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8A - Draft plans for Ecosystem Restoration of South Goose Creek and Cottonwood Pond CITY OF BOULDER INFORMATION ITEM FOR: ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD - August 4, 2010 TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD - August 9, 2010 WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD - August 16, 2010 PLANNING BOARD - August 19, 2010 PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD - August 23, 2010 OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES - August 25, 2010 GREENWAYS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM MEETING DATE: August 31, 2010 SUBJECT: Draft Plans for Ecosystem Restoration of South Goose Creek and Cottonwood Pond REQUESTING DEPARTMENT: Anne Noble - Greenways Coordinator, Public Works Utilities Eric Fairlee - Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Systems, Open Space and Mountain Parks PURPOSE: Draft Plans for Ecosystem Restoration of South Goose Creek and Cottonwood Pond are being provided by the U.S, Army Corps of Engineer to board members as an information item. If you have questions on this material, please contact Eric Fairlee at 303- 413-7647 or FairleeE@bouldereolorado.gov BACKGROUND: The Goose Creek Restoration project received funding from the Federal Government allowing the Corps of Engineers to begin work on a feasibility study for restoring Goose Creek downstream of Foothills Parkway to the confluence with Boulder Creek through the Cottonwood Ponds. Based on community feedback received in 2007, a conceptual alternative was chosen for the final Feasibility Report. In 2008, the Corps completed the existing conditions section of the Feasibility Study which ensures NEPA compliance. The alternatives will be ranked by habitat function and measureable environmental benefits in order to prepare for selection of the best alternative. During 2009 a new alternative was identified for Cottonwood Pond, which involves converting the pond to wetlands. A conceptual plan of this alternative is being developed for public review and consideration. It is anticipated that the feasibility study will be completed in 2010 and an agreement for design and implementation will be signed in 2011. GREENWAYS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACTION REQUESTED: Feedback on the proposed plans is requested from the Greenways Advisory. AGENDA ITEM # VII I-A PAGE GOOSE CREEK AT BOULDER, COLORADO SECTION 206 ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION FEASIBILITY STUDY PROGRESS REPORT -Executive Summary August 2010 The alternatives for the restoration of South Goose Creek have been largely completed. A hazardous and toxic waste analysis was done for the project site and no problems were found. In 2009, it was decided to explore the possibility of restoring Cottonwood Pond as a wetland, with much less open water. This task is also largely completed. Alternatives, their approximate costs and ecosystem outputs have been defined in draft form. Tasks that lie ahead during the remainder of 2010 include incremental comparison of restoration alternatives and the proposal of the best plan or plans. The draft feasibility report and technical appendices will also be submitted for internal review within the Omaha District and within the City of Boulder. Appropriate design concept drawings have been prepared for inclusion in the report and for public involvement meetings. Once the concept design has been examined by the City, the public and the Omaha District, it will be prepared for review by the Corps Northwestern Division. This is anticipated to take place this winter. The result of the review will be the recommended plan for ecosystem restoration. A final public meeting will be held in Boulder on this recommended plan, likely in the spring of 2011. During 2011, a Project Partnering Agreement (PPA) will be prepared to cover the Plans and Specifications and Construction phases. This will be jointly prepared and negotiated by the District and the City of Boulder. It is estimated that the final report and the PPA will be sent up to Northwestern Division in early summer 2011 for approval. Requests for funding of the Design and Implementation have been submitted in previous years for 2010 and will be resubmitted through the following 2 years to complete the project. Goose Creek, Boulder CO, Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration Page 1 Executive Summary & Formulation of Alternatives August 2010 AGENDA ITEM # VII I- , PAGE 2- GOOSE CREEK AT BOULDER, COLORADO SECTION 206 ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION FEASIBILITY STUDY FORMULATION OF RESTORATION ALTERNATIVES The restoration alternatives were formulated on the basis of project reaches. Initially the Project Development Team (PDT) came up with as many as 8 reaches. During the formulation process, the reaches were gradually reduced to 4 reaches with similar alternatives and problem solving methods. One of the remaining 4 reaches, the Transit Village reach, was not incorporated into this restoration effort after careful consideration. Each alternative would, to varying degrees, provide better connectivity for the stream to the floodplain, in-stream habitat, riparian vegetation, wildlife habitat and wetland health. Given the necessity to protect property and infrastructure from channel erosion, it was decided that almost all of the existing features would be left in place, but "softened." Restoration alternatives have been formulated for comparison prior to the selection of an ecosystem restoration plan. Each alternative would present a unique combination of restoration outputs and economic cost. An overview of the restoration alternatives for the project reaches can be summarized as follows. • South Goose Creek Restoration (Reach 1). This is the upper South Goose Reach from Foothills Parkway to Reynolds Comer. It is characterized by urbanization and tight boundaries of roads and developed businesses properties. o Alternative 1: Enhance Reach I of the existing stream channel by removing invasive species and establishing a new, natural streamside corridor by increasing the quantity and quality small wetlands and their connectivity with the stream. • South Goose Creek Restoration (Reach 2). This is the lower reach of South Goose Creek from Reynolds Corner to Cottonwood Pond. It includes the existing wetland at the confluence of North and South Goose Creek, with the lower boundary being the bike trail separating that wetland from Cottonwood Pond. This reach is less bounded on the right bank than Reach 1. o Alternative 1: Enhance Reach 2 of the existing stream channel by removing invasive species and establishing a new, natural streamside corridor by increasing the quantity and quality small wetlands and their connectivity with the stream. o Alternative 2: Move existing bike trail to the south, excavate a new, meandering channel and a wide floodplain bench to the south to enlarge riparian habitat and the buffer zone. • Cottonwood Pond (Reach 3). This includes Cottonwood Pond and surrounding low banks between the bike trail and Boulder Creek. o Alternative 1: Fill portion to expand existing wetland in North side of the pond, and portions of the shoreline to create diverse wetland edge community. Improve fish habitat in remainder of lake, remove exotic species, establish native vegetation. Goose Creek, Boulder CO, Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration Page 2 Executive Summary & Formulation ofAlternatives August 2010 AGENDA ITEM #1111-A , PAGE 3 o Alternative 2: Recreate the pre-development riparian ecosystem. Decrease pond depth to create wetland. Excavate shallow meandering stream and other riparian features, and establish native wetland and riparian vegetation. ALTERNATIVE SUMMARIES SOUTH GOOSE CREEK (REACH 1), ALTERNATIVE 1 Reach 1, Alternative 1, consists of approximately 5.55 acres. The primary measures include riparian zone improvement, construction of wetlands at outfalls, removal of selected boulders, removal of exotic trees and installation of wildlife migration structures under road crossings. Much of this reach is planted with Kentucky bluegrass or other ornamental/lawn grasses. The primary re-vegetation goal is to replace the non-native lawn grasses with a native mix of riparian and prairie species to create an effective restored riparian corridor along Goose Creek that connects with other restored reaches of Goose Creek and the riparian corridor along Boulder Creek. Specific stream-side plantings will take advantage of low channel backwater areas and outfall zones to provide greater diversity. There may be opportunities in Reach 1 to remove select boulders along the low flow channel and create additional meander and backwater areas adjacent to the flowing stream. The concrete weirs (instream rock/grade structures) and associated boulder fields will be retained but will be covered with vegetation. SOUTH GOOSE CREEK (REACH 2), ALTERNATIVE 1 Reach 2, Alternative 1 consists of approximately 1.71 acres. The primary measures include riparian zone improvement, construction of wetlands at outfalls, removal of selected boulders and removal of exotic plant species. This area was also planted with some ornamental/lawn grasses, but also includes poor quality upland vegetation, which is a mixture of native and invasive species. This alternative would retain the existing alignment of the channel as well as the existing bike trail, but similar to Reach 1, focus on riparian zone improvement, opportunities to create backwater and wetland areas (outfalls, boulder removal) and cover grade structures and boulder fields with vegetation. SOUTH GOOSE CREEK (REACH 2), ALTERNATIVE 2 This alternative consists of approximately 4.14 acres. The central restoration theme for this reach entails moving the existing bike trail to the south (further from the right bank of South Goose Creek), and excavating a new, meandering channel with a wide right bank floodplain bench to the south. This will also increase the low water channel stream length by adding sinuosity. Grading up to the bike trail will allow several zones of vegetation establishment, including wetlands and transitional wetland/prairie, upland prairie and wooded riparian areas. Goose Creek, Boulder CO, Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration Page 3 Executive Summary do Formulation ofAllernatives August 2010 AGENDA ITEM # ~I►11-~ , PAGE. Near Reynolds Corner on the right descending bank is an outlet area that releases waters high in iron, which causes the stream at that point to be stained orange. Creating a wetland or transition zone at this point will assist in absorption before the waters reach the stream. On higher terraces, establishing a riparian buffer area of dense willows and other woody vegetation will help prevent establishment by invasive species such as Russian olive. Selection of native plants will be screened to ensure that the selected plant species are not excessive in height or rigidity in order to not greatly increase channel roughness for flood conveyance. All grade control structures and boulder fields would be left intact and covered with vegetation, with the exception of the grade control weir immediately above the confluence of North and South Goose Creek, where the right bank portion of the weir could be removed and the boulders used elsewhere on the project. Additional restoration features include riparian zone improvement, construction of wetlands at outfalls, removal of selected boulders and the removal of exotic plant species. COTTONWOOD POND (REACH 3), ALTERNATIVE 1 Cottonwood Pond, Alternative 1, impacts approximately 10.28 acres, 7 acres of open water and 3.28 acres of edge habitat. The presence of exotic and invasive species, primarily Eurasian Milfoil, Russian olive and Brome greatly reduces the habitat quality within this area, limiting wildlife usage. Limited depth and shoreline variation also marginally limit wildlife usage and overall vegetation protection for aquatic species. The vegetation present is of limited value due to lack of diversity. This alternative focuses on improving the diversity of habitat and vegetation of the pond. Within the Cottonwood Pond project area there exists an opportunity to create a diverse wetland complex ranging from open water and shallow water marsh to cottonwood riparian buffer. Proposed restoration measures include filling in a portion of the North end of the pond to expand the existing wetland at that location, filling and regrading of the shoreline for additional wetland diversity with native vegetation plantings, installation of fish habitat and the removal of exotic and invasive species. The area bordering Cottonwood Pond to the south and east contains a large quantity of invasive Russian olive and crack willow trees. This area can be restored to a greater density of cottonwoods with native understory. COTTONWOOD POND (REACH 3), ALTERNATIVE 2 The primary restoration feature for this alternative is to restore this former gravel pit to the riparian ecosystem that existed early in the 2& century. Aerial photos taken in 1937, a time when the channel was still sinuous, show an abundance of pools of unknown depth and oxbow channels as Goose Creek entered the flood plain of Boulder Creek. This alternative involves decreasing the pond depth to create wetland, involving 10.28 acres. Restoring this area will be done by dewatering the pond and filling in much of its area, excavating a meandering channel, establishing wetland and transitional plantings and removing exotic and invasive species. Goose Creek, Boulder CO, Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration Page 4 Executive Summary & Formulation of Alternatives August 2010 AGENDA ITEM # ~(~f' PAGE S The new channel would mimic the pattern/amplitude of the historic channel. Other features will include a more shallow remnant channel opposing the stream pattern, and deeper remnant oxbow ponds. In addition, large stands of cottonwood and willows would be planted to re-establish cottonwood wetland areas similar to historic conditions bordering the creek. The area bordering Cottonwood Pond to the south and east contains a large quantity of invasive Russian olive and crack willow trees. This area can be restored to a greater density of cottonwoods with native understory. Goose Creek, Boulder CO, Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration Page 5 Executive Summary & Formulation of Alternatives August 2010 AGENDA ITEM #yL[[-A- , PAGE T - - _ - -.w , - _ -data ~r 7• r Goose Creek - -A r y Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration Reach 1 Concept Yheeeamaee.polen,elamaa~ May 2010 r 1.:~ where we could remove 1-3 - .rl~ (Aa94Y~t ,rte i f boulders end ay to ledlltate a bwerwetland w mluohabl,al; pde fy hard plsnt/eeed (these ,qt f 't! t G 1 areJuet -'a even ,we'd Y d..,.r a true placement al a law time); : . _ F 7hoee o wecwem potential ereaa r wherewe ld mmove 13 bouldem e l iry to lectlllale a ra - -1 X1k _ This area (pmMe color, both aides 41. lower woUand w mkmhebhat, f ° odmti ham l-aceas.edwed (Iheae d creek) has a kN of native plmle J uatsamp aeus V r edalirp here e,p, shad muslerde, true - buffeb prase, l)muld eaally seed delsrmtm Mro urnocemenl ate wx _ over to rejuvenate s a * ) soL Ealablleh prnlriMreroibon mbc' s { e ad}acent to week, both eklea - This area (whale'pmlrie' 1A { Nenl had, bath aurae d weak)9" btl f1~ki 11 FF k A; _Pletelyaaatidnan-native;1) However, mlher then swaps, e) tr. k* b4. consider dledrrp w b) ddll aaedlnp 6 ovemead by beallprodkal melhoB. z)wlll else Plenl llmNad lawbuMas _ r ^ L_ R Ri"don at-WItme. P Prek*(upland hurter) IK~ O Prr - wet Pndrklrmmla_ mh 1. Leave mdr sbuctures, 7=Tmn-AWO tlam "~'""'•f„ establish bonsllipnMa,lem :t la wipe ti.._ wipe. Add soil, emebn osnird E = E-Men - Xt - - - blanket (here lrlemly, not tight _ 1 0O=Open -W 36' mesh) C O E7 = B&e Tras Ilk EetaWiM Trace? Exotica? traneltiorvw lland edge romoval, eetahllah willows P/T = Wet Prairie/Transition mix - Mix of prairie cordgrass, switchgrass, select sedges e.g. Nebraska sedge; These areas will be in the saturated/slough areas that exist adjacent to the channel; select boulders will be removed to provide more variation. P = Prairie/upland buffer - Primarily buffalo grass, blue grama and western wheatgrass will replace existing sod AGENDA ITEM # VII < I , PAGE 7 * Goose Creek Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration 1 A s tt Reach 1 Concept - Continued IL 'M May 2010 These areas are pofantlel erase N 4 - C rmmalllorrtaMelland wedandeat a ar r ^,y. oWelle (emerpenf 6 where we could remove 1-3 Mani aver d1eM rout bouNen and try to leWllale a aid oWros; eslabllahr ira lower vvetlsd or r microhebdak - Minor grading, hard - pdenbally hand oncnk ((base gresses or other Auld Bop t . d°B°d - ,.,a~ are Just esmple arses, we'd e1e'bn OOetey bi"-l (harp • - - w delarmine Uue abndM tight mesh) placement ate dd' Later Omo); -(ic' - 4 Y EsteMlah pmlrldaenslfion mIx ad)awnl to creek, both Bides Aar 4! Mode) area where tawkfara ware moved. nice stream rrrkroltedUd ? eAlsta P~tyRwl~~11 qA' "+s P Thls area (whole 'pralde' eras I~ R • Rlparl- 0-braeee - klantiled, both aides of oreek) is T i P - Aide (uplvw lama) . completely aAndrrnorFnatWs; 1) .Q y Ip/T=Wet PmkWTrsWammix However, rather then scrape, a) consider discing or b) drill sa"nit ® T s Trenafti-A- end edge 6 overeaed by basgpraetiral . R. - ~ mefhnd. 2) WWI also pianf Ilmllad E ` E"sp°nr low busirs ♦ L ~:°i°° s~0-Open wets. 36' !r BT = Bike T.1 PIT = Wet Prairie/Transition mix - Mix of prairie cordgrass, switchgrass, select sedges e.g. Nebraska sedge; + ti These areas will be in the saturatedislough areas that exist adjacent to the channel; select boulders will be removed on the right descending bank to provide more variation. s„~s 4 q P = Praidelupland buffer - Primarily buffalo grass, blue grama and western wheatgrass will replace existing sod AGENDA ITEM # VI , PAGEL ~ r16 1, Goose MAW f Qc » s~ _ ,lam >~s -Creek T Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration r Reach 1 Concept - Continued r - Thess meal em pomotW sreea rhie area (whole pralrh- area ,~.f✓A wham we wind renew 1.3 denNed, both aide. of creak) Is May 2010 E. boulders and try to (adlltale a ooml~talyamfick Fruim; l) ` lower wetland or microhabitel. However, rather than scraya. a) - V potentially hand planuseod (these conader diedng or b) tldll seeding %'~r~ Create wetlands at Y A Yfy-~ ere just sample areas, we'd & osersosd by bastlpracdwl 4W , .tW,s {emerysnl I determine We placement at a method; 2) WIII aim pienl limited trenshionMetierd edge; later bme); low bushes Mir*r gredfng, hand i tt - or seed 7 _ it_ - . va4F:zi - y~ iU A tTM ~r - _7 IJy - F PI ,war Ihate rock +s~ a ulm; m,ablish p,aaaea a od . Add sd, rasWn mnbd hlsnYe, (Mry _ 11WAIr, rat "ht me h) Plant war Ihefa C structures; eatabilsh greases or odan, Add sell. .MW.-trel blmket (tarp Establish praiddaansition mix Retr hbnay; Wt tight mesh) nd(acam to croak, both skies 0 R Ri adm ywb"'- Ltt, l~ P ° PreHa "warp buaar) t © Wr.wet Pnkal adnaaa ®r = rrenwaan„aaera saga = E ° Emergent ~ O • Open water > 3G O ar. Bee Ira er s P/T = Wet Prairielrransition mix - Mix of prairie cordgrass, switchgrass, select sedges e.g. Nebraska sedge; These areas will be in the saturated/slough areas that exist adjacent to the channel; select boulders will be removed on the right descending bank to provide more variation. a P = Prairie/upland buffer - Primarily buffalo grass, blue grama and western wheatgrass will replace existing sod r~~.. AGENDA ITEM # V1II- , PAGE _..~s" - _ - - Y a --mar-...rte-~••~ fr - .w.s~ Goose Creek Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration ( Ceate.Mndsai =o outlalk emeryenl 6 Iren hand plantImedge: IN V Reach 2, Alt. 2 Concept _ This, h hand p~,geead _ May 2010 fdeniz, both .6d- of -k): 1) Y Gather than .rape, e) consider Remove majority of rocks, de in er b) drill a.. ding 8 use elemuhers on ProOt 4. overeead by besl/predkxl Plans ow remalning rock method, 2) WIII also Plent Honied rock struduree; establish q' 5 j i { - - ,^t'r!L'•Ll~ ! - J.r,, k. bushee Wawa or oll Add soll LT 6 erasion control blanket y IV (herp friendly, no light mean) Ore. isrep4+rl ~ ~ fd oud Ile (o rpama 1, ~,..t'y • ~ ~-_~.,~„n' 1 e,7p tr8nsl1.,J%etland edge, y, Plant over them rock S: hand PlanUseed - aWdures, establish j.-!I grossas or other UAW- y ~h l?fa ~7f:Efll{uru ' `r r i EsteMlah nisarlan transitiond tredehrub axo f p Establish prelrielfranalUOn m& Establish adjacent to creek, both aides; ran trerWUonAveUaM extend outward on ackith aids o! R= g4edsn ehn1baA- r ~ ~ r. Brea creak r"• - Haw Mks flail (ramous anent ~ P' Pf°~° lavtsnd doer) ~,r I~ art • wa<R.at.rrr.,wmn ad[ rlF 'bike troll) et ~ _ _ - D 7 = Trenaluo,JaeaeM edge v . +'y-.. - ~ ®E - EmnrgeN In this reach all boulders on the right descending bank will be removed, and the floodplain to the right bank will be ; ° ° °penv° excavated to allow variations of saturation and grading into upland prairie and small shrubs. Primarily buffalo grass, blue B7°Bae7ae grama and western wheatgrass will replace existing sod. Emergent and wet areas should be limited to saturated soils with isolated pockets of shallow water (0-6"). Riparian shrubs will be limited to those that can do well in direct sun e.9 . sandbar willow, indigobush leadplant, western chokecherry, wild plum, peachleaf willow. Invasive plants will be removed (RCG, russian olive). ~ AGENDA ITEM #_1,11-kPAGE - C' ti 77 FlII -I Ieke to creel. open water'ch.nr ~s surround d by weuandr t ~r r~ K 3y 1 1~ Iehsem-m-t' 10. r • C`f It r I _3C" n ?'~SE ~ '}Yae5i11V11t1ltllAnd FQi 6". 11t' ~ - ~ WCl prylld]IyRi}InII U.R"a1 21 bYcLt N'rrrk'G6~'acc ' ~ !'Ialrc lUplonll Hul1r11 1t . a r r; rrc► P11Rew litni*raV j ri C`MOmrpid lSq'uu'wn 7umo r 4f4.. i"' ~ perm Itmwtal OeerA~w r-',~ 11scCle lla.ld'cr Cr~}. rkf f•`ret1 K.•lnrb ftnP 4-* ~~Yr sr V ~ I r~ j YrahknlRtltrtna 1 R[~J ~'If P"~.-„ f.'. RmnoMa crack wlRowe: ~ ~Ullmd Net W ~tn.nm'e Eelablleh cottonwood end Wi.uJ Pa;A 4eue,y Clrunlat 'dx'L' M t wilbwhhlabuntlrntoly M i l r~ l' Sonr Re Mr Cl~a jam 'tit `IVu AGENDA ITEM # , PAGE -I _ n t t ~s r ~ 3 t ~ ;..lam - • ~ w ~ }ik'+r~. w•r to ` F Y. ~ :~r'. , 4 r 0!d Goose Creek Channel m vicintly of the new Cottonwood Pond , lag AW' I AA T W - , ' 4. ~ ~y~ .for ~ i.~` ~y - M1,rf AGENDA ITEM # UI , PAGE,,., i , -tom ! ~ = jr ~ ~~f ai- r LuJ p 4 r,`' 1y - _ 1~~ - 111111, ~Y - - TrmtrTOnN't:IeEIKe bIB' ~l x ~ Akr hauc~'Dmutiw W~- b &?"v W.W Sao. Rnnaaal Sham Shand 0.1'_' -~lemfupi ~tlnv 1I•l6' - Ca:tun•arWN~OUrRgrf~e Luca I~r+'a almy rl~l ~~~tt~,,^. IYaire illplned Huhn} u!~ •r Cwtw.n-Rmtwd +s~' _ 11111. Cmanwpl[pnnst7 - - _ Y r urn Rmwd:~.vllar Ncab ihaidn Cr ~ rr...,. nva n.r.. Iti ~ a~ 3 r~ i llu _ ' wpard NasQy Swtue _ R'wJ D. \ N,.hiE 91n«rlac to _ n r ti lrm- nnne Sttnr AGENDA ITEM #_.Vl I- , PAGE Goose Creek at Boulder, Colorado Section 206 Study Boulder Greenways Committee Meeting August 31, 2010 ~ J,ter f F f i r US Army Corps of Engineers r BUILDING STRONG® ' ~i AGENDA ITEM # VI I I- A , PAGE ~ TOPICS ■ ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION ► South Goose Creek Restoration Alternatives ► Cottonwood Wetland Restoration Alternatives ■ RECREATION ■ PROJECT MANAGEMENT ■ DISCUSSION MIS BUILDING STRONG AGENDAITEM#VI{I-PAGE Feasibility Study Plan Formulation Process ■ Specify Problems & Opportunities ■ Inventory & Forecast Conditions ■ Formulate Alternative Plans ■ Evaluate Effects of Alternative Plans ■ Compare Alternative Plans ■ Greenways Public Meeting ■ Incremental Cost Analysis ■ Select Recommended Plan Complete Feasibility Report ■ Review Process, Including Public Report Approval / Execute PPA ale BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # V'I 1I_kPAGE ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION Goals of Section 206 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects ■ Reconnect old river channels and backwaters. ■ Create wetlands along lakes and reservoirs. ■ Improve aquatic habitat in lakes and reservoirs. ■ Reduce erosion & sedimentation along streams. ■ Improve riparian habitat in & along flowing streams. ■ Emphasis on helping survival of endangered species. ■ Restore rare habitats. Lot BUILDING STRONG AGENDA ITEM # V L I- PAGE I? Geomorphological Effects of Urbanization ■ Stream widening and erosion ■ Reduced Fish Passage ■ Degradation of Habitat Structure ■ Decrease in Channel Stability ■ Loss of pool-riffle structure ■ Fragmentation of Riparian Tree Canopy ■ Embeddedness ■ Decrease in Substrate Quality me © Center for Watershed Protection BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # VII - , PAGE f Urban Streams ■ Provide limited or no shelter (predation/high flows) ■ Loss of buffer zones ■ Vegetation along the banks sparse, lacks biodiversity ■ Lack of shade leads to thick growths of algae or water plants. Straightened Channel Lack of Biodiversity Large Rock Outfalls Fb~. 'Am *1841 Moe BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # v-- Ei--, PAGE I~ Urban Streams (Cont.) • In summer, low flows can lead to high water temperatures and declining oxygen levels • Increased fish barriers • Poor substrate • Urban runoff (sediment, nutrients, carbon, trace metals, hydrocarbons, chlorides, bacteria) • Often support limited stream life Habitat Fragmentation Unvarying Shoreline Water Quality Impacts t ~i _ - ..rte All, , 4 ' BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # V I I (-A, PAGE ~0 Natural Stream Features ■ Meander, erode and repair banks, dynamically stable ■ Water & sediment sculpt the landform and shape stable bed ■ Plants contribute to the health of the system: ► Primary food source for aquatic animals and insects ► Shade and cool the stream ► Prevent erosion ► Natural filters, trapping sediment and pollutants ■ Pools (deep sections) - outside bends of meanders slow flows ■ Riffles (steeper, rocky sections) between the pools cool and oxygenate pool rifle ■ Wetlands on edges, point bars and transition into upland, thalweg providing diversity and buffers line pool riffle or cross over 0 Soquence of pools and riffle% in straig [it (a) and sinuous (6) strean) channels. AGENDA ITEM # Vi l l , PAGE ~1 Environmental Goals ■ Hydrologic reconnection of South Goose Creek with its floodplain ■ Restoration of aquatic and terrestrial habitat ■ Reintroduction of floodplain large wood ■ Restoration of a native forested floodplain plant community ■ Manage/control aquatic nuisance species and terrestrial exotics t AGENDA ITEM # V1 I (-A, PAGE ZZ Stream Restoration Features fit. n i'' M X ■ Native, streamside vegetation ■ Riparian Buffer ■ Meanders ■ Pool/Riffle Complexes ■ Wetlands IMCD BUILDING STRONG, 3 AGENDA ITEM # PAGE-Z!- Goose Creek Stream Restoration Reaches Gwft OV& Y Belcher, co t ~ ~ 9emwn soe. ~Rm~atlon ~ r ~ [ ~'S%~ * M11 + x , 'r..r-•a 'rte t~ r i, All ' - '.a -77 7; 1A A., BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # V1 (1-1~ , PAGE °kl Restoration Methods Reach 1 ► Plant native vegetation to reestablish riparian buffer strip ► Remove selected boulders along channel to encourage channel sinuosity and small wetland areas ► Create pool/riffle structure using existing boulders and augmenting with large cobble BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # Al Lk, , PAGE ~1 Goose Creek t ~f. • ~a - Section 206 Ecosystem - ` - Restoration r c Potential Reach 1 Concept August 2010 boulder removal i (1.3); Wetland/ microhabitat 11 ~ Rejuvenate ~ native short t s. i,r ;t mustards, buffalo Potential boulder z~ t r - ` s removal (1.3); Non-native, Wetland/ ornamental Prairransition microhabitat grasses; Establish area adjacent to `mss native; Plant ' creek limited low bushes 3 „ -tic' IL -a=te 1F' t Add soil, erosion control blanket (herp friendly); ° Establish transition/ wetland edge Establish Remove ' ' transition/ exotics; wetland edge establish willows. Riparian shrubs/trees o Emergent © Prairie/Transitional (prairie cordgrass, switchgrass, Nebraska sedge) - ~ Open water ~ Prairie (buffalo grass, blue grama, western wheatgrass) Q Bike Trail ® Transition/wetland edge AGENDA ITEM # I JA PAGE F rr~+tr~rIr. g~ - Goose Creek Section 206 Ecosystem Restoration Reach 1 Concept - Continued Potential August 2010 Create boulder removal Establish etlands at (1-3); Wetland/ grasses/etc. - outfalls microhabitat over rock ` f structures S` INK. 'ice. ~^}1 Prairie/transition 4" air AWIMWIN& adjacent to creek Model area T sa, where boulders were moved; Non-native, Stream are ornamental a~ microhabitat grasses; Drill or exists y~ overseed; Plant limited low { bushes s Riparian shrubs/trees ® Emergent o Prairie/Transitional (prairie cordgrass, switchgrass, Nebraska sedge) ~ Open water e~ Prairie (buffalo grass, blue grama, western wheatgrass) o Bike Trail ® Transition/wetland edge AGENDA ITEM # VI (r , PAGE ±7 Goose Creek - Section 206 Ecosystem r~ Restoration Potential boulder Consider drill Reach 1 Concept - Continued removal (9.3); seeding, drill q wetland/ August 2010 r microhabitat seeding or F T Create f combos. A31 wetlands t outfalls ' ,rte= - =G®r ORr Kim ji 4W Tl~ r r ` Ilk - a ' tablish R•. grasses , over structures MOLL Establish T• grasses r over Establish 4, k structures prairie/transition area I~t ex% ® Riparian shrubs/trees ~ Emergent c Prairie/Transitional (prairie cordgrass, switchgrass, Nebraska sedge) a Open water Prairie (buffalo grass, blue grama, western wheatgrass) o Bike Trail Transition/wetland edge AGENDA ITEM # V7!(- , PAGE L'2 Restoration Methods Reach 2 ■ Alt 1 - Similar to Reach 1 ■ Alt 2 - More Natural Stream Features ► Reconnect floodplain by regrading existing channel ► Install meanders ► Relocate bike path to expand wetland complex and forested wetland ► Plant native vegetation to reestablish riparian buffer strip ► Plant shrub buffer strip along Pearl Parkway to impede prairie dog colony expansion LOS BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # Y-11 -(-A, PAGE-a -JWI!W- e06 s Goose Creek r Section 206 Ecosystem Create wetlands at Restoration Consider outfalls Reach 2 Alt. 2 Concept Remove majority of ~ - drillseeding or , August 2010 overseeding rocks, Plant over ' y remaining rock { structures; Establish R grasses, etc. r Create ' ~ wetlands at - _ 4, outfallst Establish grasses over rock - structures y; Riparian transitional tree/shrub Riparian shrubs/trees r Prairie (upland buffer) F o Prairie/Transition mix ® Transition/wetland edge d Establish M Emergent Establish prairie/transition M Open water o Bike Trail A ..~i transition/ adjacent to creek •yNew bike ,r wetland trail area r ~ 1 r,~r r 1117 •U • Boulders on the right descending bank would be removed. • Floodplain to the right bank will be excavated to allow variations of saturation and grading. • Emergent and wet areas should be limited to saturated soils with isolated pockets of shallow water (0-6"). • Riparian shrubs e.g. sandbar willow, indigo bush, lead plant, western chokecherry, wild plum, peachleaf willow. AGENDA ITEM PAGE Restoration Methods Reach 3 -Cottonwood Pond ■ Alt 1 -Enhance Existing Wetland ► Fill west portion of pond to expand existing wetland ► Undulate shoreline to increase diverse habitats ► Remove Russian Olives and replant with native trees ► Install LWD and/or boulders to enhance periphyton populations and aquatic cover CIO BUILDING STRONG AGENDA ITEM #y~r(S, PAGE Restoration Methods Reach 3 - Cottonwood Pond Pt- r`~j' ' Undulate shoreline Fill and expand wetlands to provide diversity J 1 1 ~1 'Awl rte! fl 1T,. ?`'4xt s # _.~r fir, ~ rld~ ,1 ~ r _ r)_+d ' K l1 I 4~ _ mDa.- f. coo BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # V/l A, PAGE ~2- Restoration Methods h - nw Pond Reac 3 Cotto ood ■ Alt 2 - Restore Historical Forested Wetland ► Fill pond to create more historical wetland forest bosque Filling pond will help address Eurasian Milfoil ► Excavate new meandering channel, mimic historic channel ► Excavate remnant channel oxbows ► Create varied depths to establish diverse wetland ► Establish pockets of forest Loi BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA, ITEM # ~ I I " , PACE -3 1937 Historic Photo Cottonwood Pond s5° _i1•- ice= "~T'T~ ~rs~: -e .`y` _ c a ~ .t' ~"~}\Y .r a Ow ~ 1 ~ d•A Y y,l ~ f ~ Y ~ 4\ G f~_ ~ F ta'+h ~ ~ ~#"Z~, ' f illy,, ~ _ _ q /j° Old Goose Creek Channel in vicinity of the new Cottonwood Pond ' . is '4 •1 '~9lF- \,4."`. RI/!A" rat i"~ka w _ 1 ~'•./~pp,^Qa 4W .s Rte- 1 idC At. AGENDA ITEM # Wll(-A, PAGE F r.: Foe, . ~ - + ' r I Tfinuwaln►nlsd ~ 6.1Ir' MI ftm"7~wm Nil to 2A"aE•v[ewa~Svfaor 12- - CltirodroalAlSHow RK.vu1o k _ - _ f ~ R rtUplm11md4ff~, ms`s♦gl'Nf' ~ ~ s•„ti~,rilt~fWRsSanrrt~ - " I IT i3am R~cf!)vfr I ~ ~ ~ t'IV.efc3kr~ Malmnrf 1 ' ~ ~ Mra+nr tlFy~rtq ra ~1 ~ ~ 1N aILpId 1'ik~emj $tM'1R!• 1 s ~ ~ 11'u8.1 t]fsY 14e1110y 9fOtfUlf Anamne rrms d{ V11(-4 MOMP ~i i What"s next? The NEPA Process ■ The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is the basic national charter for protection of the environment ■ Requires all Federal agencies to make environmental consideration part of an agency's decision-making process ■ Requires all Federal agencies to take into account environmental consequences when making decisions which could be considered "major federal actions" ■ Where appropriate, measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate environmental impacts are included in the analysis ■ Public meetings are part of the NEPA Process 23 BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # VI II-, PAGE---36 What NEPA Does Not Do ■ Decide which alternative to choose ■ Prevent negative environmental impacts from happening ■ Guarantee the preferred alternative ■ Prohibit any actions 24 BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # UI I , PAGdl Environmental Analysis Includes: ■ Air Quality • Noise ■ Compatible Land Use . Recreational Impacts ■ Construction Impacts . Secondary Impacts ■ Cultural Resources . Socioeconomic ■ Endangered Species Impacts Act . Visual and Aesthetics ■ Farmland ■ Fish, Wildlife and Plants ' Water Quality ■ Flood Plains • Wetlands ■ Hazardous Materials m Wild and Scenic ■ Historical Preservation Rivers 25 BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM #Y/ I , PAGE Boulder Ck Trail along Goose Ck -Existing Rec. Conditions ■ Concrete surface, 2 lanes wide ■ 2 sharp doglegs W of pond ■ Interconnects with other Boulder trails ■ 308,000 visitor days in 2006 (latest avail.) ■ Adjacent recreation facilities include: ►Semicircular seating area (Reynolds Corner) ►Water fountain ► Pond, but few anglers (Eurasian milfoil) me BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # dI I' PAGE Boulder Ck Trail along Goose Ck: Future Rec. Conditions (No Project) Increase in visitors -Use North Goose Creek Trail to access larger Valmont Park ■ Additional trails ■ More athletic fields ■ More picnic areas & restrooms ■ Larger dog park area ■ Bike Park currently being developed; many other new facilities in the future ale BUILDING STRONG AGENDA ITEM # UII ~ , PAGE l D Boulder Ck Trail along Goose Ck - Future Recreation (with Project) Higher visitor use -Restoration attracts new users & increases existing users' enjoyment ■ View more naturalistic stream & wetlands ■ Safety will increase if trail doglegs are gone ■ Pond fishery restored after EWM controlled, or view/photograph restored wetlands ■ New restoration-oriented recreation facilities [me BUILDING STRONG AGENDA ITEM 4-11 Iy,PAGE "L Potential New Recreation Facilities ■ High-tensile, 8-strand MMI wire fencing between trail & Cottonwood site ■Pond: 2 soft-surface access points, with stone bench and ■ City of Boulder boulder "table" at each staff will provide access point info for rec facility ■ 1 - 4 Interpretive signs pans & specs me BUILDING STRONG AGENDA ITEM # VIII" ,PAGE Potential Educational & Interpretive Signs -Topics (with Locations) ■ Map of Trail with Connections to Valmont Park & Transit Village (Reynolds Corner) ■ Aquatic Nuisance Species/ Exotic Species ( On trail at Cottonwood site, where EWM removed & Russian olive trees replaced) ■ Wetlands and Natural Stream Restoration (On trail spur W of Cottonwood site) ■ Riparian Buffers (near potential bus stop bench, 48th St Circle & Pearl Parkway) BUILDING STRONG AGENDA ITEM # V I' PAGE PROJECT MANAGEMENT ■ SCHEDULE (Estimated) ► Complete Analysis 15 Oct 10 ► Draft Report 15 Nov 10 ► Complete District Report Review 15 Dec 10 ► Complete External Peer Review 15 Feb 11 ► Submit Final DPR with FONSI 15 May 11 ► Report Approval 30 May11 ► Execute PPA and Start Design 15 Jul 11 ■ BUDGET (Desired 2011 Funding) ► Feasibility $70,000 ► Design $1255000 Q• BUILDING STRONG AGENDA ITEM # V L L - , PA6E--q~ _ DISCUSSION Y 11 ' I I I ZI@t `.~RJ±~ y! ~ T j ,~i, ,~f l~ ~ S t, Ul~i.'-..f}~ a ~,~p , ~ ! i• 1 ~~pfi_,y }ty~jvY s~~R,,e~~•~sr7C7 ~ ~r,+~ ~ i{1C' r.^ 1 f: ~~7,Il, d.~j/, _+t0,}7' `l P ~1 Y,'• ' ~F , i ~r y ~ 4 ~y W 4 Z41 p~ Tai. -.x. #NM 'fir f f7 q I ~ _ 'N yf-- 'IF Y `f r atr ' ?1Y F~r'i'.f M7,F''.,•`i' f+jpyfr; a S g'' jfs4~ ~.ti Y v4; 5if z. 'yf _Y r 7' Y' 'e° I~~ e - • ~a,'~C. ~ y~a~ at 'a Am '~Yn My r 1 I I BUILDING STRONG, AGENDA ITEM # U LAPAGE