ORAL PRESENTER CO-AUTHOR: Chris Engle, Stantec TITLE: Connecting stream, wetland, and watershed restorations within the Central Sands ABSTRACT: The Little Plover River Stream and Riparian Wetland Restoration Project is an excellent example of the ecological and social benefits that can be achieved through collaboration and applied science. This headwater system is being restored following years of study and collaboration between agricultural users, conservation groups, and community leaders. This presentation will focus on the process to create a multifunctional restoration project. This 70-acre headwater restoration project is a continuation of previous stream and wetland restoration work completed along the Little Plover River corridor. The project connects numerous stream and wetland functions by restoring 17 acres of sedge meadow, 10 acres of scrub-shrub, 6 acres of riparian forested wetlands; 30 acres of prairie; and 2,700 linear feet of naturalized stream channel. The use of Natural Channel Design techniques, integrated floodplain design, and microtopographic features will reconnect stream and riparian wetland functions to improve groundwater hydrology; enhance aquatic, terrestrial and avian habitat; and improve water quality. Success of this project requires an integrated team and understanding of baseline hydrologic conditions including the interaction between surface water flows and groundwater discharge within this headwater reach. A multi-year study was completed to collect, analyze, and incorporate surface and groundwater baseline data into a resilient, groundwater driven, naturalized stream channel and riparian wetland design. BIO: Jon Gumtow is a Senior Wetland Scientist with Stantec Consulting in Green Bay. Jon was raised near Sheboygan and graduated from UW-Stevens Point focused on soil science and natural resources management. Jon is a State-licensed Soil Scientist and a certified Professional Wetland Scientist. Over the last 35 years he has designed nearly 50 habitat restoration throughout the Midwest.