EPA Research Partner Support Story: Ecosystem services assessment of the Ouachita River ecosystem
Partner: Ouachita River Valley Association, Cities of Monroe/West Monroe and Ouachita Parish (LA)
Challenge: Quantifying the true benefits of the Ouachita River ecosystem
Resource: Ecosystem services assessment, based on quantifying domains of human well-being, as a method for linking the ecosystem services provided by the Ouachita River to community priorities
Project Period: 2017 – 2020
While the Ouachita River offers economic, infrastructure and natural benefits to surrounding communities, the region and its cities, Ouachita Parish includes some of the most flood-affected areas in Louisiana. Waterways across the nation, including the Ouachita, are also facing reduced funding for river maintenance and bank stabilization. Resulting floods affect ecosystem services that provide recreational and economic benefits to rural areas. With decision support from EPA, the cities of Monroe and West Monroe explored ways to enhance community resiliency in the face of historic flooding along the Ouachita River.
"This study will be the first step in putting a true value on the Ouachita River.…Currently, the Army Corps of Engineers only recognizes a river's value based on its transport tonnage.…The Ouachita River is a source of potable water for the region or is a receiving body for the hundreds of commercial and public discharges into the river. This economic impact study will present the Ouachita River's true value, aiding in our efforts to obtain funding for all aspects of the river." – Ouachita River Valley Association Randy Denmon
EPA ORD, in partnership with the EPA Region 6 (South Central), convened a series of workshops in 2018 and 2019 for 35 participants representing federal agencies, community stakeholder groups, state and local government agencies, and universities. Together, these stakeholders prioritized flood mitigation projects along the Ouachita River that were expected to have the greatest benefit to human well-being. Their work was framed by EPA’s Human Well Being Index, which helped participants evaluate the specific ecosystem goods and services the Ouachita River offers their community (such as water supply, storm-water discharge, and navigational, recreational, and educational opportunities). The project results were published in a report that now serves as a planning roadmap for flood resilience along the Ouachita River and a decision-making guide for federal, state, and local officials. Future phases of the work will determine the resilience outcomes of the selected projects as the community enjoys improved ecosystem goods and services and improved resilience against future floods.