Beyond replacing an aging structure, the Silver Creek Culvert project benefitted the entire Pine River watershed. While the culvert had already been identified by the Lake County Road Commission as needing replacement, the involvement of the Conservation Resource Alliance and the US Fish and Wildlife Service allowed this project to occur far ahead of schedule. The project has been used as a prime example of an effective practice to replace other culverts and waterway blockages throughout the state.

A key benefit of the open bottom culvert design is the reduced threat of erosion and associated impacts on downstream banks. Rocks and boulders added to the creek bottom within the culvert and just downstream act as an armor to prevent erosion and protect the creek banks.

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