For almost every shoreline recreation facility we have completed, the reviewing agencies have required mitigation for the impacts as part of the permit approval process. Many of these projects are located in harsh climates with unrelenting heat, fluctuating reservoir levels, and high winds during the growing season. Permits normally require plant monitoring and replacement to meet specific survivability ratios, which is no easy task in harsh climates.

In my experience, there are three keys to providing successful mitigation in these areas.

Some lessons are learned the hard way.

Recreation facilities are vital components of a hydropower system because they're how the public most directly connects with your work. Having designed many recreation facilities myself over the years, I've learned some valuable lessons, one of which is that starting the project correctly is key to success in the end. I'd like to once again share a helpful post I originally wrote last year, because in my experience this is a lesson worth repeating.

Do you struggle with where to start when it comes to making the required upgrades to existing recreation facilities? If so, you're not alone. The process to renew these facilities can be daunting. 

Since these recreation improvements are typically located along a shoreline, there are often several permitting agencies that provide input, direction and approval to construct your recreation project. With that in mind, let me share with you four key factors to consider prior to starting your recreation design, which will help to avoid problems down the road.