Upper Mississippi River
Restoration Methods
Lecture 5
River Restoration Types
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Sedimentation Control
Island Building/Protection
Backwater/Side Channel Protection
Habitat Rehabilitation
Floodplain Reclamation/Reconnection
Fish Passages
Restoration Benefits
1.
Sedimentation Control
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Clearer & cleaner
water
Less filling of
channels – main,
back & side
Less filling of lakes
Upstream erosion
improvements –
improved soil fertility
Improved habitats
Source: UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River
Restoration Benefits
2.
Island Building and
Protection
a.
b.
c.
Minimize island
erosion
(sedimentation) from
existing islands
Reduce wave action
and turbidity in
backwater areas
Improve or provide
new habitat for both
aquatic and terrestrial
species
Source: USACE EMP Project Descriptions
Restoration Benefits
3.
Backwater and
Side Channel
Protection
a.
b.
Increased
species diversity
& productivity
Improved
recreational
opportunities –
fishing, hunting,
canoeing, hiking,
bird watching
Source: UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River
Restoration Benefits
4.
Habitat
Rehabilitation
a.
b.
c.
Homes for birds &
wildlife
Scenic views for
people
Species diversity,
both flora & fauna
Restoration Benefits
5.
Floodplain
Reclamation and
Reconnection
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Reduced flooding &
associated damages
including loss of life and
property
Increased habitat for
species, especially
wetlands
More scenery and
recreational areas for
people
Typically a net taxpayer
gain over time
Improved water sources
Sources: American Rivers, 2001, River of Renewal & UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River
Restoration Benefits
6. Fish Passages
a.
b.
Improved ability of
fish movement past
dams resulting in
greater reproduction
possibilities and
increased populations
Greater fish diversity
within pools
Source: UMRCC, 2000, A River that Works and a Working River
Ecosystem Health Conditions
1.
2.
3.
The ecosystem supports habitats and viable native
animal and plant populations similar to those
present before any disturbance.
The ecosystem is able to return to its pre-existing
condition after a disturbance, whether natural or
human-induced.
The ecosystem is able to sustain itself.
Source: (Cairns 1977; Rappaport 1989; Grumbine 1994), See Ecological Status and Trends of the Upper Mississippi River System 1998,
Chapter 2, References
A Restoration Strategy
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Support restoration projects – water quality and
sedimentation reduction.
Support projects that help or allow floodplain
hydrological processes to function.
Support small-scale restoration efforts.
Build from past experiences but also continue to
experiment and innovate.
Improve communication between all stakeholders
– adaptive management and restoration
opportunities
Communicate to the public to increase their
support.
Source: A River that Works and a Working River, 2000, UMRCC, Dan McGuiness (National Audubon Society. Pg. 9)