Enhancing Stream Restoration Selection Criteria Using Biological Indices in the San Antonio River Watershed, San Antonio, Texas
Joan Bryant, PE
Vicky Chavez
San Antonio River Authority
San Antonio, Texas
The assignment of restoration potential and subsequent project prioritization has historically been based largely on desktop analysis and/or on a reactionary basis to things like bank failure or impending risk to infrastructure. The San Antonio River Authority is beginning to incorporate science-based tools into the determination structure for stream restoration across its diverse watershed by using a Stream Quantification Tool approach which integrates physicochemical and biological metrics into the more widely used metrics like H&H and geomorphology. A vast network of water quality and biological monitoring stations, as well as innovative solutions such as eDNA, are being incorporated into selection criteria to ensure the most informed decision possible when considering the ecological lift of a restoration. Having a comprehensive understanding of existing conditions enables us to determine the potential delta and identify more meaningful projects. Additionally, we hope to broaden funding sources for these types of projects by emphasizing the multiple benefits of stream restoration, such as water quality improvements to impaired streams, aquatic habitat rehabilitation and protection, and aquatic connectivity. The River Authority’s dedication to a holistic view of stream restoration exemplifies a forward-thinking and sustainable approach to urban development. This presentation aims to inspire collaboration, drive change, and serve as a model for other communities seeking to harmonize infrastructure development with the preservation and enhancement of our rivers and their vital ecosystems.
About Joan Bryant, PE
Joan Bryant is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer with a passion for environmental science and water resources. She earned her undergraduate degree in Engineering Science with a concentration in Environmental Science from St. Mary's University. Building on this foundation, Joan furthered her education by obtaining a Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on water resources from the University of Texas in San Antonio. With six years of professional engineering experience, Joan has spent three years dedicated to stream restoration projects at the San Antonio River Authority.
About Vicky Chavez
Vicky is a certified Engineer in Training at the San Antonio River Authority in San Antonio, TX. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering – Environmental Engineering from Texas A&M in 2019 and a Master’s degree in Natural Resources Stewardship – Ecological Restoration from Colorado State University in 2021. With this combination of education, Vicky sought out opportunities to be involved with ecological restoration and engineering. She has experience integrating Low Impact Development (LID) features into Civil Plan Sets and working with a team to develop Nature Based Solutions in South-Central Texas. She is passionate about preservation, conservation, and restoration techniques that continue to improve the relationship between humans and infrastructure. In her free time, Vicky enjoys running, gardening, and spending time with her family, including her partner and their cats.