Integrating Climate Variability into Stream and Wetland Restoration Design in the Southeastern United States
Leslie J. White, PhD
Derek Scott, PE
Amy Schultz, PE
Jason Brown
Beaver Creek Hydrology
Lexington, KY
Stream and wetland systems in the southeastern United States are particularly vulnerable to climate variability, which is driving changes in precipitation patterns, hydrologic regimes, and ecosystem dynamics. These challenges necessitate innovative restoration approaches that integrate hydrologic modeling with ecological planning to build resilience against more frequent droughts, intense rainfall events, and shifting seasonal water availability.
This presentation focuses on strategies to design and manage stream and wetland restoration projects that anticipate and adapt to these climate-driven changes. We discuss methods for modeling future hydrologic scenarios to guide design decisions, such as enhancing floodplain connectivity and accommodating increased hydrologic variability for streams, as well as ground-water surface interactions for wetlands. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of diverse planting plans for both stream and wetland restoration. Native species selection needs to be focused on adaptability to hydrologic and thermal extremes while focusing on increased functions such as carbon sequestration and nutrient retention.
Using case studies from southeastern restoration projects, we demonstrate how integrating hydrologic modeling tools, adaptive planting plans, and monitoring frameworks can create systems that support biodiversity, mitigate climate impacts, and provide ecosystem services. This holistic approach underscores the need for restoration practitioners to anticipate future climate conditions while balancing ecological integrity with stakeholder priorities in wetland and stream restoration.
About Leslie J. White, PhD
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About Derek Scott, PE
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About Amy Schultz, PE
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About Jason Brown
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