Challenges of Multi-Goal Urban Stream Restoration-Kovalcik and Borcherds, 2012

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Peter Briggs

Challenges in Multi-goal Stream Restoration Projects


Paul KovalcikSenior Environmental ScientistBiohabitats, Inc. Great Lakes Bioregion Office

Presenters

J. Meiring BorcherdsRegional Watershed CoordinatorCuyahoga County Board of Health


• Looking beyond habitat and improved ecology

• Learn perspectives of from multiple stakeholders

• Making the most out of available funding

Workshop Goals

USFWS , Thomas BarnesUSFWS , Edward Steenstra USFWS ,Steve Hillebrand


Hudson High School Tinkers Creek Stream Restoration


Tinkers Creek Stream Watershed

• Largest tributary to the Cuyahoga River (96 square miles)

• Approximately 30 miles in length

• Drains 24 communities in three different counties

• Nearly 19% impervious surface (range 6% to 47% for the subwatersheds)

• Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners Project Site


Hudson High School Tinkers Creek Stream Restoration

• 180 acre watershed (0.28 sq mi)

• Medium density residential development

• 17% impervious surface

• Restoration reach was once ditched and straightened

• Entirely on High school property


Existing Conditions


Project History

• In 2000 HHS teachers began developing the concept of using the stream corridor as a land lab to teach advanced ecology and biology.

• During summer 2003 the City of Hudson experienced severe/fatal flooding, completed an aggressive Stormwater Master Plan in 2004, and updated stormwater regulations.

• In 2005 a Watershed Master Plan was developed for Tinkers Creek

• In 2008 the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, in partnership with Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners, City of Hudson, and the Hudson City School District, applied for and received a 319 Grant through the Ohio EPA.


Stakeholders and Priorities

• Ohio EPA- Correct NPS caused water quality impairment to Ohio’s surface

water resources work toward aquatic life use attainment in impaired waters (improved aquatic habitat and water quality).

• Hudson High School - High quality education through development of an Outdoor Land Lab

• City of Hudson - Increased retention/detention

• Cuyahoga County Board Of Health - Improved surface water quality to protect public health


• Four groups

• Develop your goals and objectives for the project

• Report to the group

Our Task


What Happened

USFWS , Dave Menke


Project Goals

• Improved water quality and reduced erosion

• QHEI of 60 by June, 2012

• Wetland floodplain and in-stream habitat creation

• Develop a high quality land lab with Hudson High School Teachers

• Dissipate stream energy

• 2.0 million gallons of storage in the channel and floodplain

• Attenuate the existing 25 year storm discharge down to the 2 year predevelopment rate


Design Elements

• Hydrology and Hydraulics

• Compatibility of retention/detention

with habitat restoration

• Student access

• Excess soil excavation

• Design specifications for culverts

• Limited budget for planting


• Floodplain riffle weirs to maximize floodplain wetland habitat

• Improved sediment and pollutant processing

• Increased pool habitat

• Wet meadow, emergent wetland, scrub shrub wetland, and

riparian forest planting zones will be installed.

Habitat and Water quality


Habitat and Water Quality


• One stream day of pre-restoration monitoring in spring 2012

• Students will continue to monitor the restored channel.

• Designated paths and monitoring stations established

• Habitat “classrooms” associated with planting zones

• Students will assist with planting in November 2012

Land Lab


• 2.0 million gallons of storage capacity

• Pre-development 2 year discharge achieved

• Passage of aquatic life maintained

Floodplain Retention and Storage


Floodplain Retention and Storage


• We often do not understand the full implications of our goals

until the design process.

• Multi-goal projects present challenges, but the rewards are high.

• Never stop looking for funding to improve the project.

Summary/Lessons Learned


Thank you


Questions


Field Trips:Board on the 1st floor, West Superior Ave entrance (bottom

of Grand Staircase)Trolleys board 2:30

Joint Reception: trolleys begin departing at 5:45


Spread the word!Wireless password:

HOW12

Conference website:

Conference.healthylakes.org

Email us photos, comments, tweets or video:

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Challenges of Multi-Goal Urban Stream Restoration-Kovalcik and Borcherds, 2012

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