A NIMBY Success Story ’s Stony Run Restoration

Kimberly L. Burgess, P.E. Division Chief

Surface Water Mgt Division Bureau of Water and Water Department of Public Works Baltimore, Maryland

September 26, 2011 A NIMBY Success Story Baltimore's Stony Run Restoration

What this is… What this is not…  A case study of outreach /  An overview of stream communications for innovative restoration design. stormwater restoration activities  A comparison of stream in an ultra-urban environment. restoration methods.  A lesson of twisted words and  A presentation of technical data intentions. to support stream restoration as  An overview of successful and a method for removing nutrients not-so successful messaging. and sediment.  A story of hope for weathering  A “how-to” guide for the storm of bad publicity. communicating stormwater projects to mass audiences. Background: Baltimore, Maryland A city on the water but…

 Established in 1729 along tidal portion of  “Our streets are our streams” campaign  Survey (2009): ◦ Less than 45% knew they lived in a watershed ◦ The majority did not consider surface waters in good condition. ◦ Surface water = Inner Harbor Background: Restoring Streams Non-Traditional Approach

 Biddison Run Phase I ◦ 1,500 LF restored ◦ Construction costs ~$1M ◦ Standard community meetings / outreach ◦ Completed in 2003

 Stony Run was next on the list

2 different communities = 2 different responses A Call for Help Watershed Association Stony Run Restoration Taking All of the Right Steps

• Watershed Assessment Study 2001 • Training: In-house and JFWA Upper SR 2,325 LF • School Meetings $3 M 2002 • Mailing of Restoration Plan Middle SR 2,750 LF • Search for funding $2.4 M 2003 • Initial Designs Community Participation Design Impacts

 Middle Stony Run (2005)  Lower Stony Run ◦ Shift of access location ◦ Invasive species control resulting in more trees being ◦ Pedestrian stream crossing destroyed 2006: The First Cut is the Deepest

August 18, 2006 Bulldozing a creek in order to help save it: City spending $10 million on disputed Stony Run job

 “Scientists warn that this aggressive method of erosion control is outdated, discredited and destructive”  “legions of "Rosgenauts" who are confident that they can build better streams with bulldozers and boulders”  “oversimplified, 'cookbook’ restoration projects that do as much harm as good”  "It would be difficult to demonstrate that the project will have the water quality benefits that they claim it will." The Cost of Cuts

August 18, 2006 Bulldozing a creek in order to help save it: City spending $10 million on disputed Stony Run job

 “spending more than $10 million to bulldoze a wooded park and cut down nearly 150 trees for a stream reconstruction project”  “A $2 million city construction project is under way nearby to repair a leaky sewage pipe.”  “the project -- which could eventually cost $15 million, according to the city”

4 Adj. $10 M stream sewer price projects project tag Continuing Cuts

August 18, 2006 Bulldozing a creek in order to help save it: City spending $10 million on disputed Stony Run job

 “[Bill] Stack dismissed most opponents of the project as "Nimbys“…who lack scientific training and don't want to help the ."  Ending line…"We are still learning how to play God with nature.” With a little time… Publicity continues, but in a positive way

 Just google it!  Research interest “The once-dead stream is alive with frogs, toads, ◦ Habitat restoration ducks, crayfish...even hardy ◦ University tours little fish called black-nosed ◦ Social benefit in aesthetics dace.”  Education ◦ Communities connected to their streams not just the harbor  Project opportunities  Credit for permit compliance With a little time… Photos will tell your story With a little time… Photos will tell your story Summary Applications to other innovative projects

 Community outreach should be adaptable: ◦ Know your audience. ◦ Technical vs. “average joe”– they all are stakeholders. ◦ Opinions can change once construction starts.  Develop relationships with media– get your story out first.  Utilize your water resources community.  Pictures are priceless.  Don’t stop when the bulldozers leave.