CLINTON RIVER HABITAT RESTORATION

摘要

The Clinton River Habitat Restoration addressed habitat impairments within a 9 mile section of the Clinton River in Sterling Heights and Utica, Michigan; an urbanized area where 10% of historical woodland and wetland habitats remain. The increase in flows, sedimentation, and incision in the river has resulted in extensive areas of bank erosion, mid-channel bar development, large woody dams, and poor water quality. As the Clinton River adjusts to the changes, habitat, benthos, and fish and wildlife population have been negatively impacted. Natural channel restoration protocols including restoring natural meanders, riffle-pool bed topography, and channel dimensions were used to ensure long-term stability. Natural riffle grade controls and floodplain bench excavation in channelized areas provided connectivity to the floodplain. The project created habitat, improved habitat diversity, accommodated the wide range of river flows, and resolved sedimentation, incision, and bank erosion issues impairing habitat. The lasting impacts will be seen in economic improvements along the river, delisting from the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Area of Concern (AOC) designation, and increased fish quantity and diversity.