Designing for Floodplain Connectivity and Riparian Wetland Success: A Holistic Modeling Based Approach for Big Rivers WMA Wetland and Stream Mitigation Project, Sturgis, Kentucky
Blair Borries
RES
Louisville, Kentucky
Jessie Boles, PE
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Louisville, KY
Design techniques focused on the restoration of floodplain connectivity, floodplain function, and/or the restoration of adjacent riparian wetlands have typically included channel-focused methodologies such as raising the streambed (priority 1 stream restoration) or floodplain-focused methodologies that aim to excavate to a targeted geologic layer (floodplain restoration or legacy sediment techniques). A new modeling-based approach is proposed that simultaneously evaluates manipulations to the stream channel and grading within the floodplain through two-dimensional hydraulic modeling. This presentation will demonstrate how rain-on-grid runoff modeling, two-dimensional flow area modeling, and water budgets were used to design a proposed 45+ acre stream-wetland complex in Union County, Kentucky. The project site is in an agricultural setting in western Kentucky, where topography is rather low gradient and drainage enhancements have historically been used to facilitate cropping. Two existing, deeply incised agricultural ditches are proposed to be filled and re-established as meandering intermittent streams, thereby maintaining a connection from upstream to downstream waters and providing a flooding source to adjacent proposed wetland areas, currently in row crops. Results of the two-dimensional model provide visual estimates of flooding extent, ponding duration, and flow patterns that were combined with information gathered from shallow and deep soil investigations to evaluate proposed hydrology, inform the planting plan, and convey information to the design team.
About Blair Borries,
Blair Borries is a Designer with Resources Environmental Solutions (RES). He has shaped his nearly 20-year career with the skills and technologies of today while building on lessons from ecological restoration efforts of the past. He employs state-of-the-art design techniques and technology to streamline and implement large, complex stream and wetland designs that are supported by detailed modeling efforts. As a graduate researcher on the long-term performance of two of the first large-scale stream and wetland restoration projects – built in 1979 and 1991 – Blair gained unique insight into restoration techniques across an era and helped establish the importance of riparian corridors in the 2016 Federal Stream Protection Rule. As an avid naturalist, Blair finds one of the biggest rewards to working in ecological restoration is exploring restoration sites on public lands and sharing with friends and family.
About Jessie Boles, PE
Jessie Boles, P.E. is a Project Manager with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Program (FILO). He is from Louisville, Kentucky and received his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Louisville. Since starting his career with FILO in 2015, he has managed 9 stream and wetland restoration projects in construction and is currently managing 27 more projects in design and permitting phases. He enjoys his time outdoors for work and recreation!