Pre-Conference Field Trip
Copeland Bend WMA & Levee Setback Tour
Deadline to Register: Friday, March 13, 2025 (or until capacity is reached)
Tour Leader:
Environmental Resources Specialist
Riverine Practice Lead – Engineering with Nature Program
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – USACE Omaha District
Field Trip Details:
- Early Cost: $50 / Person (On or before December 5, 2025)
- Regular Cost: $65 / Person (After December 5, 2025)
- Limit: 50 people
Description:
After a major flood in 2011, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) constructed a large-scale levee setback at the Copeland Bend Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in order to rehabilitate a significantly damaged 4-mile stretch of levee. The project involved moving the levee back from the river, creating a large, connected floodplain. By leveraging federal conservation land, the levee repair project was also able to restore wetlands and natural habitats along the Missouri River.
The Copeland Bend site, which provides about 6.2 miles of Missouri River frontage in public ownership, is predominately flat floodplain with numerous wetland and drainage areas. On the bus ride to the site, speakers will provide background on the Copeland Bend WMA, along with an overview of the historic 2011 and 2019 floods that impacted the Lower Missouri River. Once on-site, we’ll explore a 4-mile-long, 800-acre levee setback completed in 2012 — a large-scale, nature-based flood risk management project. Attendees will visit key locations across the project area to reflect on the ecosystem services it provides.
Highlights include:
- A scenic viewpoint atop the levee overlooking the widest part of the setback, while discussing the flood risk management benefits of levee setbacks.
- An in-depth look at a constructed wetland complex designed to help mitigate agricultural runoff, and a review of the applied research being conducted here.
- A final stop deep into the restored floodplain to reflect on the legacy and future of large levee setbacks along the Missouri River.
Please Note: The tour includes walking up to one mile in potentially muddy conditions, with thick, knee-high vegetation. Sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing are recommended.
Field Trip Itinerary
| Timeline | Field Trip Activity |
| 1:00pm-1:30pm | Arrival, registration, and load onto bus |
| 1:30pm-2:15pm | Bus departs hotel |
| 1:30pm-2:15pm | 2011 and 2019 floods overview during drive to first site |
| 2:15pm-3:30pm | Walking tour of borrow pit wetlands with 2-3 stops depending on time. We will spend approximately 15-20 minutes at each stop plus time to get on and off the bus. |
| 3:30pm-3:45pm | Load onto bus for return trip to hotel |
| 4:30pm | Arrive back at hotel |
What to Wear
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Layered Clothing
- Light Jacket
- Long Pants
- Sturdy Footwear
What is Provided
- Bottled Water
Refund Policy
Refunds for cancellations will be issued until March 13, 2026, minus a $25 processing fee. Refunds will not be issued after March 13.
Field Trip Liability Notice
By participating in this field trip, you agree that you are responsible for your own safety and actions. Any risks, injuries, or damages are your responsibility. By registering, you confirmed that you’ve read and signed the liability waiver.
