Black Branch 2

Small headwater stream in agricultural setting. Moderate incision and narrow buffers suggest agricultural land use impacts. Sediment deposition and bank erosion are evident.

Channel appears natural with no direct modifications visible. However, moderate incision is evident from the bank heights (3-6 ft) relative to the narrow channel width, and the exposed root systems suggest ongoing downcutting. The channel is not artificially altered but shows geomorphic instability likely related to altered hydrology from surrounding agricultural land use.

The channel shows moderate incision with 3-6 ft banks for a stream that is less than 10 ft wide. This degree of incision limits floodplain connectivity. The surrounding agricultural land use likely has increased runoff and reduced infiltration, altering the hydrologic regime. Flooding of the adjacent fields appears infrequent based on the incision depth.

Some sediment deposition is visible in the channel, with fine sediments and gravel accumulating in the shallow runs. The turbid water color suggests active sediment transport. Point bars appear to have some sediment accumulation. Approximately 20-30% of the visible bed appears affected by recent deposition.

At this low flow condition, the stream is dominated by shallow water. Only slow-shallow and fast-shallow regimes are apparent. No deep pools visible. The uniform shallow nature of the stream at this flow level limits habitat diversity.

Water fills approximately 50-75% of the channel width. Significant exposed substrate is visible on both sides of the active flow, particularly flat rock and gravel. The stream appears to be at low flow conditions.

Some riffle-like areas are visible where water flows over exposed rock, but they are infrequent. The channel appears to be mostly runs with occasional shallow riffles. The low gradient limits riffle development.

This appears to be a Rosgen Type F stream — an entrenched, meandering channel with high bank erosion potential. The moderate sinuosity combined with entrenchment creates active bank erosion, particularly on outside bends. The flat limestone substrate provides some grade control. The channel is likely adjusting to increased runoff from the surrounding agricultural land use, leading to incision and bank instability. This stream type is prone to lateral migration and high sediment production from bank erosion.

The left bank (visible in the right-side image) shows moderate to severe undercutting with extensive root exposure. Bank heights are 3-6 ft with steep angles. Roots are providing some bank stability but significant erosion is occurring. Some trees appear to be at risk of falling due to undermining.

Approximately 50-70% of the bank has some form of vegetative cover, though winter dormancy makes this assessment difficult. Dense shrubby growth on the bank face provides some protection, but bare soil patches and exposed roots are common. Winter leaf-off allows enhanced visibility of bare areas.

Left bank shows significant undercutting with exposed root systems. The narrow riparian buffer transitions quickly to agricultural pasture. Severe root exposure on mature trees suggests ongoing lateral migration and bank retreat.

The right bank (visible in the left-side image and front view) appears somewhat more stable than the left, with rock/stone material providing some natural armoring. However, the bank is still moderately incised and shows some scour. The flat limestone substrate at the bank toe provides natural resistance to erosion.

The right bank has sparse tree cover and limited shrub cover. Agricultural pasture extends close to the bank, and the riparian buffer is very narrow (approximately 10-25 ft). Approximately 50% bare soil/rock is visible with scattered trees providing limited vegetative protection.

Right bank has a very narrow riparian buffer with agricultural pasture extending to within 10-25 ft of the channel. Flat limestone rock at the bank surface provides some natural armoring. A survey/property marker stake is visible. Red barn visible in the distance across the pasture.

The left riparian zone appears to extend approximately 25-50 ft from the channel, which is roughly 3-5x the channel width for this narrow stream. However, the buffer is composed mostly of shrubs and small trees with limited canopy cover. Beyond the buffer, agricultural/pastoral land is visible.

The right riparian buffer is very narrow, estimated at only 10-25 ft. Open agricultural pasture extends nearly to the bank edge with only a thin line of scattered trees separating the field from the stream. Filtering function is significantly compromised.

Floodplain vegetation is limited. The left side has some shrubby growth but is not in a natural forest state. The right side floodplain is primarily agricultural pasture with minimal natural vegetation. Most of the natural floodplain forest has been cleared for agriculture.

During growing season, the canopy would provide approximately 40-60% shade based on the tree density visible. Currently in winter leaf-off, shade is minimal (under 25%). The mix of deciduous and some evergreen trees (cedar) provides year-round partial shade in limited areas. For a warmwater stream, the current conditions are marginally adequate.

The right bank buffer is inadequate and does not appear to meet TDEC's minimum 30 ft riparian buffer requirement. Agricultural pasture extends to within approximately 10-20 ft of the channel in some areas. Buffer restoration through planting and livestock exclusion fencing would significantly improve stream health. The left bank buffer is marginal but may meet minimum requirements.

Approximately 25-35% of the substrate appears favorable for epifaunal colonization. Some undercut banks and root wads provide habitat, and there is cobble/gravel substrate. However, the overall substrate is frequently disturbed by sediment and the stream's limited depth and flow reduce habitat quality.

The substrate is a mix of gravel and flat limestone with some fine sediment. Root mats are present at undercut banks. Moderate fine sediment fills interstices between gravel particles. This is a low-gradient system where some embeddedness is expected.

Pools are present but shallow, likely less than 1-2 ft deep even at the deepest. The entire bottom is visible through the turbid water in most areas. Pool development is limited by the small stream size and low gradient.

Four fish cover types are visible: some woody debris, overhanging branches and vegetation (enhanced during leaf-on season), undercut banks, and root mats from exposed tree roots. Deep pools, boulders, and macrophyte beds are not present.

No barriers to fish movement are visible within this reach. However, very low flow conditions could seasonally limit fish passage through shallow areas. The small stream size and low flow likely restrict fish movement during dry periods.

Sparse large woody debris is present. Some small to medium pieces of dead wood are visible in and near the channel, but no significant debris jams or large pieces are forming pools. The agricultural land use and thin riparian buffer likely limit LWD recruitment.

Three habitat types are present: undercut banks with exposed roots, coarse gravel substrate, and some fine woody debris. Leaf packs are likely present but hard to distinguish in winter. The substrate appears somewhat unstable with evidence of periodic disturbance from high flows.

Habitat conditions suggest a Group II (facultative) community is likely supported. The mix of gravel, undercut banks, and woody debris provides moderate habitat. However, sediment loading and limited buffer on the right bank may reduce sensitive taxa.

No macroinvertebrates directly observed from imagery. Score based on habitat quality assessment suggesting the stream could support a moderate assemblage of facultative organisms given the substrate variety and some habitat features present. Winter conditions may reduce surface visibility of organisms.

Suitable Habitat: No

The degraded riparian buffer and agricultural setting reduce habitat quality for most sensitive species. The stream is too small and warm for coldwater fisheries. The narrow buffer and incised channel limit wildlife corridor function.

No wildlife directly observed during this winter survey. Rock piles and brush along the banks may provide cover for small mammals and reptiles. The stream could support small fish species, crayfish, and amphibians but no direct evidence was observed.

Water appears slightly turbid with a brownish color. Visibility appears to be approximately 1-2 ft based on the ability to see the substrate in shallow areas. No oil sheen, foam, or algal mats are visible. The brown color could be from natural tannins or sediment.

No significant algal growth or macrophyte beds are visible. The water is not green. Winter conditions may suppress algal growth, but no evidence of nutrient enrichment issues is currently apparent. However, proximity to agricultural pasture warrants monitoring during growing season.

No direct evidence of manure or waste in the stream is visible. However, agricultural pasture is immediately adjacent to the right bank with a very narrow buffer. No livestock are visible but the fence/marker stake and pasture condition suggest potential livestock access. No direct manure or waste discharge observed.

This is a warmwater stream system. Winter conditions at time of survey. The narrow and patchy riparian canopy, particularly on the right bank, will result in significant solar exposure during summer months. Expanding the riparian buffer would improve shade conditions and moderate summer water temperatures.

No active disturbance or permit compliance concerns observed at this location. The primary concern is the historically inadequate riparian buffer on the right bank adjacent to agricultural pasture.

Terrestrial Invasives Assessment

Aquatic Invasives Assessment

Winter leaf-off conditions make invasive species identification challenging. Some vine growth on trees in the right-side view is consistent with Japanese honeysuckle, which is very common in Middle Tennessee riparian corridors. Some dense shrubby growth may include bush honeysuckle or privet but identification is uncertain without leaves. Confidence is low due to dormant season conditions. A follow-up growing season survey is recommended for accurate invasive species inventory.