Flood related problems identified within the City of Piedmont and in the McKenzie Creek floodplain include damages to 200 residential and commercial buildings and properties; threats to human health and safety; increases in local government service costs; streambank erosion and degradation; and detrimental effects on water quality. Other identified problems include a lack of community-oriented recreational facilities and the need for improved riparian corridors and fish and wildlife habitat. Average annual flood damages were estimated at $584,600. To address these local concerns, the “McKenzie Creek Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment” was prepared under authority of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, Public Law 83-566. The plan was signed by the City of Piedmont, the Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service on July 7, 1998.
McKenzie Creek Flooding in Piedmont, MO. 1982
The project consists of voluntary acquisition and demolition of frequently flooded residential and commercial properties; relocation of residents to flood-free area; and development of the acquired floodplain into greenway (recreational) areas.The greenway is planned to consist of open spaces; walking/bicycle trails; picnic areas; baseball and soccer facilities; riparian tree and shrub plants; fish and wildlife habitat enhancement; and streambank restoration through the installation of bioengineered erosion protection measures.
McKenzie Creek in March, 2001 McKenzie Creek in April, 2001
McKenzie Creek in June, 2001 McKenzie Creek November 2005
As of 2008, approximately 120 residential and 6 commercial properties have been acquired and removed from the McKenzie Creek floodplain. As a result, nearly 50 acres have become available for greenway (recreational) development. 2 city parks, Handy Park and Rotary Park, have been developed, which includes shelter buildings, picnic tables, park benches, baseball fields, soccer fields, restrooms, playground equipment, tree plantings, and a gazebo for entertainment and social functions.
Approximately 500 trees have been planted along McKenzie Creek to restore and improve riparian corridors and fish and wildlife habitat. Removing old car bodies, appliances, and other debris that had accumulated over many years has restored approximately 1,000 feet of streambank. The streambank was stabilized by sloping the banks, installing erosion control blankets, placing rock riprap at the toe of the banks, sowing grass, and planting of willows, cottonwoods, and other tree species. Plans were developed and implemented for installation of a 8/10 mile walking and biking trail.
The McKenzie Creek Watershed Plan and Environmental Assessment represents an innovative and environmentally sensitive approach for addressing natural resource problems and concerns. As of 2008 approximately $4,200,000 has been spent or allocated to fund project activities. The plan calls for total project costs of about $5,600,000.
Stream Team Clean-up on McKenzie Creek - May 2005
Partners/Collaborators: City of Piedmont, Missouri; Wayne County Soil & Water Conservation District; USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); Big Springs RC&D Council, Inc.; Missouri Department of Conservation; U.S. Forest Service; Federal Emergency Management Agency: State of Missouri Emergency Management Agency; Missouri Department of Economic Development; Wayne County Heart Coalition; Missouri Department of Transportation; Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission.City of Piedmont - 2004 Winner of Southwest States Association of RC&D's Outstanding Supporting Organization
Pictured above are (left to right) Virgil Wagner, President of the Missouri Association of RC&D's and Chairman of the Big Springs RC&D Council, Leroy Dangeau, President of the Southwest States Association of RC&D's, Gaylon Watson, Mayor of the City of Piedmont and Jeff Lamb, Big Springs RC&D Coordinator. Award presented at 2005 SW States RC&D Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas
Latest Revision: Thursday December 04, 2008 01:20:12 PM
