Planning for Linear Transportation with a Focus on Riparian Restoration: Challenges and Opportunities
Haley Stratton1*, Tamara Keefe1*
1Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU), Centennial, Colorado, United States of America; haley.stratton@fhueng.com, tamara.keefe@fhueng.com
Roads and Bridges are a critical component to the world we live in today. With rising populations and urban spread, it is vital that we consider riparian corridors when planning for linear transportation infrastructure and the impacts it has on the functions of riparian ecosystems.
Linear transportation infrastructure can impact riparian ecosystems hydrologically, geomorphologically, chemically, and ecologically. In this presentation, attendees will leave with a better understanding of some of the unique challenges involved in planning and designing linear transportation infrastructure within a riparian corridor. Some of the challenges include stormwater runoff, erosion control, streambank protection and stabilization, avoiding wetlands and adjusting the natural channel, and mitigating for stream and riparian impacts. Balancing decisions concerning the riparian area and transportation infrastructure is critical to the long-term health of the riparian ecosystem and infrastructure. Particularly, where natural channel migration threatens roads and bridges, correcting road impacts, or when a new riparian crossing is proposed.
Protecting and restoring riparian areas and habitat connectivity along transportation corridors has become a priority for many agencies, including the Forest Service; Federal Highway Administration; Bureau of Land Management; the Environmental Protection Agency; Fish and Wildlife Service; National Resource Conservation Service; National Marine Fisheries Service; and the Army Corp of Engineers.
Attendees will learn about potential opportunities and how the location, design, and construction can be conducted in order to reduce or eliminate impacts. In addition, attendees will also learn about some of the most effective road best management practices (BMPs) to protect riparian areas. Utilizing agency partnerships, taking advantage of potential opportunities, and employing effective BMPs, can most often lead to a successful transportation and riparian project.