Fall Regional Spotlight: Geospatial Strategies for Improving Flood Resiliency in Black Earth Creek

Join Mike Rupiper and Janet Silbernagel for a riveting presentation on how the people and landscape of the Black Earth Creek area handle flooding and the associated issues. 

Janet Silbernagel (MS, PhD Landscape Ecology – Forest Science, Michigan Technological University; BS Landscape Architecture, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison) is the founder and sole proprietor of Silvernail Studio for Geodesign, LLC (www.silvernailgeodesign.com). Prior to starting this unique geospatial practice in 2020, Janet was a professor of landscape architecture and environmental studies at two universities and directed innovative geospatial and graduate programs. Janet began her career as a landscape architect and landscape ecologist with the US Forest Service. 

Today Janet's work at Silvernail applies the power of geospatial analysis through the landscape planning/design process, connecting people to place through maps, stories, and sustainable design.  Janet is a SITES® Sustainable Initiative Accredited Professional, helping clients and projects achieve their goals with sustainable and resilient strategies.  

Mike Rupiper (MS, PhD Landscape Ecology – Forest Science, Michigan Technological University; BS Landscape Architecture, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison) has over 30 years of experience in Civil and Environmental Engineering with an emphasis on watershed and climate resilience planning, environmental assessments, and public works infrastructure, particularly Low Impact Design (LID) and Green Infrastructure (GI).  Mike’s extensive experience in working with local and state government agencies brings a wealth of permitting, project management, and leadership skills to EOR's projects.

Geospatial Strategies for Improving Flood Resiliency in the Black Earth Creek Watershed

Communities, businesses, and farms surrounding Black Earth Creek were hit hard by flooding in August 2018. Black Earth Creek is a high-quality cold-water trout stream at the eastern gateway to the Driftless Region that flows through three villages, across farmland, and attracts recreationists for fishing, kayaking, and other activities. In 2020, with state and federal funding through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and additional support through the US Army Corps of Engineers Silver Jackets program, , Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) contracted our team of partner firms (EOR, Inc., Silvernail Geodesign, LLC, and Sand County Foundation) to engage local communities in development of a green infrastructure plan for the watershed. The goal of the plan was to enhance flood resiliency and water quality while supporting recreational and economic benefits. Applied geospatial strategies were a key component to meeting this goal.

Make sure to register for the Fall Regional Meeting and get your hotel room now! Additional details, including the full preliminary agenda, can be found on the event page.