Stream Restoration Using Wood Structures Harvested from On-Site: Design Improvements and Recommended Remedial Efforts Adopted After Years Of Managing Multiple Projects
Joe Berg
Biohabitats, Inc.
Baltimore, MD
Authors: Joe Berg and Doug Streaker
We have designed, permitted and constructed several stream restoration projects using wood harvested onsite as the dominant construction material to restore incised and over-wide stream channels, reconnect the stream to its riparian zone/floodplain, and deliver significant ecological uplift (e.g., groundwater and wetland hydrology restoration, increased amphibian resources). In addition, these projects have a reduced construction access footprint, lower carbon footprint, and cost a fraction of what rock-based stream restoration costs. We have designed and built multiple projects with drainage areas between 250 ac through ~10 mi2, with restored stream lengths ranging from approximately 1000-lf to 5 miles. While we believe this type of restoration is a big part of the future of stream restoration, this approach is not without challenges. This presentation will identify and focus on challenges (e.g., seepage and piping, durability) to the use of wood structures as stream restoration controls and identify design elements to reduce these challenges and remediation efforts we have developed to improve restoration performance when these challenges have compromised our design goals.
About Joe Berg
Joe is focused on systems ecology and has more than 40 years experience in the assessment and analysis of streams and wetlands, documentation, permitting, and the preparation and implementation of restoration plans. The focus of his efforts include restoration of integrated stream, wetland and floodplain functions as a means to deliver functional uplift, restore ecosystem services to society, increase natural capital, and integrate local community needs with an appreciation of natural resource values. This has led to innovations in stream restoration including stream restortion using wood harvested on site, Regenerative Stormwater Conveyance, and sand seepage wetlands. Joe has been active in the Society for Ecological Restoration, Society of Wetland Scientists, American Ecological Engineering Society, and the Maryland Stream Restoration Association.