Fluvial geomorphic analysis and historic reconstruction of the Killbuck-Mud Creek subwatershed, Delaware County, Indiana

Killbuck-Mud Creek Subwatershed (KBMC) stream channels have been extensively modified to facilitate the drainage for agricultural purposes. To identify the feasibility of stream restoration, the natural conditions of the subwatershed were estimated from the current basin morphometry, hydrology, and channel sediment load. The historic conditions for KBMC were assembled from literature and remote sensing to tabulate the conditions controlling the drainages through time. Using the Rosgen Classification of Natural Rivers the morphology of the natural streams was predicted.The dredged channels of KBMC follow glacial outwash channels. The glacial channels were silted in and hardwood forests added woody debris to create slow moving swampy conditions in the drainages. These conditions did not allow for agriculture prior to stream modifications. Only the installation of channel conditions not previously found in KBMC can be used as a stream restoration option, other management practices are suggested for the subwatershed.