This project has a large horseshoe-shaped earthen berm. Throughout the construction, and before a project is complete, DU program biologists visit the site to verify project specifications meet design requirements. A laser level and elevation rod are used to match berm height to a previously established benchmark. These low-level berms are designed with a 50ft emergency spillway located near the “top” of the project to prevent water from overflowing the berm in the event of major storm and inflow events.

DU Habitat Stewardship Projects consist largely of wetland restoration projects. Restoration projects occur where DU program biologists determine the presence of hydric soils, potential wetland vegetation, and a disturbed wetland hydrology. With a relatively small amount of earth-moving, site topography is reshaped and capped with hydric soils to restore wetland hydrology. This project was just finished a few days ago and, as you can see, water is already returning to the wetland.

Panorama taken October 15, 2001