At a Glance
A regenerative stormwater conveyance approach for this stream restoration will result in channel stability, reconnection of the stream to its floodplain, water quality improvement, and enhanced habitat.
Project Description
Ruppert’s Ravine is an unattractive, low quality stream system characterized by channel erosion and sedimentation resulting from unstable soils and a stormwater dominated hydrologic regime. Areas in the stream’s flow path are dominated by invasive species such as multiflora rose and honeysuckle. Outside of the flow path, however, relatively mature woodlands with an open understory persist.
Biohabitats was awarded a contract to develop a restoration design for the severely degraded and incised tributary. The design employs a regenerative stormwater conveyance (RSC) approach, converting the headcutting stream channel into a stable seepage wetland ecosystem well linked to its historic floodplain. By recharging the groundwater table, a number of threatened plant species associated with Anne Arundel County’s native acid seep wetland systems can be supported. The design also includes two acres of reforestation.