Comments:
Channel slope was shallow, with deep, slowly moving water (E Ripple-Dune stream type). The stream had floodplain access, but appeared to be slightly incised from its main terrace, possibly due to increased peak flows from stormwater runoff. The channel did not appear to have been altered or straightened and the minor erosion observed could be natural or from the possible increased peak flows. Stream banks were steep and composed of a cohesive sand/clay mix. An area of spectacular cliffs on the right bank was near the reach break between M03 and M04. Bank vegetation was deciduous trees with herbaceous under story. Buffer width was greater than 100 feet on each bank, with a forested riparian corridor and Route 7 encroaching into the corridor toward the downstream end. Beaver activity was evident with a dam and pond on the floodplain.