Mill Creek at Potter's Ponds

This project improved connectivity of the Mill Creek stream channel to the floodplain by removing lateral berms and grading the floodplain. Instream habitat complexity and diversity were improved by reconfiguring the main channel, creating meanders, placing spawning substrate, creating pool habitat, placing large wood and boulder structures, and constructing side channels. Off channel habitat ponds and alcoves were excavated. Wetland habitat was improved by expanding existing wetland area through floodplain grading. Artificial wetlands were created by constructing perennial main channel alcoves and excavating ponds connected by constructed side channels. Riparian habitat was seeded and planted. Upland erosion control terraces were constructed and planted.

This OWEB project has been modified for purposes of PCSRF reporting to remove redundant funding and metrics reported by CRITFC/CTWS for Mill Creek projects 12-Warm-01, 13-Warm-01 and 2009-3-06. Due to this parsing the full accomplishments and costs for the entire Mill Creek at Potters Ponds project are not reflected in the metrics reported to PCSRF for this OWEB project.

This project will reconnect the floodplain, increase sinuosity, remove the lateral floodplain berms, increase habitat complexity, and enhance off channel habitat through the development of side channels, ponds, and alcoves. The project will address key limiting factors of habitat complexity, fine sediment, water temperature and altered hydrology. The project will result in increases rearing habitat and restoration of a critical spawning reach of Mill Creek.