565 - Designing for Human and Aquatic Interchange: Optimizing an Instream Design to Sustainably Convey Flow, Preserve Infrastructure, and Support Ecological Highways for Fish Passage

Before roads and buildings, stream systems and waterways naturally evolved geomorphically to dynamic equilibriums for physical conditions and companion species, establishing ecosystems and natural histories adapted to channel form and function. With the introduction of human infrastructure natural systems have been impacted, but the importance of ecological infrastructure remains. Modern priorities and regulations recognize and prioritize this intersection of human and aquatic systems and how we can successfully and sustainably incorporate elements for both into a project. This talk will explore general approaches and specific approaches to the planning, designing, and implementation of a project that preserves flow conveyance and infrastructure, but also provides a naturally functioning stream channel. A channel can provide both flood protection and emulate nature conditions for fish passage and instream habitat. Project examples will be presented as solutions to this intersection of human and aquatic superhighways.