INFRASTRUCTURE INSIGHTS
Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. (R/M)
blends experience, vision and technology to
build lasting infrastructure strategies for local communities throughout Wisconsin and Illinois.
 
March 28, 2017
Volume 4, Issue 6
Wetland Permitting Tips
 
Building in wetlands is usually not an engineer's or contractor's first choice, but sometimes it is unavoidable. State, local and federal agencies may have permit authority, and the application process usually requires a lot of site-specific information. Here are a few tips to remember when applying for wetland permits:
  1. Avoid and minimize.
    If at all possible, design your project so that wetlands will not need to be filled. If that is not an option, try to minimize the wetland disturbance by relocating driveways, turning a proposed building, changing the shape of a parking lot, etc.

  2. Avoid higher quality wetlands.
    For example, try to avoid impacts to a wooded wetland if a lower quality wetland with invasive species can be filled on site instead.

  3. Restore and stabilize temporary impacts with appropriate vegetation.
    Temporary impacts to wetlands, such as utility installation or temporary access roads, should be restored after construction with plantings or a seed mix that would naturally be found in similar wetland complexes. However, don't plant invasives, even if they are found nearby!
     
  4. Include a dewatering plan on the plan sheets.
    If you're building near wetlands, don't be surprised if there is high groundwater nearby. Make sure your contractor is prepared to dewater the site in a way that prevents sediment - loden water from flowing downstream.
Wetland fill permits are not impossible to obtain, but they can be complicated. Contact
Maureen McBroom if you have questions about wetland permitting in Illinois or Wisconsin.
Green Sustainability:
    
Biking: The Greenest Form of Transportation
Historic Interurban Bridge
in Cedarburg, WI
 

Now that it's spring (at least according to the calendar), it's time to break out that bicycle from storage and get moving! Bicycles are actually the world's most widely used transport vehicle, outnumbering automobiles almost two to one. However, the U.S. is a major exception to biking's popularity around the world with less than one percent of trips made in the U.S. done by bicycle. The likely deterrent for most folks is convenience. However, biking is becoming more and more convenient and popular through the construction of new bike trails! Many communities are working to construct brand new trails, enhancing existing paths to make them accessible for both walking and biking, or connecting existing trails to increase accessibility and provide for longer rides.

Why should you support the improvement of bike trails in your community? First, biking is a low-impact exercise that has many health benefits. Also, it can be economically beneficial for both you and your community as you'll save money on gas and reduce the wear and tear to local roads. Lastly, biking creates zero carbon emissions, making it the greenest form of transportation!

So how do we promote this incredibly sustainable and economically beneficial form of transportation? Just being aware of the bike trails available in your state or local community is the first step! Below is a list of some amazing bike trails that can be found throughout Illinois and Wisconsin:
  • Illinois Prairie Path - This 61-mile east-west trail goes through many communities including Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and further west to the Fox River. This was North America's first successful "rails to trails" project. 
  • Glacial Drumlin Trail - This 52-mile trail runs from Waukesha west to Cottage Grove with easy connections to Madison and Milwaukee.
Bike trails are an important key to development of cost-effective multimodal transportation systems. So get out and explore your local bike trails today!  
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