Revitalization of the Schuylkill River: Practical Urban Riparian Restoration Options
Revitalization of the
Tidal Schuylkill River in Philadelphia:
An examination of practical restoration options for a riparian ecosystem within urban surroundings.
How Should We Restore An Urban
Riparian Ecosystem In Philadelphia?
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY 4
ALTERNATIVES 5
CRITERIA 7
ANALYSIS 8
RECOMMENDATIONS 13
CONCLUSIONS 14
REFERENCES 16
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The problem of degraded rivers within an extreme urban environment is occurring in the vast majority of major cities in the United States. Restoration efforts have been attempted in a few cities, some successfully and some not. This report examines the section of the Schuylkill River that runs through Philadelphia as a case study in order to determine the most practical restoration of an urban riparian ecosystem by integration of ecological, recreational, and economical advantages. The four most practical solutions to revitalize the urban Schuylkill River are to: 1) take no action, 2) establish a nature reserve, 3) build a public park, or 4) construct a public business district. Three distinct criteria were used to analyze these four alternatives, and ultimately choose the most appropriate solution for the Tidal Schuylkill. The first criterion is
Tidal Schuylkill River in Philadelphia:
An examination of practical restoration options for a riparian ecosystem within urban surroundings.
How Should We Restore An Urban
Riparian Ecosystem In Philadelphia?
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY 4
ALTERNATIVES 5
CRITERIA 7
ANALYSIS 8
RECOMMENDATIONS 13
CONCLUSIONS 14
REFERENCES 16
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The problem of degraded rivers within an extreme urban environment is occurring in the vast majority of major cities in the United States. Restoration efforts have been attempted in a few cities, some successfully and some not. This report examines the section of the Schuylkill River that runs through Philadelphia as a case study in order to determine the most practical restoration of an urban riparian ecosystem by integration of ecological, recreational, and economical advantages. The four most practical solutions to revitalize the urban Schuylkill River are to: 1) take no action, 2) establish a nature reserve, 3) build a public park, or 4) construct a public business district. Three distinct criteria were used to analyze these four alternatives, and ultimately choose the most appropriate solution for the Tidal Schuylkill. The first criterion is
References: [ii] Schuylkill Watershed River Conservation Plan. 2000. Natural Lands Trust, Academy of Natural Sciences, and Conservation Fund [vii] Davies, Paul. 1997. "Creating a jewel along the Schuylkill" The Philadelphia Daily News. P24- 35 [viii] “Planning for Major Change on the Tidal Schuylkill River” Schuylkill River Development Council Strategic Plan. 2000.