Mississippi River Habitat Design Handbook

Congress authorized the Upper Mississippi River Restoration - Environmental Management Program (EMP) in 1986 to help address ecological needs on the Upper Mississippi River.  Under the EMP, 54 Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Projects (HREPs) have been completed with great benefit.  To accomplish their objectives, HREPs employ a variety of techniques including:  island creation, shoreline protection, water level management, backwater dredging, river training structures, secondary channel modification, aeration, floodplain restoration, reforestation and vegetation, and tributary restoration. 

There has been significant documentation on individual HREPs, including feasibility level studies, as-built construction drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, and performance evaluation reports.  However, these reports have generally been project specific, and often do not describe project lessons learned.  It was determined that a design handbook should be created to describe project features common in HREPs.  The handbook was completed in 2006 and is organized by chapters for each of the techniques listed above, covering design methodology, case studies, lessons learned, and references.  The handbook serves as a guide for future HREP design teams by summarizing the large and unique body of knowledge gained from working to improve habitat in Upper Mississippi River.  Work is currently underway to update the handbook with additional biological objectives guidance and new lessons learned.