Laserfiche WebLink
<br />South Platte River, Chatfield Downstream Channel Improvement Project- Vegetation Management Plan <br /> <br />Phase 1: 2008 and 2009 - Vegetation Removal (In-Channel Sandbars and Channel Bottom) <br />The Corps has indicated that there is a critical need to remove all vegetation within the channel <br />for human safety and engineering reasons. Therefore, the VMP prioritizes Corps requests to <br />remove 100% of the sandbar vegetation within the first two years (2008-2009). <br /> <br />In addition to vegetation removal, it is recommended that that environmental planning and <br />recreational use be addressed during this time frame to reduce negative impact on the aquatic <br />environment. This phase should include a detailed assessment of all reaches and a plan to <br />address recreational use. In addition, a delineation of specific areas for protection and mitigation <br />should be so lidified. <br /> <br />Project monitoring of the 2007 Pilot Project treatment site should continue to be evaluated to <br />determine effectiveness of treatment techniques, need for above and below ground vegetative <br />removal, and vegetative removal impacts on water quality and erosion. There should be an <br />assessment and triaVpilot project of vegetative debris removal and seeding with Corps approved <br />species on treatment sites (Appendix A). In addition, an assessment of species and amount of <br />vegetative re-growth in treatment sites should be conducted. And lastly, vegetation and habitat <br />enhancement at (recommended) off-channel and upland locations should commence. <br /> <br />Phase 2: 2010 - Vegetation Removal (Bank Vegetation near engineered structures) <br />The secondary priority for the Corps has been indicated as a need to focus on engineered <br />structures within the project reach including bridges, drop structures, culverts, and outfall <br />structures. Therefore, this VMP recommends complete removal of obstructive vegetation, which <br />can be considered vegetation that is visually blocking the inspectability of each feature or <br />perhaps hydraulically impeding flow at each feature. The second phase of vegetation removal <br />along the project is anticipated in 2010. <br /> <br />Monitoring progress and implementing adaptive management at previous treatment sites will be <br />important in this phase for effectiveness of treatment techniques, vegetative removal impacts on <br />water quality and erosion, and impacts/benefits to wildlife and recreation. An assessment of <br />vegetative debris removal and seeding with Corps approved species on treatment sites should be <br />evaluated in addition to an evaluation of vegetation re-growth in treatment sites to best stage for <br />adaptive management. <br /> <br />Incorporating Corps recommendations given at each annual channel inspection will be a key <br />component to the success of this multi-objective project and continue vegetative and habitat <br />enhancement at off-channel and upland locations should continue to be monitored as well. <br /> <br />Phase 3: 2011 and 2012 - Vegetation Removal (Bank Vegetation between engineered <br />structures) <br />The last priority the Corps has indicated for vegetation removal includes bank vegetation along <br />the open channel sections of the river and on the river banks between engineered structures. <br />Therefore the VMP recommends that during 2011 and 2012, all channel banks be treated per <br />Corps specifications between engineered structures. <br /> <br />Page 16 <br />Final Report - April 30, 2008 <br />