Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Peter Briggs

Challenges in Multi-goal Stream Restoration Projects

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Paul KovalcikSenior Environmental ScientistBiohabitats, Inc. Great Lakes Bioregion Office

Presenters

J. Meiring BorcherdsRegional Watershed CoordinatorCuyahoga County Board of Health

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

• 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

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Hudson High School Tinkers Creek Stream Restoration

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

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

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

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

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Existing Conditions

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

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.

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

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

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

• Four groups

• Develop your goals and objectives for the project

• Report to the group

Our Task

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

What Happened

USFWS , Dave Menke

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

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

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

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

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

• 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

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Habitat and Water Quality

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Habitat and Water Quality

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Habitat and Water Quality

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

• 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

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

• 2.0 million gallons of storage capacity

• Pre-development 2 year discharge achieved

• Passage of aquatic life maintained

Floodplain Retention and Storage

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Floodplain Retention and Storage

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Floodplain Retention and Storage

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

• 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

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Thank you

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Thank you

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Questions

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

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

Great Lakes Restoration ConferenceSeptember 11, 2012

Spread the word!Wireless password:

HOW12 

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