Donaldson Run Tributary B Stream Restoration Project Update Donaldson Run Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting June 2, 2011
Review of changes from 30% to 60% design Reducing width of channel/floodplain to reduce footprint and tree/valley impacts Limiting re-location of pathway and narrowing pathway Reducing disturbance and tree impacts below the footbridge
Updates from 60% design to 75% in February 2011 Step pool grade control and riffle structures Initial analysis of hillside and storm pipe drainage inputs Initial water main survey Preliminary planting plan Invasive plant management framework
Updates from 75% design to Hydraulic analyses 90% design Vertical elevation of water main (pending) Hillside and storm pipe drainage inputs Meetings with specific property owners Easement research Preliminary design Advancement of planting plan and invasive plant management strategy Consideration of construction access, equipment type, future maintenance access
Hillside drainage inputs Working with specific property owners Accommodating flow inputs in project design
Storm pipe drainage inputs Verifying easements/pipe conditions Incorporating needed repairs/modifications into project design
Storm pipe drainage inputs next steps Complete easement research meet with specific property owners At least one new easement may be needed TV inspection of all three pipes Finalize designs that control stream energy and minimize future maintenance
30 Water Main Interim work completed to protect exposed pipe Completed horizontal location survey in January May - Small borings excavated to confirm pipe elevations Data analysis pending Few apparent conflicts with stream restoration design except at stilling basin TBD Considering reinforced streambed crossings for future access to main if needed
Trees No change in tree impacts from project from 60% designs to current design One tree removed to protect water main (previously listed as a potential removal) One tree has fallen (previously listed as a removal) Project impact: 36 trees>10 diameter, 72 trees overall
Invasive Management & Planting Plan Goals: To restore forest structure and function To support recreational use and aesthetics
Kudzu Invasive Plants 85-95% invasive species in the shrub and ground layers invasive species present on both park and private properties 27 different species
Implications Invasive management considerable component of the project Project requires integrated planting and invasive plant removal 4-6 year planting and invasive plant maintenance schedule Complete removal of invasive species is likely not possible Most successful if private citizens are involved in invasive management
Invasive Management Actions to Date Invasive plant removal workday, April 2 Invasive Plant Workshop Upshur St, May 1 Hosted by Amy White Invasive Plant Workshop Stuart St, May 17 Hosted by Sarah & Jeffrey Knight PRCR sprayed lesser celandine along both Tributary B and Tributary A Need help from the Civic Association to generate volunteer turn out and ideas on how to recruit additional volunteers
Invasive Management Actions - Next Steps In the future, a spring and fall event will be held on both Tributary A and Tributary B Coordination with or expansion of the 2 existing RIP teams (Remove Invasive Plants) working in Zachary Taylor Park and coordination with Arlington Master Naturalists is being pursued Possibly one more invasive plant workshop to engage homeowners is under consideration for fall 2011
Invasive Management Looking Ahead During construction/planting Clean equipment Mulch or mats for trees/shrubs Seed heavily Protect deer candy Post-Project/Maintenance Protect trees and shrubs Focus on stream banks Target species Coordinate invasive removal and planting Timing of control will depend on plant life cycle Flexible and adaptive
Planting Plan Site specific All plants will be native to Zachary Taylor Park Planting zones to account for habitat changes with elevation and distance from the stream. Special plantings for sensitive areas Multi-year to account for invasive control and natural forest succession
Zoned Planting - Example Slope Floodplain
Special Areas Bare Slopes
Scarlet oak Quercus coccinea Arrowwood Viburnum dentatum Bluestem goldenrod Solidago caesia
Construction methods, equipment, & materials
Smaller materials and equipment
Smaller materials and equipment
Tree protection mats
Step pools and Step run feature
Next Steps Continue work with property owners on hillside drainage inputs and design work for storm pipe drainage inputs Finalize planting plan and invasive plant management plan Develop construction access/staging plan Complete specifications including tree protection plan Target design completion by end of year Construction schedule still TBD
Tributary A, June 2010 Stream restoration, watershed retrofits, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance, Stormwater Permit and more. Learn more at: www.arlingtonva.us search Donaldson Run.