Developed GIS-based inundation mapping with a digital elevation model with orthophoto technology. These models identified perched floodplain Swales and channels feasible for reconnection.

Long Creek Incised Channel Beaver Mimicry Project:

Client: Montana Chapter | The Nature Conservancy

The designs called for structures with an expected life span of 6 – 10 years and solely utilized building materials sourced on site, (gravel, screen cobble, donor wetland sod).

Construction occurred in 2014 and 2016. A total of 18 mimicry structures were installed that affected 4.75 miles of linear channel and activated over 10,000 feet acres of formerly disconnected floodplain channels.

Record runoff in April 2016 tested the first series of installed structures and follow-up monitoring and indicated no significant damage.

The average structure cost was approximately $4,000.

Detailed inundation mapping allowed us to design the height of beaver mimicry dams to flood these surfaces during the average peak runoff period.
Baseline shallow groundwater and surface hydrology was established and will be rigorously compared to post-construction conditions.

Incised Channel Restoration Pilot Project

Demonstration of Hardened Riffle Construction J-L Ranch 2014
Channel prior to structure installation
Excavating keyway for riffle fill
Placing pitrun riffle core
Adding riffle armor

The Nature Conservancy Property - 2016

Location
Modeled annual peak area of inundation after riffle installation
R7 Before
Adding Core
As-built riffle crest
AR As-built riffle