“Straw man” Function-based Stream Restoration Project Process

CHESAPEAKE BAY FIELD OFFICE COASTAL PROGRAM

“Straw man” Function-based Stream Restoration Project Process

Designing Sustainable Stream Restoration Projects within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Richard Starr

US Fish and Wildlife Service

http://www.fws.gov/


“Straw man” Function-based Stream Restoration Project Process

• Developed by USFWS-CBFO • Based on Stream Functions Pyramid Framework • Over all process similar to many other restoration processes • Potential differences:

– Use of goals and objectives – Function-based approach

Monitoring Design

Design Approach

and Alternative

Analysis

Design Objectives

Restoration Potential

Watershed and Reach-

Scale Functional

Assessment

Program/ Design Goals

http://www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/stream/StreamsPDF/ProjectProcessDescription.pdf

http://www.fws.gov/



Monitoring Design

Design Approach

and Alternative

Analysis

Design Objectives



Scale Functional

Assessment


Function-based Project Process

- Goals relate to “Why” a project is proposed - Objectives describe “How” a project will be completed

http://www.fws.gov/


Typical Example Goals and Objectives

Goals and Objectives SFPF Level

Programmatic Goal: USFWS Trust Species LVL 5- Biology

Design Goal: Increase Brook Trout Populations LVL 5- Biology

Design Objectives

Floodplain Connectivity - BHR = 1.0 LVL 2 - Hydraulics

Flow Dynamics - Create velocities of 2.8 to 4.3 ft/sec LVL 2 - Hydraulics

Lateral Stability - Reduce stream bank erosion rates to match

reference erosion rates (bank migration / lateral stability) LVL 3 - Geomorphology

Bedform Diversity - Create 60:40 pool/riffle ratio LVL 3 - Geomorphology

Riparian Vegetation - Match species diversity and composition of

reference condition LVL 3 - Geomorphology

Water Temperature - Reduce water temperature to 11 to 16o C LVL 4 - Physicochemical

Increase Brook Trout populations by 15% LVL 5 - Biology

Goals and Objectives SFPF Level Programmatic Goal: Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act

Design Goal: Increase Trout Populations LVL 5 - Biology

Design Objectives



Lateral Stability - Reduce stream bank erosion rates to match reference erosion

rates (bank migration / lateral stability) LVL 3 - Geomorphology


Riparian Vegetation - Match species diversity and composition of reference LVL 3 - Geomorphology



Desgin Goal: Reduce Low Level Flooding LVL 1 - Hydrology

Design Objectives

Reduce storm return interval levels by XX percent or XX feet LVL 1 - Hydrology

Reduce flood areas associated with a XX-yr return interval by XX percent or XX

acres LVL 2 - Hydraulics

Desgin Goal: Increase Red Spotted Salamander Habitat LVL 5 - Biology

Design Objectives


Increase floodplain inundation to XX times per yr LVL 2 - Hydraulics

Increase vernal pool areas within floodplain by XX percent LVL 2 - Hydraulics

http://www.fws.gov/


Breakout Handout

Goals and Objectives SFPF Level

Programmatic Goal: USFWS Trust Species LVL 5- Biology

Design Goal: Increase Brook Trout Populations LVL 5- Biology

Design Objectives



Lateral Stability - Reduce stream bank erosion rates to match

reference erosion rates (bank migration / lateral stability) LVL 3 - Geomorphology


Riparian Vegetation - Match species diversity and composition of

reference condition LVL 3 - Geomorphology



http://www.fws.gov/



- Based on programmatic and design goals - Relates watershed condition to reach-scale

condition - Establishes the Current Functional Condition - Determines Channel Evolution - Identifies Stressors and Constraints

Monitoring Design

Design Approach

and Alternative

Analysis

Design Objectives



Scale Functional

Assessment


http://www.fws.gov/


Watershed Assessment WATERSHED ASSESSMENT

Category / Parameter / Measurement Method

Description of Watershed Condition Rating

Not Functioning Functioning-At-Risk Functioning

1 Hydrology / Runoff / Watershed

impoundments

Impoundment(s) located within 1 mile

upstream or downstream of project area

and/or has a negative effect on project area

and fish passage

No impoundment within 1 mile upstream or

downstream of project area OR

impoundment does not adversely affect

project area but a blockage could exist

outside of 1 mile and impact and fish

passage

No impoundment upstream or downstream

of project area OR impoundment provides

beneficial effect on project area and allows

for fish passage

2 Hydrology / Runoff / Concentrated Flow

Potential for concentrated flow/impairments

to reach restoration site and no treatments

are in place

Some potential for concentrated

flow/impairments to reach restoration site,

however, measures are in place to protect

resources

No potential for concentrated

flow/impairments from adjacent land use

3 Hydrology / Runoff / Impervious cover Greater than 15% 7%- - 15% Less than 6%

4 Hydrology / Runoff / Land Use Change Rapidly urbanizing/urban Single family homes/suburban

Rural communities/slow growth or primarily

forested

5 Hydrology / Runoff / Distance to Roads

Roads located in or adjacent to site

boundary and/or major roads proposed in

10 year DOT plans

Roads in or adjacent to site. No more than

one major road proposed in 10 year DOT

plans

Roads in or adjacent to site. No proposed

major roads in or adjacent to site in 10 year

DOT plans

6 Hydrology / Runoff / Flashiness Flashy flow regime as a result of land use,

rainfall patterns, geology, and soils.

Moderate flashy flow regime as a result of

land use, rainfall patterns, geology, and

soils.

Not Flashy flow regime as a result of land

use, rainfall patterns, geology, and soils.

7 Geomorphology / Sediment Supply

High sediment supply from upstream bank

erosion and surface runoff

Moderate sediment supply from upstream

bank erosion and surface runoff

Low sediment supply. Upstream bank

erosion and surface runoff is minimal

8 Physicochemical / Water Quality / 303(d)

List

flashy flow regime as a result of impervious

cover greater than 15%, steep basin slope

(>4%), rapid time of concentration, less

than 20% forested, and significant

concentrated flows and/or several point

discharge sources (outfalls)

semi-flashy flow regime as a result of

impervious cover 7%- 15%, moderate

basin slope (2%-4%), moderate time of

concentration, 20%-70% forested, and

moderate concentrated flows and/or some

point discharge sources (outfalls)

non-flashy flow regime as a result of

impervious cover less than 6%, gradual

basin slope (<2%), slow time of

concentration, greater than 70% forested,

and no concentrated flows and/or no point

discharge sources (outfalls)

9 Physicochemical / Water Quality

Very turbid or muddy appearance most of

the time; objects visible at depth< 0.5 ft;

slow moving water maybe bright green;

other obvious water pollutants; floating

algal mats, surface scum, sheen or heavy

coat of foam on surface; or strong odor of

chemicals, oil, sewage, or other pollutants.

Pea-green, gray, or brown water along

entire reach; dense stands of macrophytes

clogging stream; severe algal blooms

creating thick algal mats in stream

Considerable cloudiness most of the time;

objects visible to depth 0.5 to 1.5 ft; slow

sections may appear pea-green; bottom

rocks or submerged objects covered with

green or olive-green film; or moderate odor

of ammonia or rotten eggs. Greenish water

along entire reach; overabundance of lush

green macrophytes; abundant algal growth,

especially during warmer months

Very clear, or clear but tea-colored; objects

visible at depth 3 to 6 ft (less if slightly

colored); no oil sheen on surface; no

noticeable film on submerged objects or

rocks. Clear water along entire reach;

diverse aquatic plant community includes

low quantities of many species of

macrophytes; little algal growth present

10 Biology / Landscape Connectivity

No natural channel immediatley upstream

or downstream of project reach

Degraded natural channel immediatley

upstream or downstream of project reach

Functioning natural channel upstream and

downstream of project reach

http://www.fws.gov/


Function-based Assessment Based on Design Goal to Increase Brook Trout Populations

Hydrology (Level 1) – Channel Forming Discharge – Precipitation / Runoff

Relationship – Flood Frequency – Flow Duration

Hydraulics (Level 2) - Floodplain Connectivity - Flow Dynamics - Groundwater / Surface Water

Exchange

Geomorphology (Level 3) – Sediment Transport

(Competence / Capacity) – Large Woody Debris – Lateral Stability / Bank Migration – Riparian Vegetation – Bed Form Diversity – Bed Material Characterization

Physicochemical (Level 4) – Temperature

– Nutrients

– Organic Carbon

Biology (Level 5) – Microbial Communities

– Macrophyte Communities

– Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities

– Fish Communities

http://www.fws.gov/


Level and Category Parameter Measurement Method Pre-Restoration Condition

Value Rating

1 - Hydrology

Runoff HEC RAS Similar to reference

watershed Functioning

Flow Duration HEC RAS Similar to reference


2- Hydraulics Floodplain Connectivity Bank Height Ratio 1.5 Not Functioning

Entrenchment Ratio 1.73 Not Functioning

3 – Geomorphology

Bed Form diversity

Pool-to-pool spacing 1.5 to 9 Not Functioning

Pool Depth Variability 2.0 to 3.0 Functioning

Riffle Slope to Reach Slope 1.2 to 3.9 Functioning at Risk

Rosgen F C E Functioning at Risk

Channel Evolution Simon Not Functional Not Functioning

Riparian Vegetation Buffer Width based on Beltwidth 0 Not Functioning

BEHI/NBS Mod / Low Functioning at Risk

Lateral Stability

Lateral Erosion Rate 0.09 yr/ft Functioning

MWR 2.4 to 4.0 Functioning

W/Dproj /W/Dref 1.4 Functioning at Risk

Wavelength to Riffle Width 9 to 14 Functioning

4 – Physicochemical

Temperature Temperature probe for one year

every 15 minutes 18oC Not Functioning

pH pH probe for one year every 15

minutes 6.0 Functioning at Risk

5 – Biology

Macroinvertebrate

Communities MBSS 3 Functioning at Risk

Fish Communities MBSS 3 Functioning at Risk

http://www.fws.gov/


Breakout Handout Programmatic Goal: Voluntary Restoration - Biological Lift

Design Goal: Improve Aquatic Organisms Populations

Watershed Condition: Primarily Forested

Assessment Parameter Measurement Method Performance Standard SFPF Level

Flow Regime Flood Frequencies hydrograph similar to reference

conditions LVL 1 -Hydrology

Floodplain Connectivity Entrenchment Ratio Entrenchment Ratio greater than

2.2 LVL 2 -Hydraulic

Flow Dynamics Stream Power Velocities that do not mover larger

than the D100 of the bed LVL 2 -Hydraulic

Bedform Diversity Pool Depth Variability 1.5 times greater than riffle depths LVL 3 - Geomorph

Lateral Stability Lateral Erosion Rate less than 0.1 feet/year LVL 3 - Geomorph

Riparian Vegetation Buffer Width equal to or greater than 150 feet

wide LVL 3 - Geomorph

Temperature Temperature probe year round Determined by species' needs LVL 4 - WQ

Macroinvertebrate

Communities MBSS IBI Score Score of 5 LVL 5 - Biology

Fish Communities MBSS IBI Score Score of 5 LVL 5 - Biology

http://www.fws.gov/



- What is the highest level of restoration that can be achieved based on the watershed conditions and function-based assessment and constraints?

Monitoring Design

Design Approach

and Alternative

Analysis

Design Objectives



Scale Functional

Assessment


http://www.fws.gov/



http://www.fws.gov/


RESTORATION POTENTIAL FOR A PRIMARILY FORESTED WATERSHED

Level and Category Parameter Measurement Method Pre-Restoration Condition Post-Restoration Condition

Value Rating Value Rating

1 - Hydrology

Runoff HEC RAS Similar to reference


Similar to reference watershed

Functioning

Flow Duration HEC RAS Similar to reference


Similar to reference watershed

Functioning

2- Hydraulics Floodplain

Connectivity

Bank Height Ratio 1.5 Not Functioning 1.0 Functioning

Entrenchment Ratio 1.73 Not Functioning >2.2 Functioning

3 – Geomorphology

Bed Form diversity

Pool-to-pool spacing 1.5 to 9 Not Functioning 4 to 5 Functioning

Pool Depth Variability 2.0 to 3.0 Functioning 2.0 to 3.0 Functioning

Riffle Slope to Reach Slope 1.2 to 3.9 Functioning at Risk 1 to 2 Functioning

Rosgen F C E Functioning at Risk E Functioning

Channel Evolution Simon Not Functional Not Functioning Functional Functioning

Riparian Vegetation

Buffer Width based on Beltwidth

0 Not Functioning 300 Functioning

BEHI/NBS Mod / Low Functioning at Risk Low/Low Functioning

Lateral Stability

Lateral Erosion Rate 0.09 yr/ft Functioning <0.01

MWR 2.4 to 4.0 Functioning >3.5 Functioning

W/Dproj /W/Dref 1.4 Functioning at Risk 1.0 to 1.2 Functioning

Wavelength to Riffle Width 9 to 14 Functioning 7 to 14 Functioning

4 – Physicochemical

Temperature Temperature probe for one

year every 15 minutes 18oC Not Functioning 15oC Functioning

pH pH probe for one year every

15 minutes 6.0 Functioning at Risk 6.8 Functioning

5 – Biology

Macroinvertebrate

Communities MBSS 3 Functioning at Risk 5 Functioning

Fish Communities MBSS 3 Functioning at Risk 5 Functioning

http://www.fws.gov/


Breakout Handout Watershed Description: Urban - 40% impervious cover.

Limiting Assessment parameters by SFPF

Category Restoration Potential Functional Lift

Hydrology:

1. Flashy flow regime - increased peak

discharges Reduce peak discharges through attenuation Attenuation time increased by XX%

2

3

Hydraulics :

1. Disconnected floodplain Reconnect floodplain Reconnect floodplain with flood flow return

intervals of 1.5 years or less

2

3

Geomorphology :

1. Widespread lateral bank erosion Reduce bank erosion Reduce bank erosion to less than 0.01 ft/yr

2

3

Physicochemical :

1. Excessive water temperature Cannot improve water tempature because of high

percent impervious surfaces upstream of site No decrease in water temperature

2

3

Biology :

1. A few Dipteran communities. No fish Cannot improve macro or fish communities

because of upstream watershed health No increase in macro and fish diversity or density

2

3

http://www.fws.gov/



- Describe how the problem will be solved - Based on results of functional assessment - Tied to restoration potential - Quantifiable

Monitoring Design

Design Approach

and Alternative

Analysis

Design Objectives



Scale Functional

Assessment


http://www.fws.gov/


• Fish Passage - Demolish derelict mill dam

• Floodplain Connectivity - BHR = 1.0 (L2)

• Flow Dynamics - Create velocities of 2.8 to 4.3 ft/sec (L2)

• Lateral Stability - Reduce stream bank erosion rates to match reference erosion rates (bank migration / lateral stability) (L3)

• Bedform Diversity - Create 60:40 pool/riffle ratio (L3 & 5)

• Riparian Vegetation - Match species diversity and composition of reference condition and make buffer 35 ft wider beyond required MWR (3.5). (L3 & 4)

• Water Temperature - Reduce water temperature to 11 to 16o C (L4)

Design Objectives – Dam Removal and Brook Trout Habitat/Reintroduction

http://www.fws.gov/


Breakout Handout Programmatic Goal: Voluntary Restoration - Biological Lift

Design Goal: Improve Aquatic Organisms Populations

Watershed Condition: Primarily Forested

Assessment Parameter Measurement Method Performance Standard SFPF Level

Flow Regime Flood Frequencies hydrograph similar to reference

conditions LVL 1 -Hydrology

Floodplain Connectivity Entrenchment Ratio Entrenchment Ratio greater than

2.2 LVL 2 -Hydraulic

Flow Dynamics Stream Power Velocities that do not mover larger

than the D100 of the bed LVL 2 -Hydraulic

Bedform Diversity Pool Depth Variability 1.5 times greater than riffle depths LVL 3 - Geomorph

Lateral Stability Lateral Erosion Rate less than 0.1 feet/year LVL 3 - Geomorph

Riparian Vegetation Buffer Width equal to or greater than 150 feet

wide LVL 3 - Geomorph

Temperature Temperature probe year round Determined by species' needs LVL 4 - WQ

Macroinvertebrate

Communities MBSS IBI Score Score of 5 LVL 5 - Biology

Fish Communities MBSS IBI Score Score of 5 LVL 5 - Biology

http://www.fws.gov/



Select design approach on: - design goals and objectives - functional assessment - restoration potential - feasibility

Monitoring Design

Design Approach

and Alternative

Analysis

Design Objectives



Scale Functional

Assessment


http://www.fws.gov/


http://www.fws.gov/


Level and

Category Parameter

Measurement

Method

Pre-Restoration

Condition Alternative One Alternative Two Alternative Three

Value Rating Value Rating Value Rating Value Rating


Connectivity

BHR 1.5 NF 1.0 Functioning 1.0 Functioning 1.0 Functioning

ER 1.73 NF >2.2 Functioning >2.2 Functioning 1.4 FAR

3 –

Geomorphology

Bed Form

diversity

Pool-to-pool

spacing 1.5 to 9 NF 4 to 5 Functioning 8 NF 4 to 5 Functioning

Pool Depth

Variability 2.0 to 3.0 Functioning 2.0 to 3.0

Functioning 1.5 FAR 1.5 FAR

Riffle Length to

Riffle Width 2.9 to 4.3 Functioning 3 to 5

Functioning 2.8 FAR 3 to 5

Functioning

Riffle Slope to

Reach Slope 1.2 to 3.9 FAR 1 to 2

Functioning 1.5 Functioning 0.8 NF

Pool Slope to

Reach Slope 0.3 to 0.6 FAR 0.2 to 0.3

Functioning 0.3 Functioning 0.1 NF

Channel Evolution

Rosgen F C E FAR E Functioning N/A N/A E F FAR

Riparian

Vegetation

PFC NF NF Functional Functioning Functional Functioning Functional Functioning

Buffer Width 0 NF 300 Functioning 300 Functioning 300 Functioning

Lateral

Stability

BEHI/NBS Mod / Low FAR Low/Low Functioning Low/Low Functioning Low/Low Functioning

Lateral Erosion

Rate 0.09 yr/ft Functioning <0.01 Functioning <0.01 Functioning <0.01 Functioning

Confinement 0.69 to 1.14 Functioning >1.0 Functioning FAR >1.0 Functioning

MWR 2.4 to 4.0 Functioning >3.5 Functioning 2.0 NF >3.5 Functioning

W/Dproj

/W/Dref 1.4 FAR 1.0 to 1.2 Functioning 1.5 NF 1.5 NF

Wavelength to

Riffle Width 9 to 14 Functioning 7 to 14 Functioning 16 FAR 7 to 14 Functioning

http://www.fws.gov/



- The Solution – Based on all of the previous information.

- Not just to improve dimension, pattern, and profile.

Monitoring Design

Design Approach

and Alternative

Analysis

Design Objectives



Scale Functional

Assessment


http://www.fws.gov/



- Were the goals and objectives achieved?

- How much functional lift was achieved?

Monitoring Design

Design Approach

and Alternative

Analysis

Design Objectives



Scale Functional

Assessment


http://www.fws.gov/


Level and

Category Parameter

Measurement

Method

Pre-Restoration

Condition Year One Monitoring Year Two Monitoring Year Three Monitoring

Value Rating Value Rating Value Rating Value Rating


Connectivity

BHR 1.5 NF 1.0 Functioning 1.0 Functioning 1.0 Functioning

ER 1.73 NF >2.2 Functioning >2.2 Functioning >2.2 Functioning

3 –

Geomorphology

Bed Form

diversity

Pool-to-pool

spacing 1.5 to 9 NF 4 Functioning 5 Functioning 5 Functioning

Pool Depth

Variability 2.0 to 3.0 Functioning 2.0 to 3.0

Functioning 1.8 FAR 2.0 to 3.0

Functioning

Channel Evolution

Rosgen F C E FAR E Functioning E Functioning E Functioning

Riparian

Vegetation

PFC NF NF NF NF FAR FAR Functional Functioning

Buffer Width 0 NF 300’ Functioning 325’ Functioning 325’ Functioning

Lateral

Stability

BEHI/NBS Mod / Low FAR Low/Low Functioning Low/Low Functioning Low/Low Functioning

Lateral Erosion

Rate 0.09 yr/ft Functioning <0.01 Functioning <0.01 Functioning <0.01 Functioning

Confinement 0.69 to 1.14 Functioning >1.0 Functioning >1.0 Functioning >1.0 Functioning

MWR 2.4 to 4.0 Functioning >3.5 Functioning >3.5 Functioning >3.5 Functioning

W/Dproj

/W/Dref 1.4 FAR 1.0 to 1.2 Functioning 1.4 FAR 1.0 to 1.2 Functioning

Wavelength to

Riffle Width 9 to 14 Functioning 12 Functioning 12 Functioning 13 Functioning

4 - Physicochemical Temperature Temp Probe 200C NF 200C NF 180C FAR 150C Functioning

5 - Biology

Fish MBSS 1 NF 2 NF 3 FAR 4 Functioning

Macroinverte

brates MBSS 1 NF 2 NF 3 FAR 4 Functioning

http://www.fws.gov/


0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Ban

k H

eig

ht

Rat

io

Monitoring Years

x1

x5

xa

Floodplain Connectivity

Functioning

Functioning - At-Risk

Not Functioning

http://www.fws.gov/


Monitoring Design

Design Approach

and Alternative

Analysis

Design Objectives



Scale Functional

Assessment



http://www.fws.gov/


U.S. Fish & Wildlife

Service - Chesapeake Bay

Field Office

177 Admiral Cochrane Drive Annapolis,

Maryland 21401

www.chesapeakebay.fws.gov

Richard Starr

Chief, Division of Habitat Restoration

(410) 573-4583

[email protected]


Function-based Project Process:

http://www.fws.gov/



“Straw man” Function-based Stream Restoration Project Process

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