McCoy-Lin Dam

Project Description

McCoy-Linn Dam Stream Restoration Project
Spring and Boggs Townships Centre County, PA

The McCoy-Linn Dam was removed to allow for fish passage throughout the lower reaches of Spring Creek, a high-quality cold water fishery. Once the dam was removed, remnant sediments remained on the banks and the creek flowed through a constricted channel. The stream had high water velocities throughout the reach as a result of the narrow channel. Erosive conditions existed throughout the reach due to the high water velocity, contributing sediments into the Spring Creek watershed. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and a not-for-profit organization retained WHM to design a stream channel that stabilize the banks throughout the reach and design a channel that better suits the site needs.

Site surveying and mapping was performed by WHM together with BluAcres, LLC to base the design of the stream channel. The site survey gathered information of the existing conditions and various stream channel features that are necessary in the design portion of the project.

The final design of this stream reach creates a stable stream segment with rock vanes that stabilize the streambed and banks. Wood structures are to be placed throughout the reach within the stream channel to add additional habitat for aquatic species. Both the rock and wooden structures increase the habitat within the stream, which promotes a healthy aquatic community. In addition, a riparian planting creates streamside habitat that formerly was not present while the dam existed.

An improved aquatic and riparian habitat exists at the former dam location. The healthy stream reach not only benefits aquatic and terrestrial species, but increases the recreational opportunities throughout for anglers and boaters alike. WHM was able to complete all necessary measures for this project quickly in order to fulfill the client’s needs to reconstruct this portion of Spring Creek.