The document summarizes a survey of Park Creek, a tributary of Tryon Creek watershed. It assessed natural obstructions like debris buildups and landslides, as well as culverts, to determine if they prevented the passage of aquatic species. It found that many major obstacles would block species movement. It also tested using a Trimble Juno unit versus the Avenza Maps app on Android for data collection, concluding the app was more accurate and easier to use.

1. Debris 3:
A build up of fallen trees and branches,
where there is no clear, unobstructed
water passage.
Debris 5:
An area where a landslide has
occurred, and fallen trees obstruct
water passages, in addition to soil.
Debris 8:
A fallen tree from many years ago,
in addition to run-off debris build
up create a drop in stream flow
with no sufficient water passage.
Culvert 3:
A fairly new, healthy culvert with
emulation of natural water flow
and habitat throughout the approx.
100 ft. passage. Only concern is the
excess of rocks with low water flow
as shown.
A Riparian Assessment in
the Tryon Creek Watershed
Park Creek Survey
by Benjamin Arp
Project Description: A full survey and assessment
of the Park Creek tributary of Tryon Creek. Initial
objective was to gather data solely on culverts and
assess their condition. When in the field, other natural
obstructions were present that drew concerns over if
aquatic species would be able to travel upstream.
Conclusion: Throughout my trek up the entirety
of Park Creek, I found that there were many
major obstacles that would prevent the passage
of aquatic species; including current culverts.
The majority of the riparian habitat appeared
very healthy, barring the documented locations.
Collection method:
Trimble Juno vs. Mobile App?
My intent for data collection was to utilize both a
Trible Juno unit (data dictionary set-up, post process)
and Avenza PDF Maps app for Android (no set-up,
attributes created on the spot).
Conclusion:
Avenza proved to be not only as acurate, but also
much easier to work with than the Trimble unit.
Culvert 1:
Water erosion has eaten through the
aluminum; water seeps through before
the mouth of the culvert. No possibility
of aquatic travel.