NRCS Goose Pond Wetland and Stream Restoration Project – Linton, Green County, Indiana

Goose Pond is aglacial basin that was once an expansive, thriving wetland. The land has been pumped and drained dry since early in the last century.  On behalf of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), The Louis Berger Group, Inc. (Berger) is developing detailed plans and specifications to restore a large portion of the wetlands, streams and wildlife habitat.  Restoration efforts include 25 miles of earthen dikes, 14,000 linear feet of stream restoration and a permanent 2,750-acre shallow water impoundment. Through the NRCS Wetlands Reserve Program, the property will be protected forever as wetland and wildlife habitat.

Berger is conducting soils and geologic investigations and testing and developing hydrologic models of the site.  Based on the results of these efforts, Berger will design water level control structures, earthen embankments, an earthen auxiliary spillway, and stream channel restoration for Units 8A, 8B, 9, 10N, 10S, 11B, 11C, 12, 13 and 16 of the Goose Pond Wetland Reserve Project in Greene County, Indiana.

In compliance with federal standards, Berger will prepare detailed construction drawings and specifications quantities, a bid schedule, a design report, a cost estimate, a quality assurance plan (construction inspection plan), an operation and maintenance plan and other related documents for the wetland restoration.

The design shall provide an installation that will be economical to construct, operate, and maintain; be compatible with the specific site conditions; and provide a visual resource that enhances the adjacent landscape and is aesthetically pleasing.  The restored complex will include about 5,000 acres of woody swamp, herbaceous marsh, wet meadow, streams and open water components.  This project will restore one of the most significant waterfowl use areas in Indiana due to its size, historic use by wildlife, proximity to federal- and state-owned natural areas, and location near the Wabash and White Rivers.