The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District and the local project sponsor, Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), hosted a public meeting, Nov. 14, 2019, for the Three Forks of Beargrass Creek Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study.
Together, the Corps and MSD are working on a three-year comprehensive study to outline what is necessary to restore the ecological integrity of the Beargrass Creek watershed, which contains the South, Middle and Muddy forks. The study will identify innovative restoration techniques and engineering solutions that are compatible with floodplain management to improve ecosystem structure, function and processes that have been lost over time.
More than 50 people were in attendance to share recommendations for improvements to the watershed.
“That is why we’re here tonight, to hear your ideas and gain from the local knowledge and expertise that you can provide,” said Andrew Reed, Louisville District project manager. “The purpose is to give you the opportunity to tell us how you think we should solve this problem.”
Reed added that a multidisciplinary team of technical experts from the Corps and MSD including biologists, archaeologists, engineers, plan formulators, real estate specialists and economists will be using the public’s input as they work together to develop the ecosystem restoration plan.
Both organizations have committed up to $1.5 million each for a total value of $3 million to complete the study within the next three years.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our community so we’re happy to step up to the plate to make this happen,” said Erin Wagoner, project administrator with Louisville MSD.