The Feasibility of Stream Mitigation in Response to Kentucky Flooding Devastation
Lise Coquilleau
Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Wetland and Stream Mitigation Fee In-Lieu-Of Program (FILO)
Frankfort, Kentucky
Central Appalachian flooding in July 2022 caused Eastern Kentucky to experience one of the worst disasters in the Commonwealth’s recorded history. In response, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has prompted the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR)’s Wetland and Stream Fee-In-Lieu-Of Mitigation (FILO) Program to investigate the possibility of focusing some of its stream mitigation efforts to the most affected counties. Additionally, prioritizing locations near existing federal and state-led flood relief efforts could increase their cumulative impact and the overall success of projects.
This initiative, the first of its kind for our Mitigation Program, differs from typical projects including in its objectives and its funding and crediting approach. It may require balancing strict regulatory and ecological requirements with the challenges presented by this region. For instance, it could involve reforestation of upland areas beyond the riparian zone, and accepting a higher risk tolerance for issues such as severed mineral rights.
This presentation will be a discussion about a role for activities generally associated with stream mitigation in response to damages resulting from flooding, the hurdles and opportunities it presents, and will cover our strategy in the search for projects compatible with our particular program.
About Lise Coquilleau
Lise moved from Texas to Kentucky in 2022 to work for the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ Wetland and Stream Mitigation Branch (FILO). After starting out as a technician, she became an Environmental Scientist with a focus on finding and developing new mitigation projects. Her background includes entomology, environmental education, and land stewardship.
