restore a section of river along my property. ​Today the whole aquatic system is better off and I have caught some of the biggest fish of my life. They use a holistic approach and work well with all the players to get the job done."
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​-A. Cooke (New Jersey)



"In 2011 the Raritan Associates, a very old fly fishing club on the North Branch of the Raritan river in New Jersey, contracted with Urbani Fisheries, LLC to do some major stream  habitat improvement  & restoration work on the stream. This work included deepening certain pools, building rock weirs and placing boulder clusters in certain parts of the stream to create pocket water generally increase aquatic invertebrate habitat. Joe Urbani and our club worked very closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service with whom we had a WHIP contract to help finance this important work on the North Branch.

The actual work took place over about a ten day period during which time Joe Urbani and his top flight crew were on site each day as the restoration work was implemented in accordance with an approved plan. Urbani Fisheries built approximately 16 pools and used the spoils to build point bars for the purpose of narrowing the channel cross-section. Likewise, banks were stabilized with boulders and plantings in order to mitigate erosion. 

During the entire process Joe Urbani and his crew were professional, competent, caring and thorough in all their work. The end result is a dramatically improved fishery and a restored trout habitat that has produced a superb fly fishing experience for our membership."

-B. Danforth Ely- President, Raritan Associates    


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Contact us

(406) 587-0588
Address: 198 North Star Lane Bozeman, MT 59718
Fax: (406) 585-9126


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Photo from Gillfoto
  • Home
  • Approach
  • Process
    • Pond, Lake, & Wetland Methodologies
    • Stream & River Methodologies
  • Other Service Areas
  • Results
  • Our Team
  • Store
  • Contact
  • Fieldnotes