Proposal for consulting services: Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Restoration and Improvements Master Plan City of Middleton, WI | May 31, 2019
with:
May 31, 2019
Mark Wegner Assistant Director of Public Lands, Recreation and Forestry – Forestry & Conservancy Lands City of Middleton 7426 Hubbard Avenue Middleton, WI 53562
Dear Mr. Wegner:
Thank you for the opportunity to assist the City of Middleton in developing a Master Plan for the Pheasant Branch corridor. I have enjoyed the corridor and Conservancy with my family for many years. The City and its residents clearly see the system as an important asset in the heart of the community, and I am excited by the vision to develop a master plan to manage the corridor in a holistic, sustainable manner.
The 2018 flood resulted in substantial damage to Pheasant Branch. Pedestrian bridges washed out, many stream banks and valley walls eroded, and sediment covered paths and filled portions of the floodplain with multiple feet of sand. The City exerted significant effort to make the corridor usable again for residents, but the geomorphic impacts of the flood event are still evident today.
Developing a Master Plan for Pheasant Branch will require a geomorphic approach and the perspective of experienced practitioners. By understanding how the valley has evolved and sediment is distributed, it is possible to plan projects that lead to a resilient, sustainable corridor. Practitioners with experience in stream restoration, bank stabilization, pedestrian path design, and landscape ecology can plan effective solutions.
We can help the City meet management goals by creating a plan for the stream corridor. We can deliver a high-quality Master Plan efficiently due to our small size, open schedule, and both project management and technical skills. We have specific expertise in studying, designing and monitoring stream restoration projects in urban environments with strong interests from various user groups. For this project, I will provide geomorphic assessment and engineering design services. I have focused my career on stream restoration and management and have been involved in numerous projects similar to this one. Ben Yahr of Resolution Studio will provide landscape architecture services to assist with design plans. We recently worked closely together on a similar river corridor planning project in Milwaukee. Following the study, we developed final designs that integrated a dynamic river corridor with numerous infrastructure components in a well-used park. Our collaboration experience will result in streamlined project delivery.
The attached document describes our project understanding and approach. Our proposed scope of work, budget, references, and résumés are also attached. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or for clarifications.
Best regards,
Ben Lee
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 4321 Upland Drive Madison, Wisconsin 53705 608-977-1856 www.healthystreams.com Proposal for: Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor Restoration and Improvement Master Plan
Submitted to: Submitted by: City of Middleton Fish Creek Restoration LLC Mark Wegner Ben Lee, PE Assistant Director of Public Lands, Recreation and Manager/Senior Water Resources Engineer Forestry [email protected] 7426 Hubbard Avenue (608) 977-1856 Middleton, WI 53562
Table of Contents About Us ...... 1 Project Understanding ...... 2 Project Approach ...... 4 References ...... 5 Scope of Work ...... 6 Schedule & Budget ...... 9 Itemized Deliverable List ...... 10 Relevant Experience ...... 11 Resumes ...... 14 Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
1 About Us
Fish Creek Restoration LLC Fish Creek Restoration LLC (FCR) grew out of a passion to restore river ecosystems. Ben Lee, the manager of Fish Creek Restoration LLC, first developed an interest in river restoration during college. His first hands-on experience with stream FCR Areas of Expertise restoration was in North Fish Creek, a tributary to Lake Superior in Wisconsin. Due to changing land • Stream restoration design use and modification of the river, the system • Stream bank and bluff stabilization experienced significant degradation. The legacy of • Geomorphic assessments & project these impacts remains profound today, as does Ben’s prioritization desire to improve the health of our rivers and • 1D & 2D Hydraulic modeling streams. It was in Fish Creek that Ben’s interest in • Aquatic habitat enhancement stream restoration was rooted. That interest became a passion, and it is why Ben founded Fish Creek Restoration LLC - to maximize stream ecosystem functions through sound river engineering design. We are experts in stream restoration projects, including planning and prioritizing stream projects. Our work is founded on an understanding of the physical processes that shape rivers, and an understanding of how river ecosystems have evolved to deal with the dynamics of moving water and sediment. Creating healthy aquatic ecosystems begins with emulating natural stream forms and processes.
Resolution Studio For this project, we have teamed with Resolution Studio, LLC (RS). RS is a small business providing landscape architecture, remote sensing, visual RS Areas of Expertise communication, and restoration ecology services to public and private clients throughout the Great Lakes • Design of public and private sites region. RS is based in Madison, Wisconsin; and was • Site investigation, inventory & analysis founded in 2016. They combine aerial data collected • Ecological vegetation planning, O&M with small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS drones) • Green infrastructure, sustainable/LID with spatial design process to communicate ideas • Public outreach about how to bring people to nature, and nature to • CAD, GIS, 3d rendering & visualization people at all phases of site design – from project inception to post-construction monitoring.
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 1
Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
2 Project Understanding
The 2018 flood event caused significant damage in the Pheasant Branch corridor. Extensive erosion delivered a large volume of sediment and woody material downstream, resulting in a multitude of issues. The sediment covered the multi-use path and floodplain with several feet of material in many locations. Though the sediment was removed from the paths to make them usable again, it remains in place elsewhere in the floodplain. Invasive species often take over these disturbed areas. Additionally, sedimentation has reduced connectivity between the channel and floodplain resulting in reduced flood storage. The deposits have also resulted in taller streambanks that are susceptible to future erosion due to a lack of vegetation. Trees were undermined during the flood event and were transported downstream where they were caught on bridge crossings. All the pedestrian bridges in the corridor were dislodged and had to be reset. Following the 2018 flood, the City contracted with Cardno to assess the damage in the corridor and prioritize repair work. Cardno was previously contracted by the City to design bank stabilization and restoration projects before the flood. Cardno’s final recommendations included increasing “flood flow capacity,” creating “bankfull benches and floodplain access,” and realigning “the stream channel… away from existing steep slopes.” In addition, Cardno recommended removing “shallow rooted tree species,” increasing the capacity of stream crossings, and using integrated bank treatments for bank stability. Figure 1. Erosion downstream of Park Street. The City also worked with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture program to create a report on resilience and recovery in the stream corridor. The program designed a class around the project with the purpose of creating the final report, “Reimagining the Unimaginable: The August 2018 Pheasant Branch Flooding in Middleton, WI.” The students identified several issues that could help the City recover and build a more resilient stream, including changing ordinances and infrastructure, transforming the vegetation community in the corridor, and slowing runoff elsewhere in the watershed. Using these studies as a foundational guide, the City is looking to develop a Master Planning document to guide restoration work in the Pheasant Branch corridor. The City reached out to the community of Boulder, Colorado to understand how they responded to the 2013 Colorado Front Range Floods. The City was referred to the “Boulder Creek Restoration Master Plan.” The study involved field assessments of the geomorphic and ecological conditions, background information review, and multiple public meetings. Using the data obtained, a set of alternatives were developed
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 2
Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning to guide general stream restoration efforts in the hope of improving resilience of the stream. The Boulder Creek document served as a reference as the City developed a request for proposals for Master Planning in the Pheasant Branch Corridor. For the Pheasant Branch, the City has requested a plan that guides restoration efforts that integrate with the multi-use path and other infrastructure. The City would like to consider changing the
B
A C
Figure 2. Damage in the Pheasant Branch corridor. Bluff erosion (A) delivered large volumes of sediment that were deposited throughout the floodplain and over multi-use paths (B). The sediment filled the floodplain and relatively high, exposed banks are present (C) throughout the corridor. vegetation community to one with fewer trees that could impact infrastructure (e.g., bridges and paths). Re-location and stabilization of the stream will need to be considered to reduce erosion. For instance, there was little damage to the channel behind Kromrey School where it was restored a few years prior. A major consideration in the Master Plan will be the multi-use path function. The path is very popular among many users and groups in the community. It also serves as a maintenance access route. The 2018 flood required substantial clean-up that closed the corridor. The cleanup involved removing woody debris, re-setting bridges, and removing deposited sediment. Improving the resiliency and stability of an ADA-accessible path and bridges will be important to the decision- making process for the corridor.
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 3
Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
3 Project Approach
Our philosophy when planning and designing stream corridor projects is to first understand the drivers of physical change, then work with those processes to create more resilient, sustainable streams. We believe that projects can be delivered more efficiently and effectively when clear goals have been established and accepted by project partners. We acknowledge that the City has begun this process with the broad goal of trying to reduce damage. Creating more specific goals on the front-end of the planning process will allow for the creation of performance criteria that are measurable after project completion.
During the goal-setting process, it is important to Suggested goals for the Pheasant Branch be creative as the path to achieving goals can corridor: follow different directions. Therefore, our first task will be to obtain a thorough understanding • Protect residences, buildings, roadways and of the interests and goals of the City, local other infrastructure from bluff erosion residents and special user groups. Once we have • Restore native vegetation participated in meetings with the City and the public listening sessions, we will develop a • Protect the sediments/soils around the memorandum documenting our understanding former landfill from erosion of the goals and objectives. After these are • Reduce sedimentation and wood deposits on established, decisions during the planning process become easier. the multi-use path • Minimize wood accumulation at road and trail Concurrent with the goal-setting process, we will crossings complete an assessment of stream conditions to understand the physical and ecological • Increase wetland habitat for birds conditions in the corridor. This is an important part of the project because any solutions should be evidence-based. In Pheasant Branch, we believe the problem is principally a geomorphic one. There are two primary components that led to the flood damage: an altered flow regime and the geologic setting. Damage occurred because the increased flood magnitude took place in a geologic setting that is not resilient to changing flows. Pheasant Branch traverses an erodible glacially-derived landscape that evolved under different hydrological conditions. We believe that understanding this context is paramount to developing a sustainable stream corridor that minimizes future damage. For this planning project, we cannot change the delivery of water, but we can change the geomorphic response to the increased flows. This is why we have included a geomorphic assessment in the scope of work and will create a specific geomorphology section in the Master Plan Report. Many of the Master Plan documents stemming from the 2013 Colorado Front Range Floods included this work and guided much of their decision-making process.
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 4
Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
After the assessment phase, the planning process will involve laying out a channel alignment and geometry that fits the stream valley and sets rigid boundaries on allowable adjustments. Given that there are now infrastructure and adjacent land uses that do not permit the stream to further change the landscape, we need to create a form of geological control on the river planform and profile. Based on our understanding of the City’s and residents’ interests, solutions that mimic natural features would be preferable. Laying out the multi-use path, bridge, stormwater facilities, and vegetation communities will follow the development of the stream geometry. We have experience integrating these components and other amenities in highly-visible and well-used parks. Landscape architecture represents the artful combination of nature and engineering by humans. The Pheasant Branch corridor provides immense biodiversity and natural value. By maintaining and enhancing public access, visitors to Pheasant Branch can experience and appreciate this natural value. Restoring and enhancing the vegetation communities and multi-use trails requires a thorough understanding of the site conditions and natural processes. This approach will also acknowledge the desires of an engaged community of users, including birders, bikers, families, and school groups.
References
Patrick Elliott, PE Beth Wentzel, PE Matt Hudson Milwaukee Metropolitan Water Resources Engineer Associate Director Sewerage District Ozaukee Co. Planning and Mary Griggs Burke Center for [email protected] Parks Dept Freshwater Innovation (414) 225-2168 [email protected] Northland College (608) 338-4971 [email protected] (715) 682-1481
Andy Selle, PE Nate Winkler Kevin Brewster City Engineer Biologist Restoration Manager Fort Atkinson, WI Conservation Resource Superior Rivers Watershed [email protected] Alliance Association (920) 563-7760 [email protected] [email protected] (231) 620-4026
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 5
Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
4 Scope of Work & Costs
The scope of work below details our approach for developing a Master Plan in the Pheasant Branch corridor. The tasks include specific items listed in the request for proposals; however, we have re- structured the tasks to be consistent with our approach to the project. Task 1 – Project Management FCR will provide project management services for efficient project delivery. We will communicate regularly with City staff, including participation in progress meetings every two weeks. We will attend up to three public meetings so that residents’ input can be synthesized in the Master Plan. We will communicate directly with managers of other firms that are working concurrently in the corridor. Scheduling for the planning, design and construction phases of work in the corridor are also included in this task. Deliverables • Attendance at up to three public meetings. • Attendance at up to 6 meetings with City staff for progress updates. Conditions • Up to 10 hours of phone and email communication are included for coordination with other projects and additional coordination with City staff. • Additional meetings can be added via contract addendum, if requested. See costs below. Task 2 – Desktop and Field Data Analysis FCR will conduct desktop and field data analyses to understand the physical and ecological characteristics of the stream corridor. 2.1 Geomorphic Assessment – FCR will conduct a geomorphic assessment of the Pheasant Branch corridor. The assessment will primarily involve a site walkthrough to note erosion and deposition processes. Geomorphic observations will be compared with LiDAR, survey data, and the hydraulic model results. 2.2 Hydraulics and Hydrology – FCR will review the hydraulic model and flood flow estimates developed by Montgomery Associates Resource Solutions in 2019. We will analyze the flood profiles, energy gradients and shear stresses to correlate geomorphic processes with hydraulic characteristics. In addition, we will complete a more detailed analysis of the USGS stream gage (05427948) to understand the magnitude, duration and frequency of smaller flood flows. These floods have implications for the movement of sediment and the size of the bankfull channel. The data will be used in the development of a typical cross section for the new channel. 2.3 Ecological Assessment – FCR will review previous ecological assessment reports and data. We will summarize previous and current conditions in the corridor. Impacts to vegetation from the
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 6
Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
2018 flood will be discussed and the implications for restoring/transforming habitats. Emphasis will be placed on erosion, sedimentation and vegetation/debris impacts. Deliverables • Data and analyses to be summarized in the planning report. Conditions • An updated hydraulic model will be provided that reflects conditions after the 2018 flood. • The City will provide any other previous hydrologic and hydraulic studies and models that are on file. • The City will provide previous studies and data on the ecological conditions of the corridor. Task 3 – Draft Master Plan FCR will develop a draft Master Plan for the Pheasant Branch corridor. A report will be created and will include: (1) a summary of previous development/changes in the watershed and corridor, (2) the results of the desktop and field assessment (Task 2), (3) a description of the design approach, and (4) a description of the alternatives. For the Master Plan, we will develop an approach to create a more sustainable, resilient stream corridor. Alternative design approaches will be investigated, including the following: 2.1 Channel Geometry – FCR will develop three alternatives for the plan, profile and cross section of the stream. The channel geometry will be designed to maintain sediment transport continuity (no net erosion or deposition); improve floodplain connectivity and flood storage; reduce interference with the multi-use path, bridge crossings, and sanitary sewer; and provide a form consistent with the planned vegetation community. 2.2 Multi-Use Path Alignment – FCR will develop an alternative to the current alignment for the plan location of the multi-use path. We will consider ADA accessibility, interference with other infrastructure and the stream, and specific requests from the public listening sessions. 2.3 Vegetation Management – FCR will lay out three alternatives to the vegetation community to provide safe and stable conveyance and minimize flood damage impacts. The three vegetation communities will vary primarily with respect to the size and density of trees in the corridor. Consideration will also be given to aesthetics and habitat that specific user-groups are interested in. 2.4 Bluff Stabilization – FCR will develop three alternative bluff stabilization techniques. A variety of approaches will be considered including: hard armoring, wood structures, bioengineering, and composite structures. Part of this analysis will be integrated with the channel alignment because re-locating the channel away from the bluffs often provides the most stable solution to erosion. 2.5 Bridge Crossings – FCR will develop three alternative bridge crossing types and locations. Our analysis of bridge types will focus on the ability to maintain performance during large floods, including structure abutment type (fixed vs. removable), bridge span, and height above the stream. The location of the bridges will also be considered when laying out the multi-use path and channel alignments. 2.6 Stormwater Management – FCR will consider opportunities for stormwater treatment in the corridor. It may be possible to provide additional detention of precipitation runoff in the corridor depending on the timing of restoration projects and the possibility of major re-grading work. For instance, inline detention with the stream may be possible if sediment delivery from the banks immediately below Confluence Pond are treated first. Under this scenario, the pond
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 7
Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
would be much less likely to fill with sediment. In addition, there may be opportunities for detention in parallel to the channel alignment, or regenerative stormwater conveyance could treat localized outfalls. We will focus on the feasibility of locating these structures under the geomorphic and hydraulic constraints of the corridor. Deliverables • Draft Master Plan Report, including the following sections: o Executive Summary o Introduction o Geomorphic Assessment o Hydrology and Hydraulics o Ecological Assessment o Design Approach and Alternatives • Stream corridor plan maps developed in GIS in 11”x17” format for three alternatives (up to 4 maps per alternative, 12 total). The Draft Master Plan maps will include the following features: o Existing sanitary sewer o Existing property lines o Existing roadways, sidewalks and vehicle bridges o New floodplain/valley width delineation o New bankfull channel alignment o New multi-use path alignment o New bridge crossings o New stormwater management facilities (if possible) o New vegetation community area delineations • Valley wide typical cross sections corresponding to the three alternatives. The alternatives will include the three different stabilization treatments for the eroding bluffs and the different vegetation community alternatives. These will be in 11”x17” format. Conditions • Additional drawings and sketches can be added via a contract addendum. • The City will provide timely review of the Draft Master Plan to maintain project schedule. Task 4 – Final Master Plan Following the City’s review of the Draft Master Plan, FCR will edit the report to create a Final Master Plan. The selected alternatives will be noted in the report. Two additional sections will be added to the Plan Report describing the prioritization of projects and recommendations for future studies. The prioritization plan will be based on first addressing immediate impacts to infrastructure and path use in the stream corridor. Then, the prioritization will focus on erosion and sediment processes so that future work is not impacted by upstream sediment and debris sources. This is a critical component to staging restoration work that requires a geomorphic perspective. Deliverables • Final Master Plan Report, including the following sections: o Executive Summary o Introduction o Geomorphic Assessment o Hydrology and Hydraulics o Ecological Assessment o Design Approach and Alternatives
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 8
Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
o Project Prioritization o Future Studies and Recommendations o Appendices with the updated drawings from the Draft Master Plan • Concept design drawings in 11”x17” format (4 plan views, 2 cross sections) depicting the layout of the: o Existing sanitary sewer o Existing property lines o Existing roadways, sidewalks and vehicle bridges o New floodplain/valley width delineation o New bankfull channel alignment o New bank stabilization treatment locations o New multi-use path alignment o New bridge crossings o New stormwater management facilities (if possible) o New vegetation community area delineations • Presentations will be given with data and graphics from the Final Master Plan Report to: o Conservancy Lands Committee o Water Resources Management Commission o Common Council Conditions • The concept drawings are not intended to be used for construction or permitting.
Schedule and Budget The following budget is based on a time and materials basis with a not-to-exceed amount listed below. After December 31, 2019, if the project is ongoing, the contract budget and scope of work will need to be renegotiated.
Task Schedule Sub-Total 1-Project Management Completed by December 31, 2019 $8,070 2-Desktop and Field Data Analysis Completed by August 31, 2019 $11,220 3-Draft Master Plan Completed by October 18, 2019 $40,410 4-Final Master Plan Completed by December 31, 2019 $31,545 Total= $91,245 Additional meetings, up to 3 hours each (if requested) $345
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 9
Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
Itemized Deliverables List In accordance with the request for proposals, the following list describes the anticipated deliverables for this project:
• Goals and Objectives Memo • Meeting notes (3 public meetings) • Master Plan Report, including the following figures/maps: o Watershed map o Reach delineations map o Channel profile plot o Concept alternatives 1 maps (4) o Concept alternative 2 maps (4) o Concept alternative 3 maps (4) o Typical valley-wide cross sections (3), including: . Bluff stabilization alternatives . Vegetation community alternatives • Master Plan Appendices: o Concept design plan views (4) o Concept design cross sections (2) o Photos from the assessment o Notes from the assessment • PowerPoint Presentations o Conservancy Lands Committee o Water Resources Management Commission o Common Council
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 10
Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
5 Relevant Experience
Kinnickinnic River – Reach 2 Planning and Pulaski Park Rehabilitation Client: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District; Patrick Elliott, PE, [email protected], 414-225-2168 The Kinnickinnic River watershed is the most developed in the State of Wisconsin. The channel was lined with concrete in the 1960s and 70s to quickly drain the landscape and reduce the extent of flooding. With further watershed development and climate change, the concrete channel has failed to contain floods. In addition, the swift flood waters have created a safety hazard for residents. In recent years the concrete has deteriorated, requiring replacement. Project Components The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District has • Planning alternatives for 2 miles of river been developing plans to replace the concrete-lined • Final channel design for 1,800 ft of river channels. Prior to founding Fish Creek Restoration and • Resolution Studio, both Ben Lee and Ben Yahr Pedestrian paths integrated in floodplain developed planning alternatives for the river. • Established pedestrian bridge layout Following the channel master planning project, MMSD • Coordinated re-location of water mains and retained Ben Lee’s services to develop final designs for stormwater outlets one sub-reach within Pulaski Park. Ben designed a new • Developed vegetation plan to maximize native channel and floodplain to restore fish passage, reduce plants and improve aesthetics for park users flood water velocities, lower flood profiles, and restore natural channel aesthetics. The channel design dictated the overall site plan. Pedestrian paths, bridges, water mains, stormwater facilities, and park amenities were integrated into the design following Ben’s lead on the channel. Ben Yahr worked closely with Ben Lee on the project to develop a vegetation plan and layout pedestrian paths. The vegetation community was a critical element because of the strong relation between shading and oxygen in the water. Moreover, the vegetation plan required consideration of viewsheds and challenging hydrological conditions to minimize maintenance requirements for the District.
Figure 3. The new Kinnickinnic River through Pulaski Park immediately after channel construction. Inset: typical conditions before construction.
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 11 Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
Marengo River Bluff Stabilization Client: Superior Rivers Watershed Association; Kevin Brewster, [email protected], 715-682-2003 Prior to founding Fish Creek Restoration, Ben Lee worked with the Superior Rivers Watershed Association to stabilize an eroding bluff on the Marengo River. The channel has incised multiple feet since Euro-American settlement, and channel migration was jeopardizing the adjacent E. Altamont Rd. Working within a tight corridor, Ben created a stabilization design for the eroding 25-foot high bluff utilizing native materials. Large wood and river cobble were integrated to improve brook trout habitat while establishing a stable floodplain bench and slope to allow vegetation to provide long-term stability. Within a year after construction, a 50-year flood ripped down the river inducing numerous bluff failures in the reach. Nevertheless, the new bank treatments performed as intended during the flood and the vegetation continues to flourish while allowing the road to remain open.
Figure 4. Before (left) and two years after construction and a 50-year flood (right), the bank stabilization remained stable, protecting the adjacent road.
Swamp Creek Sediment and Temperature Study Client: Sokaogon Chippewa Community; Nathan Podany, [email protected], 715-478-7611 Prior to starting Fish Creek Restoration, Ben Lee conducted a sediment and water temperature study of Swamp Creek and its tributaries in Forest County, WI. The project was initiated to understand aquatic habitat conditions in the lake that Swamp Creek feeds and to explore improving aquatic habitat for coldwater fishes. Ben managed and directed the extensive geomorphic assessment. His recommendations have led to more proactive management of the stream to achieve the community’s goals. Swamp Creek Project Components • Assessed 12.5 miles of stream
• Mapped distribution of sand deposits • Identified primary sources of sediment • Delineated regions of groundwater input and coldwater habitat Figure 1. Longitudinal profile from the "Swamp • Described how surficial geologic conditions Creek Temperature and Sediment Assessment created modern river features Report," Inter-Fluve (2018).
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 12 Proposal – Pheasant Branch Master Planning
Milwaukee River Parkway Habitat Improvement & Interpretive Access Design | Milwaukee, WI Prior to founding Resolution Studio, LLC, Ben Yahr served as project manager and landscape architect on the Milwaukee River Parkway Habitat Improvement and Interpretive Access Project in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The project built on previous work by the River Revitalization Foundation and Milwaukee County Parks to provide a continuous multi use trail system along the Milwaukee River corridor. The project focused on providing repairs to an actively eroding bluff damaged by excessive flooding from a 500- year storm event, the design of green infrastructure to improve water quality, and designing public access and trail improvements. The master plan included design of trails, bluff access stairs, bioswales, habitat restoration, slope grading, an inoperative urban plaza, and environmental education nodes to provide meaningful enhancements to nearly 500 feet of degraded urban park and riverway. Project challenges included providing an ADA accessible path along the river, removing invasive species, and providing resilient repairs. Project tasks included successful grant applications securing funding for the plan.
Fish Creek Restoration LLC 13
Ben Lee, PE Manager/Senior Water Resources Engineer Ben has 10 years of experience as a water resources engineer with an interdisciplinary background in river hydraulics, geomorphology, and ecology. His interest in river restoration began when he discovered that engineering could be merged with natural resources management and restoration. During his studies, he focused on monitoring the performance of stream restoration projects to improve aquatic ecosystems. Since beginning his professional career, he’s been involved in a variety of projects, including large scale dam removals, large wood habitat enhancement, and re-meandering channelized rivers. Relevant Project Experience (Pre-Fish Creek Restoration LLC) Minnehaha Creek Reach 20-22 Restoration; St. Louis Park, MN (2011-13) Minnehaha Creek is in a highly urbanized area of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The
stream has deteriorated due to channelization, increased runoff from urbanization, and an altered flow regime from an upstream dam. The Reach 20-22 restoration project was Education undertaken to restore ecological function, provide access to 29 acres of green corridor, UW-Madison, 2009 and integrate new stormwater treatment facilities. Ben completed the field assessment BS, Civil Engineering of the site, analyzed the complicated flow regime, and developed the channel restoration design. The design involved re-meandering the channel, providing bank stability, and UW-Madison, 2012 incorporating aquatic habitat elements. Ben coordinated the design with a new multi-use MS, Water Resources Engineering path/boardwalk design and stormwater treatment facilities.
Expertise Kinnickinnic River Restoration-Pulaski Park; Milwaukee, WI (2016-19) Stream restoration design The Kinnickinnic River watershed is considered the most developed in the State of Geomorphic and habitat assessments Wisconsin. Although the channel was lined with concrete to improve flood conveyance, it Fish Passage Analysis & Design no longer contains large floods and poses a safety hazard with no ecological function. 1D & 2D hydraulic modeling Ben re-designed a new river and floodplain that provides habitat for resident and Hydrologic Statistics migratory fishes, bugs and native plants. The reach is in a County Park and required Topographic & bathymetric surveying detailed coordination with other park amenities and utilities. Computer aided drafting & design The Preserve at Oak Meadows; Addison, IL (2014-17) Flood events in Salt Creek frequently inundated the surrounding Oak Meadows Golf Professional Registrations Course causing it to be unusable for much of the year. As part of the course renovation, Professional Engineer: WI, MN, MI the Dupage River Salt Creek Workgroup identified a win-win opportunity to provide Member ASCE additional flood water storage and to reduce TMDL impairments. Ben completed a geomorphic assessment to understand the relation between channel form and process in Salt Creek. He was able to re-configure the channel geometry to a new, sustainable form while allowing more frequent floodplain inundation and storage. Ben also designed the large wood bank treatments to provide stability and improve fish habitat.
Lower Osage River Prioritization and Enhancement; Bagnell, MO (2018-19)
The Bagnell Dam on the Osage River creates the highly popular Lake of the Ozarks;
however, it has also caused significant impairments to water quality and habitat
downstream. Following FERC relicensing, the dam owner, Ameren, was required to
provide mitigation funds to improve aquatic habitat downstream. Along with the US Fish
& Wildlife Service and the State Department of Conservation, Ben led a study to identify
geomorphic processes degrading habitat and to prioritize restoration projects. The study
covered over 50 miles of river and resulted in scientifically-justified approach to restorative actions.
[email protected] Fish Creek Restoration LLC Madison, WI
Trout Brook Restoration at Afton Alps Afton, MN (2017-19) Trout Brook is a coldwater stream that traverses through the Afton Alps ski area in Minnesota. Habitat conditions are relatively poor due to the legacy of land management in the watershed. Within the ski area, the stream was straightened and the existing reduced transportation facility and pedestrian access. Great River Greening worked with the South Washington Watershed District, the Minnesota DNR and Vail Resorts Management Company to achieve better function for both the stream and the ski area. Ben created a new channel and floodplain design to improve geomorphic, ecologic and ski area facility layout functions. Project goals included increasing pool depths for trout, minimizing sediment deposition in the channel bed, and increasing the parking lot capacity. Ben worked with the ski area and transportation and bridge engineer sub-consultants to provide a win-win solution. Fawell Dam Fish Passage Naperville, IL (2015-18) Fish species change significantly on either side of the Fawell Dam along the West Branch DuPage River. To allow fish passage and improve aquatic habitat, the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup was interested in modifying the dam. Ben investigated the geomorphic impact of the dam on the river to understand the potential for river restoration in the impoundment. As part of this effort, he measured and estimated the volume of accumulated sediment, sampled and analyzed sediments for contaminants, and setup a stream gauge to understand the flow regime. Following the field investigation, Ben provided support for the fish passage analysis and design. Hoosic River Restoration North Adams, MA (2015) The Hoosic River in North Adams was lined with concrete in the 1950s to decrease flooding impacts to the city. As the channel was deteriorating, a new design was sought to restore fish passage and create a more accessible and natural river corridor through the city. Ben coordinated the hydraulic modeling work for the project. The site was challenging as flood conveyance had to be maintained in the existing channel footprint where water velocities were near 25 feet per second. Ben also helped design a new channel that created additional space for park amenities. Arden Park Restoration Edina, MN (2017-19) Ben provided engineering design for the restoration of Minnehaha Creek at Arden Park. The channel design involved removing a dam, re-meandering the stream, and improving aquatic habitat. Natural materials were integrated into the channel bed and banks to restore historical conditions. In locations where the channel interfaced with bridge crossings and roadways, he designed rock treatments with a low profile to improve aesthetics and maximize ecological functions. Boardman River Dam Removals Traverse City, MI (2011-19) Three hydroelectric dams on the Boardman River were no longer in use. They impaired habitat and passage for coldwater fishes. Ben provided channel design, hydraulic modeling, sediment management planning, and construction observation for the three removal projects. Altogether, he helped re-design and improve aquatic habitat on over 8 miles of the river.
North Mill Creek Dam Removal and Restoration Lake County, IL (2016-19) Rasmussen Lake was an impoundment on North Mill Creek that had very poor water quality due to high phosphorus levels and low dissolved oxygen. The poor water quality led the Lake County Forest Preserve District to dam removal and restoration of the stream within the former impoundment. The lake was largely filled in with accumulated sediments. Ben conducted a field investigation to understand the volume of accumulated sediment and to identify the pre-dam channel and floodplain. Through his adept field analysis, Ben was able to delineate the pre-dam channel grades which provided the basis for the new channel design. Dowagiac River Restoration Dowagiac, MI (2012-19) Channelization of the Dowagiac River occurred in the beginning of the 20th Century. The work was intended to promote drainage of wetlands and farm fields adjacent to the river. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians has been working to reverse the destructive impacts of the channelization project. Ben designed a new channel that will double the length of two miles of river and improve habitat conditions for coldwater fishes and tribally important vegetation. He completed a geomorphic assessment of the river, developed a restoration design, and created 2-dimensional hydraulic models to understand the impact of the project.
[email protected] Fish Creek Restoration LLC Madison, WI
Ben Yahr, PLA, ASLA President/Landscape Architect As founder of Resolution Studio, LLC, Ben serves as a Landscape Architect with over 14 years of experience providing creative design and project management support for public access, park and open space planning, waterfront design, and ecological restoration projects throughout the Great Lakes Region, Canada, the Caribbean, and Australia. Ben thrives on bringing new approaches, technology, and techniques such as drones to the design process to improve efficiency, client service, and the environmental components of projects. As a key leader of conceptual, design development, and final design teams, Ben coordinates marketing and business development activities; field services; the production of landscape architecture, ecological restoration, civil, and coastal engineering design and bid documents; and is well versed in UAV services, CADD, GIS, and 3D visualization, and photorealistic rendering software for design analysis and communication. Shoreline Storm Damage Assessment and Repair Project Education: Duluth, Minnesota B.Sc. Landscape Architecture Project landscape architect and UAV manager for extensive University of Wisconsin – Madison, 2005 waterfront analysis and design project following significant Certificate - Environmental Studies damage during the fall of 2017 and spring of 2018. The University of Wisconsin – Madison, 2005 project team analyzed the extent of the damage, and Professional Affiliations: documented areas to be repaired, using UAV data to fast- Registered Professional Landscape Architect – track the project schedule and perform detailed State of WI, MN, OH, MI, IL comparisons of pre- and post-storm conditions. Resolution Member – American Society of Landscape Architects Studio led aerial survey efforts and the design and Member –Society of Ecological Restoration documentation of repair alternatives for lakefront paths, Chairman of the Board of Directors – boardwalks, beaches, harbors, and railroads for emergency Friends of Lake Wingra, Madison WI repairs, USACE permit applications, and final design. Selected Projects: Kinnickinnic River Reach 2a Preliminary Engineering Milwaukee, Wisconsin* Kinnickinnic River Reach 2a – Project manager and landscape architect as part of a Milwaukee, Wisconsin multidisciplinary team completing masterplan and Landscape architect for final design of urban stream preliminary engineering for the restoration of over two restoration and public access project. Resolution Studio was miles of river in urban Milwaukee. The existing concrete part of a multidisciplinary team for the removal of almost a channel has deteriorated, and will be removed to create a half mile of deteriorated concrete channel and creation of a naturalized river, regional trail connections, green naturalized stream though park land on the Kinnickinnic infrastructure, and park space. Project tasks include River. Project tasks include preparation of vegetation plans collaboration in the development of channel restoration for channel restoration alternatives, development of alternatives, trail alignments, public access, preparation of construction documents, operations and maintenance vegetation plans and alternatives, and creation of 3d manuals, engineering services during construction, and renderings for stakeholder and public meetings. monitoring of restoration success. Racine Harbor & Root River Monitoring & Engineering Menomonee River Streambank Stabilization- Services- Racine, Wisconsin Milwaukee, Wisconsin Landscape architect and UAV manager for analysis of Lake Project landscape architect for final design of urban stream Michigan tributary and harbor. Resolution Studio was part restoration project. Resolution Studio was part of a of a specialized team investigating breakwaters, multidisciplinary team for the restoration of approximately revetments, bulkheads, habitat, and water quality at a 200 feet of highly eroded river bank within a County Park. Great Lakes harbor. Resolution Studio supported a detailed Tasks include site investigations, conceptual and masterplan site investigation through the use UAV mapping technology, site design, construction plans, technical specifications, bid and worked to create a masterplan for water quality, public services, and engineering services during construction. access, multiuse path, and habitat improvements to restore ecosystem services throughout the Root River and harbor.
Resolution Studio, LLC www.theresolutionstudio.com PO Box 46515 [email protected] Madison, WI 53744 608-206-2685
Milwaukee River Parkway Habitat Improvement and Cleveland Habitat Creation & Beneficial Use of Dredge Interpretive Access Design- Milwaukee, Wisconsin* Material- Cleveland, Ohio* Project manager and landscape architect for park design, Project landscape architect for the selection of potential bluff stabilization, green infrastructure, and public access disposal sites for dredge spoils from the Cuyahoga River and project in collaboration with the River Revitalization Cleveland Harbor with the USACE. Five sites were Foundation and Milwaukee County Parks. Project includes evaluated, and preliminary engineering masterplan design of trails, bluff access stairs, bioswales, habitat concepts were developed to provide storage of dredge restoration, slope grading, urban plazas, and environmental material, and creation of habitat and potential recreational education nodes to provide meaningful enhancements to use including multiuse paths, and access for birding. nearly 500 feet of degraded urban park and riverway. Toledo Harbor Island Restoration Project tasks included successful grant applications securing Toledo, Ohio* funding for the project. Project landscape architect for the preliminary masterplan Boardman River Dam Removal Alternatives Study- design and feasibility evaluation of three habitat islands Traverse City, Michigan* located in Maumee Bay in western Lake Erie. The islands Project team member and designer for a study to examine are designed to accommodate over 20 million cubic yards of the impacts of several proposed dam removal alternatives maintenance dredge material removed from the federal along the Boardman River, a tributary to Lake Michigan in navigation channel while providing over 1,000 acres of northern Michigan. Project tasks include the development terrestrial and aquatic habitat and potential public access. of alternatives for sediment management, volume Port Vincent Waterfront calculations, preliminary restoration plans and management Port Washington, Wisconsin* techniques, and visualization. Landscape architect for masterplan development of over Public Access Trail 7,000 feet of Lake Michigan waterfront. Proposed Port Washington, Wisconsin* improvements include stabilization of eroding 100-ft high Project landscape architect and designer for masterplan bluffs, creation of 15 acres of environmental corridor and alternatives of public access trail leading out of downtown over 10 acres of accessible public park space, several miles Port Washington. Project features bike and pedestrian trails of multiuse trail, and beachfront. Project tasks include site and bridges, parking area, beach enhancement, shore analysis, on-site conceptual design, design development, protection, an ADA accessible fishing pier, prairie grading plans, cost estimates, visualization of design restoration, wetland creation and enhancement, and a alternatives, final design, project team liaison, and canoe/kayak launch. regulatory permit preparation, and stakeholder meetings. North 30th Street Wet Weather Relief Project- Desmond Landing Milwaukee, Wisconsin* Port Huron, Michigan* Project manager and landscape architect as part of a Project landscape architect for the design and production of multidisciplinary team completing final design for drawings for the development of over one mile of urban improvements to reduce flooding and provide public waterfront along the St. Clair River. Masterplan includes amenities in the northern portion of the 30th Street extensive public access and park opportunities, multiuse Industrial Corridor. The MMSD project included conceptual trails, a specialty boat basin for display vessels, dockage masterplan and final design for the proposed stormwater systems, amphitheater, island development, fishing access, management basins, multiuse trails, investigation the steel bulkhead walls, boardwalk, diver access, cobble feasibility of green infrastructure elements, and beaches, wetland areas, and habitat creation. Technical coordinating the conceptual routing of a regional greenway issues include wave protection, stormwater management, corridor. Tasks include elements of park design, renderings, and water quality. GI design, public and stakeholder involvement, conceptual Marion Mill Pond Ecosystem Restoration- design, and final design documentation. Marion, Michigan* Harambee+Riverworks Green Infrastructure Best Conceptual designer for dam removal and restoration Management Practices Plan- Milwaukee, Wisconsin* options for a river channel and 26-acre impoundment and Project manager and landscape architect for creation of a park in central Michigan. Tasks included analyzing existing green infrastructure plan for an industrial, commercial, and conditions, comparing reference reaches, establishing residential neighborhood in Milwaukee. The plan natural channel design characteristics, researching and investigated the feasibility, prioritization, and spatial specifying natural grade control and habitat structures, applicability of 14 green infrastructure best management analyzing construction phasing options, designing channel practices to achieve the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage alignment alternatives, coordinating with USACE officials, District’s goal of capturing the first ½ inch of rainfall. coordinating with Environmental Assessment documentation, and specifying preliminary vegetation planting plans and lists. *while with former firms Resolution Studio, LLC www.theresolutionstudio.com PO Box 46515 [email protected] Madison, WI 53744 608-206-2685