Springwater Wetlands Restoration Portland, Oregon

The Springwater Wetlands Restoration project reconnects and restores the Johnson Creek floodplain while managing flooding by expanding on existing, historic wetlands. The project also restores the wetland as a wildlife habitat and space for public access. Otak led the predesign research and worked iteratively with the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) and other stakeholders meet a variety of goals throughout the permitting and design processes.

Enhancing a Wetland for Improved Habitat and Flood Mitigation

In addition to managing flooding, the city aimed to restore the Springwater Wetland, including the removal of contaminated fill and non-native species while enhancing habitat for native species, including the Red Legged Frog. An unsteady-state hydraulic model was used to evaluate flood storage capacity and develop hydraulic connections that convey flood flows to and from the wetlands. The modeling and hydrologic analysis was used to develop the Johnson Creek Restoration Plan that accounts for 10-year storm, 25-year flood, and 100-year flood events. The improved natural habitat would also contribute to added public access and amenities. Data gathered from the modeling also informed that design, including the creative reuse of historic stonework from the adjacent creek restoration site as seating, new plaza areas, and architectural features found throughout the site. Expanding the areas use further, a dual-use trail system creates a safe, accessible connection to the Springwater Corridor Trail.