In June 2011, the Mouse River flooded, causing the evacuation of more than 11,000 people and more than $700 million in damages. In response, Barr and a team of subconsultants completed preliminary design for flood-risk-reduction system improvements throughout the river valley. Construction of phases 2 and 3 in Minot, which represent nearly two miles of flood-risk-reduction features, was completed in fall 2020.
One part of Barr’s design work involved park and landscape design. We worked with the City of Minot, the Minot Park District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design trails on the flood-risk-reduction system’s levees. We also designed a dog park, streetscapes, and parking lots while collaborating with the park district to set priorities for park features and layout. In addition, we developed a landscape management plan; created resilient plant communities that can thrive on the area’s dry, exposed slopes and in the river floodway; and selected tree species for streets, parks, and the floodway.