The need
In March 2026 we teamed up with staff from the Pisgah Ranger District for a stream restoration project at Thrift Cove Creek, with both our Ecological Restoration Crew and Trail Crew joining in to provide assistance and expertise.
Part of the overall Black Mountain Trailhead project, this work first consisted of removing the culvert from this stream located between the Forest Service work center facility and the large dirt lot near the start of Thrift Cove trail.
Stream restoration
Next, restoration work began where the stream had been channelized and choked out with invasive plants.
A project planned and designed by the Forest Service hydrology shop, work began with the Pisgah Ranger District’s Fire Crew utilizing heavy equipment to remove the culvert, lay back the stream banks, and place large stones in the water way to create a series of pools and riffles.
After the heavy earthwork and stream construction, our crews joined staff from the Forest Service’s biology and hydrology programs to:
- Treat invasive plants in the area
- Install approximately 3,600 square feet of coir matting along the streambank
- Spread native riparian seed mix and top it with straw
- Plant 150 live stakes in the area to stabilize the bank and begin the revegetation process
Bridge construction
With this portion of the project complete, our Trail Crew stepped in to restore access between the parking area and Thrift Cove trail by constructing a new 30-foot bridge across the restored stream.
With such easy access to the project site, which is a rarity for our Trail Crew’s bridge-building projects, we were able to make swift progress.
The crew’s bridge construction process included:
- Installing the sills
- Flying the huge glulam beams across the stream using rigging and equipment
- Fastening decking and handrails
- Constructing approach ramps (currently in progress) to facilitate easy bike access to this well-used and well-loved trail complex
Final phase to take place on Pisgah Project Day
More work at this site is planned for Pisgah Project Day 2026, when volunteers from the Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Pisgah Ranger District biologist will lead volunteers in a native planting project at the site.
With the planting plan developed by our Ecological Restoration Crew, these volunteers will help further restore and beautify this small feeder stream into the Davidson River.
With continued monitoring and appropriate future management actions, we will see this spot continue to grow in with native vegetation and provide proper stream function.
