I-69 Corridor, Section 6 Mitigation

Lochmueller has a long history of providing mitigation services for the I-69 Corridor, including the development of the Section 6 Mitigation Sites and Plans. Lochmueller applied this extensive knowledge alongside our established working relationships with INDOT Environmental Services and the regulatory review agencies to complete the wetland mitigation services for I-69 Section 6.

There were three distinct components to these mitigation sites: stream, wetland, and forest mitigation. To ensure a consistent approach to each element, Lochmueller assigned key senior staff members with critical subject matter expertise to oversee the monitoring of each element across all sites. Additionally, Lochmueller conducted a portion of the monitoring services and prepared reports throughout the entire monitoring period required. Early in the process, Lochmueller provided continuity and allowed each assessment team to become intimately familiar with the site and mitigation elements and to quickly recognize changes in conditions, such as invasive species establishment, herbivory, high tree mortality, poor cover due to drought/flood, erosion, bank instability, scour, and heavy sedimentation.

The mitigation sites included Indian Creek, Leonard Moline, Sinking Ditch, Stotts Creek, Waverly Bog, WF Farm, and White River Bank Stabilization.

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Leonard Moline

The Leonard Moline Mitigation Site included bottomland and wetland restoration, upland forest and stream enhancement, and riverbank restoration. Over 60,000 native trees, shrubs, and live stakes were planted. Specific efforts included 86 acres of reforestation, 20.4 acres of wetland restoration, 2,948 feet of riverbank stabilization, and 8,990 feet of stream enhancement. Orobanche riparia, commonly known as river broomrape, is a state-endangered plant identified at the Leonard Moline and Stotts Creek Mitigation Sites. This parasitic species lacks chlorophyll and depends entirely on its host, giant ragweed, for nutrients. Orobanche riparia is rare across its range and faces threats from habitat destruction, particularly the loss of riparian zones.

White River Bank Stabilization

At the site along the White River, a nesting pair of Bald Eagles has also made their home. To protect these iconic birds, careful measures were taken during construction to avoid disturbance. Preserving unique species like Orobanche riparia and Bald Eagles underscores the vital importance of river restoration efforts.

Sinking Ditch

The Sinking Ditch Mitigation Site covers 94.1 acres, with 17.1 acres of existing forest habitat and 77.0 acres primarily in agricultural row-crop production. It includes the development or restoration of approximately 76.6 acres of non-wetland forest, 4,363 linear feet of riverbank stabilization, stream restoration, preservation, and enhancement.

Waverly Bog

The Waverly Bog Mitigation Site spans 117.8 acres, with 80.3 acres of existing forest and wetland habitat that provides functions like runoff retention, water filtration, and wildlife support. The remaining 37.5 acres, previously used for agricultural row-crop production, were reforested. Enhancements included invasive species eradication and supplemental plantings in the wetland, upland forest, and riparian forest habitats. Overall, approximately 37.5 acres of non-wetland forest were developed or restored. Waverly Bog features a diverse array of unique wetland habitats, including a buttonbush forested swamp, fens, and seeps. These ecosystems support a rich variety of plant life, such as the state watch list species Carex trichocarpa (hairy-fruited sedge) and Carex utriculata (Northwest Territory sedge), along with numerous other graminoids.

WF Farm

The WF Farm Mitigation Site involved planting over 38,000 native trees, shrubs, and live stakes. Specific efforts included 64.4 acres of reforestation and 6.5 acres of wetland restoration. Reforestation efforts focused on bottomland and riparian plantings to restore a dynamic floodplain of the White River, which had experienced extensive scour and erosion. The project also included invasive species removal and management with a particular focus on heavy infestation of Siberian Elm.

Beyond its botanical diversity, these wetlands provide critical habitat for wildlife, including Spotted Salamanders, Smallmouth Salamanders, and Common Snapping Turtles. Notably, bird species like the Connecticut Warbler and Baltimore Oriole have also been observed at this site, showcasing its importance for biodiversity. Since Lochmueller began monitoring this site, 152 plant species, 75 bird species, and 12 mammal species have been documented.