Reducing Sedimentation in Williams Run Reservoir
by Planting Live Stakes & Trees to Reduce Erosion
Why are we working?
We are working because nature never stops. Nanty-Glo uses a drinking water reservoir constructed on Williams Run. In a continuous cycle, precipitation falls on the land that drains into the reservoir picking up soil, nutrients, and other particles as a portion of it runs off the land. Additionally, as the water channels, the stream naturally erodes sediment from the banks and bed as it flow. This sediment is then deposited in the reservoir. Sedimentation is initially very important for fish and other wildlife habitat, however over time the sediment deposits grow too deep resulting in shallower and more turbid (cloudy) water.
One area of the watershed where erosion can be excessive, especially during high rain events, is along streambanks with little or no vegetation. Since some of these conditions exist upstream from Williams Run Reservoir, we identified a few low-cost practices that may help slow down the rates of erosion and sedimentation.
Adding vegetation and root structure to streambanks is extremely effective for reducing erosion rates and costs little more than time. We chose to grow vegetation in two ways. First, we planted tree and shrub seedlings in areas of the flood plain entering the reservoir. Second, we harvested and planted live stakes along the stream banks in this area.
What are Live Stakes?
Live stakes are simply dormant branches cut from shrubs or trees in either late Fall or early Spring. Redosier dogwood (Cornus serecia), gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) or native willow (Salix sp.) are common species used for live staking, however, a variety of native species will grow.
Branches should be roughly 3/8 to 1 & 1/2 inches in diameter in 2 to 3-foot lengths with all smaller branches trimmed away. The bottom of the stake is cut at an angle to make it easier to insert into the ground and serve as a reminder of which way is up in general. Live stakes grow because nodes on the branches where the shrub typically sprouts leaves can also form roots. Nodes below the ground grow roots, and nodes above the ground sprout leaves. Because of their low profile, the stakes resist being washed away during flooding, and their mature root structure will eventually hold soil in place, reducing sediment at problematic areas along the stream.
[1] Fetter, Jennifer R, and Kristen Koch. Live Staking for Stream Restoration. Penn State Extension, 17 Mar. 2015, https://extension.psu.edu/live-staking-for-stream-restoration.
Where did we plant?
This map shows the flood plain around Williams Run flowing into the Williams Run Reservoir.
Live stakes were planted on the streambanks, represented by the neon green area, and originally harvested in the orange area adjacent to the reservoir as well as a remote location further upstream.
Trees and shrubs were planted in the aqua green. The following bare-root seedlings species were planted: arrowwood shrubs, sandbar willow shrubs, river birch trees, and black willow trees. These plants typically thrive in wet fertile silt deposits of the flood plain, developing a good root structure that will hold soil in place during flood events.
Photos
April 2022 Live Staking & Tree Planting
July 2022 Updates of Growth
In April 2023 we observed consistent second-year survival rates from planted trees. Willow live stakes had a fair survival rate and were budding at the time of planting. Trees & live stakes were planted in addition to the current growth to fill in dead stock and increase coverage in the wetland area. Tree tubes were added to protect the bare root seedlings planted the previous season which showed signs of cutworms or other activity near the roots.
What tools do you need to plant a tree? Not many. An additional 25 silky dogwoods and black willows were planted in May 2023, once again thanks to the 10 Million Trees Campaign.
Nanty-Glo Water Authority 806 McCoy St, Nanty-Glo, PA 1594 (814) 749-8225
Our Partners
We are happy to partner with the following organizations to better serve our community, and we look forward to continuing this proactive approach to watershed management in the coming years. In fact, we encourage community members, landowners, and organizations who would share our vision to secure our water source for generations to come to partner with us in the effort.
