One of the largest stream and wetland rehab projects undertaken by the state department of fish and wildlife resources is underway at Blue Spring Creek near Boots Randolph Golf Course and Lake Barkley.
Over 30,000 linear feet of streams covering over five-and-a-half miles encompass the project that is expected to protect and improve the aquatic habitat and limit bank erosion.
Rob Lewis with the fish and wildlife department is the engineer for the project that began earlier this year. He said the main focus of the stream rehab will improve the floodplain of Blue Spring Creek that runs near and through the golf course.
click to download audioLewis said the streams will be reconstructed and vegetation planted to help form the new shape.
click to download audioLewis added there are several steps that must be completed throughout the process because of the different topographical characteristics of the streams.
click to download audioWhile sampling the site prior to beginning the project, Lewis said they discovered the Blue Spring next to the pro shop is home to a spring cavefish that has very specific habitat needs that the project will help conserve.
In addition, some minor architectural changes may have to be made to some holes on the back nine of the golf course to help with the stream rehab. Blue Spring Creek plays a major role in the golf course’s signature 18th hole where the stream winds through the fairway.
Areas of Blue Spring Creek near the airport road and Lake Barkley next to State Park Road are also included in the project.
Lewis said the Blue Spring project is fulfilling Clean Water Act requirements for development impacts to streams in the Lower Cumberland River watershed. He said the project should be completed in early 2022.
