SARP: Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership

Sediment was dredged from the spring head.

Reconnected flow between lake and spring head.

Introduction:

Cool water springs feeding major coastal rivers in Georgia provide critical thermal refuges during summer for diadromous fishes such as striped bass. However, the connectivity of many of these springs to the main rivers has been diminished by drought, sedimentation, accumulation of debris, and beaver dams. The goal of this project was to improve the connectivity of Troup Springs to the Oconee River and enhance spring flows. 

Description of Site:

• Troup Springs in the River Bend Wildlife Management Area.

• A spring complex composed of the spring head, a short spring run to Troup Lake, and a longer run to the Oconee River.

Problem:

• Drought negatively affected spring discharges.
• Debris and overburden negatively affected the spring head and runs.
• Beaver dams affected both runs.

• Sedimentation deteriorated the entire system.

Strategy:

• Remove accumulated sediments and debris from the spring head and spring run to enhance flow and increase accessibility.
• Use hand removal in areas such as the spring head where large accumulation of woody debris reduced the effectiveness of mechanical removal of sediment.

Connectivity and flow have improved but periodic removal of accumulated sediments and beaver dams is necessary.