Post on 23-Aug-2020
URBAN WATERWAYS RESTORATION STUDYSouth Platte River • Harvard Gulch • Weir Gulch
www.DenverWaterways.com 1
Study Sponsors
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Tonight’s Agenda
1. Overview of Study
2. Review Existing Conditions
3. Present Potential Ways to Meet Study Goals
4. Present Next Steps
5 G th F db k5. Gather Feedback
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Study AreaSouth Platte River
58th Ave
South Platte River
38th Ave
Colfax Ave
6th Ave
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Study Goals
P i G l R t t h bit tPrimary Goal: Restore ecosystem habitatSecondary Goal: Reduce flood risks
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Complementary Goal
Improve Access to Recreation
Photos: The Greenway Foundation
Environmental Education OpportunitiesIn-River Recreation 6
Study Purpose & Need
• Address loss of riparian, wetland, and aquaticAddress loss of riparian, wetland, and aquatic habitat associated with urban development
• Provide functioning habitat corridor through Denver for migratory birds, wetland and aquatic speciesg y , q p
• Create a healthy riverCreate a healthy river
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Other Denver Projects in the AreaSouth Platte River
• Sun Valley Master Plan
South Platte River
• South Platte River Vision – South• National Western Stock Show
I t t t 70 R t ti• Interstate 70 Reconstruction• Brighton Blvd Corridor Redevelopment• River North Pedestrian BridgeRiver North Pedestrian Bridge• River North Park• Festival Street / Arkins Court Realignmentg• Confluence Park
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Existing ConditionsEcologicalEcological
Development impacts have caused a reduction in the quantity, distribution, and functional quality of riparian, wetland, and aquatic habitat
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Existing ConditionsLow Functioning Wetland & Riparian HabitatLow Functioning Wetland & Riparian Habitat
• Changes in adjacent uses (urbanization)• Lack of connectivity for migration• Increased channelization• Increased channelization• Reduction in native vegetation
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Existing ConditionsLow Functioning Aquatic HabitatLow Functioning Aquatic Habitat
• Channel is wide, shallow, and slow-moving• Lack of cobble & rocks in channel bottom• Lack of riffles (small rock drops to vary water flow)• Lack of cover & shelter for aquatic species 11
Opportunities to Improve HabitatIn channel habitat Riparian/wetland habitatIn-channel habitat Riparian/wetland habitat
http://www.flyfishing.co.uk/
• Decrease non-native species
http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov Stutzman, Jim, USFWSZahm, Gary, USFWS
• Streambed variation / riffles Decrease non-native species• Improve water quality• Increase year-round flows
downstream of Burlington Canal12
Existing ConditionsFloodplainFloodplain
Create a healthy ecosystem and a better functioning floodplain that reduces flood risk where possible 13
Existing ConditionsAdjacent UsesAdjacent Uses
Constraints• Sanitary SewersSanitary Sewers• Adjacent Developed Property• Bridges 14
Adjacent UsesExisting Conditions
Adjacent Uses
OpportunitiesAdj R d l• Adjacent Redevelopment
• Adjacent Park / City Property15
Public Input to Date
• Recreation• Walking, cycling routes, in-river
• Water Quality • Influences recreation, urban runoff heavy with debris
H bit t• Habitat• Important for long term sustainability• Increase native vegetationIncrease native vegetation
• Visual Appearance• Reduce urban riprap, increase river terracesp p,
• Greater Neighborhood Access
Comments & Responses are on the websiteDenverWaterways.com 16
Existing ConditionWays to Improve Habitat
Existing Condition
Image of sewers
Need to Change Existing Conditions:
• Sewers/Utilities are located atSewers/Utilities are located at the top of the banks
• Channel is wide• Banks are steepp
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Ways to Improve HabitatMinimum Improvement OptionMinimum Improvement Option
Typical Minimum Improvements:• Narrow and deepen the
channelCreate vegetation and• Create vegetation and habitat terraces
• Utilities remain in place
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Maximum Improvement OptionWays to Improve Habitat
Typical Maximum Improvements:• Narrow and deepen channelNarrow and deepen channel• Create vegetation and habitat
terraces• Minimize side slopes by p y
laying back the banks• Relocate utilities• Improvements to adjacent
properties
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Ways to Improve Habitat
I-70
NN S
peer
Blv
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Example 1:Example 1:National Western & Northside Park
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Example 1: National Western & Northside Park
Existing At 48th, Looking North towards Northside Park 21
Example 1: National Western & Northside Park
After perspective will go hereAfter perspective will go here
22Proposed Looking North towards Northside Park
Example 1
Narrow Low Flow ChannelCreate Vegetation Terraces 23
Ways to Improve Habitat
I-70
NN S
peer
Blv
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Example 2:Example 2:Near Elitch Gardens
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Example 2: Near Elitch Gardens
Looking North near Elitch GardensExisting 25
Example 2: Near Elitch Gardens
• Laying Back the Banks• Increase Wetland Terraces
Looking North near Elitch GardensProposed
• Narrowing Low Flow channel
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Ways to Improve Habitat
I-70
NN S
peer
Blv
d
Example 3:Cuernavaca ParkCuernavaca Park
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Example 3: Cuernavaca Park
Existing Looking North towards Cuernavaca Park 28
Example 3: Cuernavaca Park
• Riffles• Wetlands at storm outfalls• Cover and shelter for aquatic species
Looking North towards Cuernavaca ParkProposed
• Wetland terraces• In-river whitewater wave / Recreation
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Example 3
http://www.flyfishing.co.uk/
Riffles 30
Alternatives: Lower ReachYork Street to I-70York Street to I 70
Minimum Improvements:• Increase in
I-70 riparian at edges
NMinimum Improvements
Maximum Improvements:• Increase in
I-70
• Increase in riparian and wetland at edges
NMaximum Improvements
Riparian
Wetland 31
Selection Criteria
• Habitat benefits & costs• Benefits to flood riskBenefits to flood risk• Recreation impacts & benefits• Property acquisitionp y q
Are these important to you?What other factors would you like considered?
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Study Outcomes & ScheduleStep 1:
Understand existing conditions Spring 2015
Step 2: Evaluate a broad range of options Early 2016
Step 3: Selection of Preferred Plan
• Public Meeting #3 Late 2016Propose a preferred planC & CCD l t f d l L t 2017• Corps & CCD select preferred plan Late 2017
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Long term Schedule
Feasibility Study D i & C t tiSecure FederalFeasibility Study3 years
Complete 2017
Design & Construction6-12+ years
Secure FederalFunding
Min. 2 years
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Feedback & Next Steps
Collect your feedback:• Visit the stations tonight & write comments on the plans• Visit the stations tonight & write comments on the plans• Provide comments online www.DenverWaterways.com
Project Team Next Steps:• Project team evaluation of the range of options• Recommend a preferred option based on selection criteria• Propose preferred plan at public meeting – Fall 2016
www.DenverWaterways.com 35
Q & A
www.DenverWaterways.com 36