| Watercourse studies completed
for the Menomonee River, Root River and Oak Creek
indicate that demographic and community development
trends, as projected over a period of 20 years,
will exacerbate existing flood problems within
these Milwaukee, Wisconsin watersheds. The Milwaukee
Metropolitan Sewerage District requested a
Conservation Plan for each watershed that identified
parcels that need to be protected or restored
for conservation purposes as floodplains, riparian
habitats, environmental corridors or isolated
natural resource areas within the watershed.
Studies conducted for this investigation were
carried out using remote sensing techniques to
identify more than 28,000 acres of undeveloped
land containing hydric soils. Parcel data and
potential for acquisition were detailed using
GIS mapping technology. Studies provide recommendations
for traditional engineered strategies to combat
flooding, and acknowledge the importance of maintaining
existing open space to prevent future flooding.
Implementation of the plan is thought to be able
to provide a variety of benefits in addition to
state objectives, including improved wildlife
habitat, improved water quality, and aesthetic
and recreational opportunities.
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"The
Conservation Fund analyzed undeveloped land in
the three watersheds and identified 41 sites,
totaling 7,065 acres that contained the necessary
soil conditions to provide future flood reduction
benefits.
In all, the group estimated
the sites could provide 4.7 billion gallons of
storage. The sites range in size from 30 acres
to 674 acres. "
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Case
Studies