Capitalizing on Flooding as Passive Restoration: Hearts and Minds of the Musselshell Karin Boyd Applied Geomorphology, Inc. Chris Boyer, Kestrel Aerial Services, Inc.
Strategically t Adopting Flood Impacts as Passive Restoration Requires a good sell for the No Action alternative That opportunity is time-sensitive Culturally un-nerving Program flexibility helps
~8000 8000 sq mii
Historic Impacts: :The Milwaukee Road (1906-1908) 19% Shortening over ~100 Miles Extensive Floodplain Isolation Chris Boyer, Kestrel Aerial Services, Inc.
Pre-Flood Incised Isolated Floodplain (Vertical and Lateral) Cleared Riparian Corridor Fish Passage Barriers
Spring 2011 Massive Snowpack, Late Melt, Heavy Rains
Spring 2011 Massive Snowpack, Late Melt, Heavy Rains Average Snowpack
Spring 2011 Massive Snowpack, Late Melt, Heavy Rains 2011 Snowpack
Spring 2011 Massive Snowpack, Late Melt, Heavy Rains 2011 RAIN
May-June, 2011 (Billings Gazette)
Peak Discharge of ~130 year event Chris Boyer, Kestrel Aerial Services, Inc.
Duration: Weeks of high flows Q10 Roundup = 4,850 cfs Q10 Mosby = 12,700 cfs
April 26, 2010
May 23, 2011 (Peak)
June 16, 2011 (Recession)
Chris Boyer, Kestrel Aerial Services, Inc
Musselshell Watershed Rehabilitation Project DNRC Proposal Submitted August 29, 2011 Lower Musselshell Conservation District Develop a multi-disciplined assessment team to work with impacted producers developing plans respectful to their needs and the river. RIVER ASSESSMENT TRIAGE TEAM (RATT)
The RATT Riparian Ecology Hydrology Agriculture Water Rights Fisheries Geomorphology
Fall 2011 43 Site Visits
1. Assess Impacts RATT Responsibilities 2. Develop Short-Term Strategies 3. Develop Long-Term Strategies 4. Identify Conservation Opportunities 5. Identify Resources 6. Develop Monitoring Strategies 7. Provide Each Landowner With a Site Report
Types of Damage Avulsions Breached Railroad Berms Floodplain Deposition Siphon Damage Floodplain Scour Pump Site Damage Lost Access Diversion Structure Breaches
Conservation Opportunities Inset Floodplain Development Floodplain Access Fish Passage Riparian i Recovery Habitat Rejuvenation Wetland Creation We should leverage this catastrophe for the public good.
Avulsions: 59 total ~37 Miles of Channel Abandoned
Abandon ned Channel Len ngth (ft) 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 MusselshellRiver 2011 Abandoned Channel Length R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10 Cumulative Length 40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 River Mile ned (miles) Cumulative Length Abando ~37 Miles of 2009 Channel Abandoned
2009
2011
2009
2011
Avulsion Concerns Pump Sites Roads/Access Erosion
Avulsion Opportunities Targeted Recharge Wetland Function Riparian Protections
Governor approves abbreviated process for changes in point of diversion (POD) Pump Site Pump Site
Railroad Grade Breaches
Concerns: Flood Control A total of 31 Breaches Erosion Control Road Access
Opportunities: Overflow Return Points
Floodplain Deposition Chris Boyer, Kestrel Aerial Service
Concerns: Floodplain Deposition Crop Suitability Weeds
Opportunity: Riparian Recovery
NRCS Creates Cottonwood Easement Program Flood Damage Recovery Special Initiative
Fall 2012 Averages 129,000 Cottonwoods/acre 17,000 Willows/acre
350 Miles of Restoration in Three Weeks Passage Barrier Removal Riparian Colonization LWD Inset Floodplain
The RATT Approach Conveying a coordinated, d consistent t message towards an ecologically- supportive outcome. Get out there fast Listen to the story Go multidisciplinary Document the event Make a case for opportunity Monitor the results
Special thanks to: Chris Boyer (Kestrel Aviation) Bill Milt Bill Milton (Musselshell Watershed Coalition)
http://dnrc.mt.gov/cardd/resourcedevelopment/musselshellfloodrehab/musselshellfloodrehab.asp Musselshell RATT