Adaptive Watershed Management—Development of Phased Watershed Restoration Plans for the Kinnickinnic River and the Menomonee River Watersheds

The development of phased Watershed Restoration Plans (WRPs) represents the next step in the implementation of a truly science-based watershed improvement effort for the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic River watersheds. The primary purpose of the WRPs was to identify specific actions that can be implemented between 2010 and 2015 to improve water quality and habitat within the two watersheds and present general recommendations for activity beyond 2015. The identified actions focus on public health/bacteria, habitat and aesthetics, and phosphorus. Although achieving the established goals will result in significant projected pollutant load reductions and improvements to habitat, all water quality standards as they existed in 2009 are not anticipated to be met under all circumstances in the watersheds. This paper will describe the development of the WRPs, the major components and how the adaptive management process will be used to work towards the goal of improved water quality and habitat within the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic River watersheds.