VMP Final Report 4-30-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

South Platte River, Chatfield Downstream Channel Improvement Project- Vegetation Management Plan Project Reach Descriptions Each project reach can be viewed in maps found in this section (Map2, Map 3, Map 4, and Map 5). Reaches were surveyed for engineered structures, habitat features and functional values, geomorphology, and substrate. Descriptions of site characteristics for each reach are located below. Reach A) South Platte Park to Bowles Avenue Engineered Structures - Reach A includes the location where the flood control channel starts and includes a series of drop structures, ramps, culverts, and bridges. Vegetation - The riparian habitat in this reach is dominated by cottonwood gallery forests on the upper floodplain and narrow willow riparian habitat in the channel and along the banks of the river. Sandbars are dispersed throughout the reach and are dominated by willow. The understory along the banks contains cattails, sedge, rush, with a diverse layer of grasses and forbs. Upland-riparian cottonwood galleries have shrub understories. However, several contain smooth brome, which may have historically been seeded. Off-channel low areas, which may be historic oxbows, occur along the reach and have dense wetland vegetation. This reach is diverse in vegetative communities. Wildlife - Essential breeding habitat for dozens of species of resident and migratory birds can be found in this reach. Mature cottonwood trees provide nesting, hunting, perching, and loafing habitat for raptors. Bald eagles frequently fly over the area in the winter. A pair attempted to nest in a tree on an adjacent property south of the reach. This reach has extremely important habitat for mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Riparian woodland and shrub land ecosystems provide optimum shelter and food for wildlife and function as movement corridors. Off-channel wetland and aquatic habitats are important nursery habitats for fish. Riparian habitat is Page 10 Final Report - April 30, 2008