Executive Summary

     This project is the implementation phase of a restoration plan for approximately 2800 feet of the Pemigewassett River in Woodstock, NH in the vicinity of exit 31 west of I-93.  This portion of the Pemigewassett River is currently on the NHDES 303(d) list of impaired waters.  Preperation of the restoration plan was previously funded under a NHDES Watershed Restoration Grant awarded to the Pemigewassett Chapter of Trout Unlimited in 2003.  Implementation of the restoration actions along this reach of the river will eliminate the impairment and restore this section of the Pemigewassett River to fully supporting designated uses.  This reach of the river is characterized by on-going bank erosion which has led to channel widening, formation of multiple channels, and degradation of cold water fisheries habitat.  Additionally, a former 30 acre gravel pit is located on the west side of the river.  Gravel extraction for the construction of I-93 created a large pond and superb aquifer with depths up to 30 feet.  A significant flood in the mid-1900's caused the river to breach its banks and flow through the pond.  Since the breach occured, sediment deposition has reduced the size of the pond to approximately 19 acres.  Additional project goals that will be achieved include a reduction of floodplain land-, loss, enhancement of the in-stream and off-channel fisheries and waterfowl habitat, and restoration of the spring fed pond that provides excellent nursery habitat for multiple aquatic and semi-aquatic species as well as wetlands and riparian enhancment.  Restoring channel stability, stabilizing banks, and returning the river along this reach to a state of equilibrium is the primary focus of this project.  In order to achieve these goals, the bank full mean depth will be increased by eliminating the existing multiple or braided channel pattern that exists by constructing a single thread channel with proper cross-sectional area.  To stabilize the reconstructed river banks, rock vanes and log vanes will be installed in conjunction with extensive revegetation.  Existing side channels will be filled to increase depth and restore a single-thread channel on the Pemigewassett River.  The existing pond inlet will be filled to bankful elevations and the outlet will be stabilized and graded to prevent headcutting from occurring once the project has been completed.  Ultimately, this reach of the Pemigewassett River will reach a state of equilibrium where the river has enough energy to transport sediment, maintain appropriate channel dimensions, and remain stable during flood events.
     This Pemigewassett River restoration project links so well to the existing goals and objectives that Trout Unlimited has set forth in this region.  In a brief outline, our mission and vision are to "Reconnect", to conservation and the existing river areas that are not degraded;  "Restore", the river section back to a functional self sustaining channel;  "Protect", the habitat, wetlands, riparian buffer;  "Sustain", the integrity of the river, banks, riparian area, wetlands habitat for invertebrates, fish, waterfowl and the moose/deer and other wildlife families.  This is our mission.
     NH Wildlife Action Plan has delineated several pockets of highly ranked habitat for New Hampshire within the project area.  These are the habitats where the biological and landscape ranks are the highest, and the human impacts are the lowest.  This means that they will have fewer risks of degredation or loss than other areas after the restoration project is completed.  
     The canoeing, kayaking, River Stewards, and the participating partners and volunteers will see to it that their project will be well monitored, maintained and looked after with pride.