Urbani Fisheries, LLCÂ provides a comprehensive range of development and reclamation services for stream, wetland, and lake ecosystems. Our areas of expertise include:
Stream & River Enhancement
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Urbani Fisheries, LLC has extensive experience with enhancement and restoration of stream fisheries degraded by past land management practices or human development. Through stream enhancement, we create fluvial components such as riffles and pools using natural materials. These components are constructed in a manner that allows them to appear and function as natural features and remain stable during varying hydraulic regimes. The design and construction of spawning habitat is an important consideration for most projects and allows many streams, lakes and ponds to become self-perpetuating fisheries where previously spawning was compromised or non-existent. In most projects, both the riparian zone and stream channel are simultaneously enhanced to assure that the entire stream ecosystem is healthy and stable.
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Our personnel have been involved in extensive fish habitat enhancement projects on Montana rivers such as Alder Gulch Creek, the Ruby River, Big Sheep Creek, the Gallatin River, Birch Creek, Mill Creek, the Boulder River, Bridger Creek, Spanish Creek, the Big Hole River and Sixteen Mile Creek. Other projects have been performed on the Pecos River in New Mexico, the Middle Fork of Crazy Woman Creek in Wyoming, Bear Creek in New Jersey, the Saugatuck River in Connecticut, and the Beaverkill River in New York.
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Stream Creation
Urbani Fisheries, LLC has created entirely new streams for clientele. Rivers and streams are designed to be consistent with the physical characteristics of the watershed and the surrounding terrain. Our professional team conducts a watershed analysis and then designs a biologically productive river/strea, with a stable grade and an aesthetically pleasing and natural planform. Adjacent riparian zones are created so the stream will function as a natural part of the landscape. We have created several streams with the sole objective of providing spawning sites for trout as part of fisheries management programs for ponds and main stem streams and rivers.
Pond & Lake Creation
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Urbani Fisheries, LLC has been involved in the design and creation of over 100 lakes and ponds ranging in size from less than one-half acre to more than fifteen acres. We emphasize construction of water features that appear as natural as possible, while still taking into account special site conditions. Excavation is the preferred method of construction with minimal integration of berms and dams. In cases where embankments are used, we attempt to make them as unobtrusive as possible by blending them into the existing topography. We prefer to be involved in the entire project from planning to final site revegetation and fish introduction so we can assure the best possible product. The experience of our staff guarantees little or no complications during construction, little residual disturbance after construction, minimal maintenance, and a pond or lake that blends in with its natural surroundings, providing optimum recreational opportunities.
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We also have experience in the design of ponds for the use of physically handicapped clients. This involves building special fishing platforms and paths through wetlands onto points that allow for access to prime fishing locations.
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Pond & Lake Reconstruction
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Our team has successfully rehabilitated many ponds and lakes degraded by poor management practices, development or natural degeneration. This often includes reconstructing damaged and unsafe dams. We have rebuilt ponds with low-visibility earthen embankments and natural-looking edges. In other instances, trout and bass ponds suffering from poor circulation and excessive plant growth have been redesigned to facilitate water exchange and limit the amount of unwanted plant growth. These projects have been completed with little negative impact to the existing fishery and have provided an environmentally and aesthetically appealing body of water.
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Fisheries Management
Our staff of fisheries biologists, fish culturists and aquatic biologists brings years of expertise and experience to upgrading fisheries in private ponds and streams. Management techniques include snorkel surveys, electrofishing, population estimates and age distribution, and monitoring of aquatic invertebrate communities. Our fisheries biologists have completed extensive studies on the genetics and dynamics of existing populations and how these populations can be successfully increased. We make recommendations to improve habitat and manage fisheries to maximize the recreational potential of streams and ponds. Projects have ranged from long-term studies and management plans to recommendations on the optimal fish species to introduce into a specific pond or stream environment.
Hatchery Operations
Wetlands Delineation
Federal wetland laws are extremely complex and affect the majority of projects done near water sources. Wetlands are distinct aquatic sites that are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Army Corps of Engineers. It is important to delineate wetlands using guidelines structured by the Army Corps of Engineers prior to beginning projects to avoid costly delays and potential legal problems. Our wetland ecologist has years of training and experience working in accordance with Army Corps of Engineer regulations.
Wetland & Waterfowl Habitats
The staff of Urbani Fisheries, LLC has been involved in the creation, enhancement and restoration of wetlands. Wetlands are an important component of both pond and stream ecosystems and are constructed in all the systems we create. We attempt to use native materials found on-site and plants that are salvaged during the construction phase of the project. Additionally, we often plant native nursery stock or seeds that may not be available in the area, but have been selected by our specialists to add diversity to the site.
We have also been involved in the mitigation of damaged and/or destroyed wetlands. These projects typically involve the delineation of the historic wetland boundaries using remote sensing methods and soil pits, followed by the design of and implementation techniques to repair or replace the wetlands that meet Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
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Upland Environmental Rehab
Urbani Fisheries, LLC has been involved in the restoration of upland areas that have been affected by construction, past adverse land management practices, or foot and vehicle traffic. We use mechanical and hand tools to stabilize erosion, rebuild the landscape and prepare the area for revegetation. Our plant specialists assemble native seed and plant species that will both rapidly cover the area to stop erosion, and create stable, long-term plant communities that will assimilate into the surrounding undisturbed land. Our company also has professionals with expertise in the areas of wildlife and game bird habitat enhancement.Feasibility Studies & Land Planning
Permit Acquisition
Most stream, wetland, and lake ecosystem projects are regulated by local, state and/or federal governmental agencies, with requirements that are different, extensive and occasionally conflicting. These requirements must be met before an individual agency approves a project. Obtaining these permits can be time consuming and often requires extensive knowledge of governmental rules, regulations, guidelines and statutes.
Urbani Fisheries, LLC has the experience and knowledge to manage all phases of the permitting process. This includes initial preparation of permit applications at the local, state, and government level; environmental documentation; scheduling and attending agency meetings; negotiation of reasonable permit conditions; and appearance before agency boards.
Dam Removal
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