Ranking Secondary Channels for Restoration Using an Index Approach
There are over 100 secondary channels in the Lower Mississippi River depending on river stage. Most have closure dikes in the upper reaches or throughout the channel to redirect flow towards the main channel to increase navigable depths. Recent environmental engineering practices in Corps Districts have recognized that many secondary channels can be reconnected without compromising navigation benefits. To accomplish this process, three indices were developed to rank the relative importance of secondary channels: Habitat Quality, Economy of Restoration, and Priority. Using aerial, geo-referenced video and aerial photography, five attributes or metrics of secondary channels were measured to establish an Index of Habitat Quality:
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