Co-authors: Jeff Katz, City of Greenfield; Ginny Plumeau, Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.; Theran Stautz, Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.
Title: Restoration of the Honey Creek headwaters
Abstract: Honey Creek is located in Milwaukee County, a tributary to the Menomonee River in the Lake Michigan Basin. The project area is a one-mile segment of the creek from the headwaters down through residential, commercial, and city park property. Prior studies by SEWRPC, MMSD, and USACE contributed to the creek's being listed for more than ten years as an Impaired Waterway because of acute and chronic toxicity, degraded habitat, and recreational restrictions. Streambank erosion, sediment accumulation, channelization, invasive species, and flow obstructions contribute to the impairments. The planning phase concluded in 2021 and included geomorphic stream classification, water quality monitoring, macroinvertebrate/fish/tree surveys, floristic quality assessment, soil borings, and HEC-RAS modeling for proposed channel conditions. Construction will commence in spring 2022 and will incorporate natural channel design to achieve streambank stabilization, increased sinuosity and floodplain connection, improved sediment transport, installation of aquatic species habitat, riparian wetland restoration, and improved access for community education and recreation. Riparian wetland restoration of 5 acres will improve habitat, floodplain storage, and water quality. The addition of a stormwater storage facility will provide up to 1.75 million gallons of increased flood storage. The project area is located within two City parks and adjacent to a high school, providing ample opportunity for public involvement, outreach, and education. Community engagement and improved access to this valued waterway via new boardwalks, parking areas, and observation platforms will contribute to the environmental equity for the surrounding area.
View Poster:
https://www.wisconsinwetlands.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Nicholas-Connor-Poster.Connor.Nick_.pdf
Bio: Nick Connor is a senior biologist with Ruekert & Mielke, Inc., specializing in stream restoration, wetland delineations, wetland mitigation design and monitoring, threatened and endangered (T&A) species surveys, and permitting for both municipal and private sector clients. Nick is familiar with National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Water Act Section 404/401 permitting.