Upper Mississippi River Restoration Methods Lecture 5

River Restoration Types 1.Sedimentation Control 2.Island Building/Protection 3.Backwater/Side Channel Protection 4.Habitat Rehabilitation 5.Floodplain Reclamation/Reconnection 6.Fish Passages

Restoration Benefits 1.Sedimentation Control a.Clearer & cleaner water b.Less filling of channels – main, back & side c.Less filling of lakes d.Upstream erosion improvements – improved soil fertility e.Improved habitats Source: UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River

2.Island Building and Protection a.Minimize island erosion (sedimentation) from existing islands b.Reduce wave action and turbidity in backwater areas c.Improve or provide new habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial species Source: USACE EMP Project Descriptions Restoration Benefits

3.Backwater and Side Channel Protection a.Increased species diversity & productivity b.Improved recreational opportunities – fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking, bird watching Source: UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River Restoration Benefits

4.Habitat Rehabilitation a.Homes for birds & wildlife b.Scenic views for people c.Species diversity, both flora & fauna Restoration Benefits

5.Floodplain Reclamation and Reconnection a.Reduced flooding & associated damages including loss of life and property b.Increased habitat for species, especially wetlands c.More scenery and recreational areas for people d.Typically a net taxpayer gain over time e.Improved water sources Sources: American Rivers, 2001, River of Renewal & UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River Restoration Benefits

6.Fish Passages a.Improved ability of fish movement past dams resulting in greater reproduction possibilities and increased populations b.Greater fish diversity within pools Source: UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River Restoration Benefits

1.The ecosystem supports habitats and viable native animal and plant populations similar to those present before any disturbance. 2.The ecosystem is able to return to its pre-existing condition after a disturbance, whether natural or human-induced. 3.The ecosystem is able to sustain itself. Source: (Cairns 1977; Rappaport 1989; Grumbine 1994), See Ecological Status and Trends of the Upper Mississippi River System 1998, Chapter 2, References Ecosystem Health Conditions

A Restoration Strategy 1.Support restoration projects – water quality and sedimentation reduction. 2.Support projects that help or allow floodplain hydrological processes to function. 3.Support small-scale restoration efforts. 4.Build from past experiences but also continue to experiment and innovate. 5.Improve communication between all stakeholders – adaptive management and restoration opportunities 6.Communicate to the public to increase their support. Source: A River that Works and a Working River, 2000, UMRCC, Dan McGuiness (National Audubon Society. Pg. 9)