Floodplain reconnection is a tactic employed to reduce flooding by allowing rivers more room to expand during high-water periods, increasing the river's storage capacity and lowering flood levels. One method for achieving floodplain reconnection is by breaching or relocating levees that previously prevented floodplain inundation. Apart from its primary flood mitigation benefits, this approach offers additional advantages, including water quality improvements, erosion reduction, habitat restoration, and enhanced recreational opportunities. While numerical models and monitoring of floodplain reconnection projects demonstrate potential benefits, it remains uncertain how to optimize these advantages, particularly in coastal regions affected by climate change. In our project, we used 2D numerical modeling (using the HEC-RAS hydraulic model) to compare different management strategies to maximize the benefits of floodplain restoration at the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Michigan. This site, once protected by levees, is now managed to allow flooding via a series of water control structures. We are exploring the use of real-time inflow and outflow management, altering flow paths, and restoring different floodplain units to improve flood mitigation benefits. Our simulations will allow us to quantify the benefits of various management strategies and recommend the most effective approach to optimize floodplain reconnection benefits. These recommendations can be used by the Shiawassee NWR as they plan and implement future restoration projects and the knowledge can be applied to numerous coastal areas, including outside the Great Lakes.
.jpg "Roderick Lammers (he/him/his) photo")