Linking Stream Mechanics and Engineering Design with Aquatic Biosystems: the Complete Ecological Puzzle
Maintaining a natural channel within a normal range of geomorphic dimensions and biological conditions with engineered, hydraulic structures is important for several reasons including sediment transport, depth variation, bedform and aquatic habitat maintenance, and aquatic faunal access to biocomplex habitats. By integrating engineered structures with aquatic biosystems, a holistic and complete stream corridor is achievable. […]
Using EWN to Create Habitat for Threatened and Endangered Species in the Gulf of Mexico: Demonstration of Conservation Planning with the USFWS
This research will complement and build on a DOTS Activity funded in FY21. The DOTS project assessed breeding bird phenology on six dredged material islands and two open disposal areas in Baptiste Collette Bayou, Louisiana. DOTS is funding the USGS to monitor these areas during the migratory and over-wintering seasons in fall-winter 2021-2022 to gather […]
The Static and Dynamic Benefits of Beneficial Use: Forging Connections to Engineering With Nature
Using dredged sediment beneficially is an important component of USACE’s dredged material management strategy, which ultimately aims to achieve 70% beneficial use (BU) on an annual basis by 2030. Despite many past successes (Berkowitz et al. 2021), currently, less than 40% of dredged material in the US is used beneficially (Searcy Bell et al. 2021). […]
Acequias as a Paradigm of Direct Community Involvement in Tribal Nation Water Resource Infrastructure and Watershed Management
Acequias are small irrigation diversions and earthen conveyances utilized by the tribal communities, among others, predominantly in northern New Mexico. Communal irrigation practices have been utilized by Indigenous communities since before colonization of the region, and there is a strong cultural tradition that involves rural disparate communities cooperating to maintain main channels and diversions. Recent […]
Investigation of Long-term Variations of Restored Shoreline and Marsh on Deer Island
Deer Island, a spindle-shaped 4.5-mile long island, is an extension of the Mississippi coastal mainland (Figure 1). The island suffers severe erosion from high waves and turbulent currents induced by hurricanes. Restoration of Deer Island’s ecosystem is a multi-phase initiative for which the dredged sediment from the Federal channel is being used to restore and […]
Reforestation Strategies for USACE and DoD: State of the Science, Partnership Exploration, and Regional Planning
Forest ecosystems are complex environments that fulfill multiple benefits as well as provide essential habitat for many threatened, endangered, and at-risk species (TER-S). These ecosystems provide watershed protection and are important reservoirs of carbon, water, and nutrients, while providing soil stabilization and mitigating flood risk (e.g., Bengston et al. 1999; Neary et al. 2009; Caldwell […]
Assessing Living Shoreline Stability and Function in Coastal Georgia
Currently, living shorelines are promoted nationally as a nature-based solution to abate shoreline erosion, while also enhancing and creating habitat such as oyster reef and Spartina alterniflora salt marshes. Though living shorelines have been widely studied in reference to their impact to habitat and nekton productivity, their ability to stabilize the shoreline has been understudied. […]
Engineering With Empathy: Enhancing Western and Non-Western Nature-Based Solutions and Relationships
Our goal This N-EWN project is a collaboration between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Tribal Nations Technical Center of Expertise (TNTCX), the USACE Network for Engineering with Nature (N-EWN), and the University of Georgia (UGA). The project proponents are seeking collaboration with interested Tribal communities in the development of methodologies for the co-production […]
Using Educational Activities to Break Down Barriers to Adoption of Natural Infrastructure
Education is both a goal in itself and a means for attaining the other goals of the N-EWN. Thenetwork is well-positioned to accelerate and expand EWN implementation by influencing currentpractice through education as well as shape a new generation of EWN problem-solvers. Objective This project uses multiple outlets and programs to train students and professionals […]
Best Practices for Scaling Up Nature-based Solutions
Maximizing the benefits and efficiencies of natural infrastructure requires implementing projects at the system or landscape scale, such as across entire watersheds. To help managers plan and implement nature-based solutions on such large scales requires a better understanding of the legal, jurisdictional, regulatory, institutional, and infrastructure factors at play. Objective We aim to identify opportunities […]
