The Tye River Mitigation Bank completed significant stream restoration work in 2023 including channel reconstruction in the immediate headwaters of the North Fork of the Tye River in Virginia. Building new stream channels where historic damages were causing excess erosion and sedimentation involved also transplanting more than 25,000 new trees and shrubs into the new floodplains and riparian buffers. Cover seeding for temporary erosion control and custom native seeding, in combination with biodegradable fabrics were used throughout the stream corridors.
Since receiving formal regulatory approvals, the Tye River Mitigation Bank has constructed more than 28 miles of new livestock exclusion fences, built more than 43 off-stream water-stations, planted more than 75,000 new trees and shrubs, and invested many hundreds of hours into managing invasive species. Â All this work intended to restore ecological function to this previously-damaged landscape.
The 10-year project is focused on the property’s more than 10 miles of streams and more than 400 acres of associated riparian area in the headwaters of Virginia’s Tye River. It follows after vital land reclamation activities on the uplands were completed. The now stable, vegetated hillsides are currently serving as functional pastureland on the family’s 800-acre homestead. All of this land and water have recently been protected in perpetuity for conservation by the owners at Tillman Conservation.