The Nature Conservancy is working to restore connectivity by reconnecting streams and rivers in the watershed and reducing sediment flowing into the Two Hearted River.
Why is Reconnecting Streams and Rivers Important?
The Two Hearted watershed has a diverse array of 53 fish species. Culverts, dams, and other infrastructure can create barriers that obstruct the natural flow of
rivers and streams. In turn, this prevents migratory fish from accessing spawning habitat while also altering thenatural transport of nutrients.
Why is Sediment Erosion a Problem?
Sedimentation occurs when soil is eroded and enters nearby waterways. In this watershed, most sediment comes from heavily used recreation access points along the river, unimproved roads, inadequate road stream crossings, and illegal off-road vehicle (ORV) use. Excessive sedimentation results in loss of habitat,
changes in hydrology, severe bank erosion, and instability in the main branch and many tributaries ofthe Two Hearted River.
In 2015, The Nature Conservancy and partners completed a five-year intitiative to reconnect 35 miles of reiver and tributaries, and reduce sediment load into the river by an estimated 626 tons per year. These exciting results were achieved through 23 re-engineering projects to improve, stabilize, upgrade and remove obstructions in the Two Hearted watershed.
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