RiverWorks uses a holistic approach to restoration with an aim to maximize restoration potential and working with the landscape. A large part of restoration is setting an appropriate foundation for natural recovery and recruitment.
The design-build approach can have a distinct advantage over traditional design-bid approaches. With a design-build approach, communication is consistent between the designers and construction practitioners because they are the same group and have experience working together. For example, one advantage of the design-build process is that it offers the flexibility to adjust plans to unexpected conditions in the field. All members of the RiverWorks Team are involved in both the design and construction processes so that any necessary modifications in the field are handled in a way that is true to the spirit and intent of the restoration design. The first priority and goal becomes the constructed project.
A key part of the success for RiverWorks projects are the personnel and motivation behind the design and construction implementation.
Joel Bingham, Restoration Biologist, is the head and primary contact of the RiverWorks Partnership for EnviroScience. Mr. Bingham has 11 years biological monitoring experience and over eight years of experience in stream restoration design and construction implementation. His background in biology, morphological assessment, restoration design and implementation experience makes him a unique project manager and team leader. Mr. Bingham is strongly involved in each project from the initial assessment, permitting, design and final construction. He is a Level 3 Qualified Data Collector for stream habitat as well as fishery evaluation.
Michael Liptak, Ph.D., Senior Wetland Ecologist, provides wetland design and native species restoration on RiverWorks projects. He has over 15 years of experience in wetland research and consulting, including wetland design, construction and monitoring. Dr. Liptak has performed wetland delineations and functional evaluations throughout the state of Ohio, and specializes in ecological restoration and large scale delineations of properties over 500 acres.
Jeff Niehaus, Biologist specializes in aquatic ecology, lower trophic food-web interactions, as well as fish, ichthyoplankton and zooplankton taxonomy. His primary responsibilities for RiverWorks is assisting in construction implementation, restoration plantings and data collection. Mr. Niehaus also provides design input, habitat installation and oversees Health and Safety on construction sites.
