Prioritizing Wetland Restoration Efforts in Wisconsin

Challenge

Officials in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, were considering restoring wetlands in order to manage water pollution—thereby improving water quality—and reduce flood risks. They needed to identify which sites had the most potential for these purposes.

Solution

The team used QNSPECT, a screening tool on the Digital Coast, to model land use scenarios, the results of which were used for an assessment that identified areas that contribute high levels of pollution, as well as wetlands that have the potential to provide the most water quality and flood protection benefits. The results pinpointed the best restoration sites for their needs, and also helped determine the impacts of future development.

OpenNSPECT output grids showing the amount of expected runoff or pollutants were organized by U.S. Geological Survey catchment areas for a more intuitive way to view these results. Before and after (“base” and “what if”) management scenarios were then compared to determine relative impacts. Catchments showing that wetland restoration caused a reduction in expected phosphorus or surface water runoff were highlighted and symbolized from low to high.

Additional Information

• Great Lakes Planning Guide Case Study

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