Donaldson Run Tributary B

Stream Restoration Project Update

Donaldson Run Stakeholder Advisory Group MeetingJune 2, 2011

Review of changes from 30% to 60% design

ØReducing width of channel/floodplain to reduce footprint and tree/valley impacts

Ø Limiting re-location of pathway and narrowing pathway

ØReducing disturbance and tree impacts below the footbridge

Updates from 60% design to 75% in February 2011

Ø Step pool ‘grade control’ and ‘riffle’ structures

Ø Initial analysis of hillside and storm pipe drainage inputs

Ø Initial water main surveyØ Preliminary planting plan Ø Invasive plant management framework

Updates from 75% design to 90% design

Ø Hydraulic analysesØ Vertical elevation of water main (pending)Ø Hillside and storm pipe drainage inputs

l Meetings with specific property ownersl Easement researchl Preliminary design

Ø Advancement of planting plan and invasive plant management strategy

Ø Consideration of construction access, equipment type, future maintenance access

Hillside drainage inputsØ Working with specific

property ownersØ Accommodating flow

inputs in project design

Storm pipe drainage inputsØ Verifying

easements/pipe conditions

Ø Incorporating needed repairs/modifications into project design

Storm pipe drainage inputs –next steps

ØComplete easement research – meet with specific property owners

Ø At least one new easement may be neededØ TV inspection of all three pipesØ Finalize designs that control stream energy

and minimize future maintenance

30” Water Main

Ø Interim work completed to protect exposed pipeØ Completed horizontal location survey in JanuaryØ May - Small borings excavated to confirm pipe

elevationsØ Data analysis pendingØ Few apparent conflicts with stream restoration

design except at stilling basin – TBDØ Considering reinforced streambed crossings for

future access to main if needed

Trees

ØNo change in tree impacts from project from 60% designs to current design

ØOne tree removed to protect water main (previously listed as a potential removal)

ØOne tree has fallen (previously listed as a removal)

Ø Project impact: 36 trees>10” diameter, 72 trees overall

Invasive Management & Planting Plan

Goals:Ø To restore forest structure and

functionØ To support recreational use and

aesthetics

Kudzu

Invasive PlantsØ 85-95% invasive species in the shrub and ground layersØ invasive species present on both park and private properties Ø 27 different species

ImplicationsØ Invasive management considerable

component of the projectØ Project requires integrated planting and

invasive plant removalØ 4-6 year planting and invasive plant

maintenance scheduleØComplete removal of invasive species is

likely not possibleØMost successful if private citizens are

involved in invasive management

Invasive Management Actions to Date

Ø Invasive plant removal workday, April 2 Ø Invasive Plant Workshop – Upshur St, May 1

– Hosted by Amy WhiteØ Invasive Plant Workshop – Stuart St, May 17

– Hosted by Sarah & Jeffrey KnightØ 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

Ø In the future, a spring and fall event will be held on both Tributary A and Tributary B

Ø 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

Ø Possibly one more invasive plant workshop to engage homeowners is under consideration for fall 2011

Invasive Management –Looking Ahead

Ø During construction/plantingl “Clean” equipmentl Mulch or mats for trees/shrubsl Seed heavilyl Protect deer candy

Ø 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

Ø Site specificØ All plants will be native to Zachary Taylor

ParkØ Planting “zones” to account for habitat

changes with elevation and distance from the stream.

Ø Special plantings for sensitive areasØMulti-year to account for invasive control

and natural forest succession

Zoned Planting - Example

SlopeFloodplain

Special Areas – Bare Slopes

Scarlet oakQuercus coccinea

ArrowwoodViburnum dentatum

Bluestem goldenrodSolidago caesia

Construction methods, equipment, & materials

Smaller materials and equipment

Smaller materials and equipment

Tree protection mats

Step pools and Step run feature

Next StepsØ Continue work with property owners on

hillside drainage inputs and design work for storm pipe drainage inputs

Ø Finalize planting plan and invasive plant management plan

Ø Develop construction access/staging planØ Complete specifications including tree

protection planØ Target design completion by end of yearØ Construction schedule still TBD

Learn more at: www.arlingtonva.us – search “Donaldson Run.”

Tributary A, June 2010

Stream restoration, watershed retrofits, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance, Stormwater Permit and more….