The Tidal Schuylkill River Master Plan

Project Description

Through a comprehensive process involving multiple stakeholders, the Schuylkill River Development Council led efforts to create a sustainable strategy directed to the long term physical, social and economic development of the Tidal Schuylkill River. The four major goals of the planning process were to promote the active use and enjoyment of the river corridor, to restore natural river ecosystems, to empower communities through neighborhood and economic development, and to foster an ethic of civic pride and stewardship. Biohabitats, as part of a larger master planning team, led efforts to identify, assess, and recommend planning initiatives aimed at ecological sustainable design strategies.

After reviewing background and site analysis materials and analyzing existing wildlife habitats within the Tidal Schuylkill River Basin, Biohabitats prepared a series of technical guidance memoranda. The memoranda provided information on sustainable design concepts for protecting riparian habitats; minimizing stormwater quality impacts (e.g., green roofs, bioretention); and minimizing stormwater quantity issues. Biohabitats also actively participated in design charrettes and public meetings to engage participants in ecologically sustainable design initiatives.