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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREDTAIL - MAJOR AMENDMENT - 26-01B - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 1 - WETLANDS DOCUMENTSOL[ OFipYN Mf I>h m 191 i - 1 flan pfOw® W p - 1 RYn pfMm 1L O - I R1IK p{>nI� NI Y - ♦ RCNn piM{D W nl - { tCNn pRYm N{ O - { RCUO p5{wIm Mm ISI)) W - I RIIMn IIY11m Nn W - I RIIYn Y➢Glm Im IlI)) Oi - 1 ffP Y911 plllll® l.W ).{i OW - 1 pV1 YAII WIW® l.Iq ).n0 n Ir.{ e n ro u MAP: WETLANDS IMPACTED AND MITIGATION AREAS G ..I -U G 4.2 Seedlings/Emergents Aquatic and Wetland Company 9999 Weld County Road 25 Fort Lupton, Colorado 80621 Bitterroot Restoration, Inc. 445 Quast Lane Corvallis, Montana 59828 406-961-4991 Fossil Creek Nursery 4919 S. College Ave. Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 970-226-4924 Kesters Wild Game Food Nurseries, Inc. P. O. Box 516 Omro, Wisconsin 54963 414-685-2929 Pleasant Avenue Nursery, Inc. P. O. Box 257, 506 South Pleasant Ave. Buena Vista, Colorado 81211-0257 719-395-6955 Sun Chaser Natives 14290 W. 54th Ave. Arvada, Colorado 80002-1512 303-278-9725 4.3 Willow Cuttings Cuttings will be taken from live willow stands located within the project area and, as necessary, from stands as close to the project area as is feasible, given legal site access. The number of cuttings collected from any one source will be such that the viability of the parent stand is not jeopardized. Cutting collection techniques will follow the guidelines specified in Section 3.0 Technique Specifications, above. 13 S. G. Long - Lagunitas - Redtail Project - 2003 e c e 4.0 PARTIAL LIST OF PLANTING MATERIAL SUPPLIERS The following sub -sections list sources which typically stock planting materials for the species referred to in this document. Other sources also exist which stock quality planting materials and may be contacted for price quotes. 4.1 Seeds Arkansas Valley Seed Co. 4625 Colorado Blvd. P. O. Box 16025 Denver, Colorado 80216 303-320-7500 Anderson Seed Company 110 Anderson St. P. O. Box 1017 Lamar, Colorado 81052 719-336-2226 Beauty Beyond Belief 1730 South College Avenue #104 Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 970-221-3039 Bitterroot Restoration, Inc. 445 Quast Lane Corvallis, Montana 59828 406-961-4991 . Granite Seed 1697 West 2100 North Lehi, Utah 84043 801-768-4422 Attn: William Agnew Miller Grass Seed Co., Inc. P. O. Box 81823 1600 Comhusker Highway Lincoln, Nebraska 68501 402-438-1232 Southwest Seed P. O. Box 1604 605 25th Street Greeley, Colorado 80632 970-356-7002 Western Native Seed P.O. Box 188 25 Pine Edge Dr. Coaldale, Colorado 81222 719-942-3935 L 12 S. G. Long - Lagunitas - Redtail Project - 2003 L 77 3.19 Native Hay or Straw Mulch Crimping Disking can be used to anchor applied native hay or straw mulch to slopes accessible to equipment. Disks used for this purpose will have dull and preferably notched, round -edged blades set perpendicular to the soil surface. Crimping should be completed by traversing the entire mulched area and anchoring jjthe mulch, by rows, approximately 4 inches into the seedbed on 8- to 12-inch centers. A mulch crimper is ,L preferable and should be used in lieu of adisk implement, I available. 3.20 Erosion Control Matting Erosion control matting can be used to mulch steep slopes or as an erosion control backup for use in emergency situations. Matting will be applied in a down -slope fashion except for small, linear -oriented areas of cut- or fill -slopes. In such cases, the matting can be applied across the disturbed slopes. The application procedure described below will be followed. The surface will be treated to eliminate surface irregularities. Stones and rock fragments which would R inhibit mulch placement will be removed. The matting will be applied smoothly but loosely over the surface without stretching. The upgrade end of the mad should be buried in a trench.al least 6 inches deep, anchored with staples, and the trench backfilled and compacted. Where mat strips overlap, the mad will be placed so that the upgrade mad overlaps the downgrade mad by 6 to 12 inches. Adjacent mad strips will be overlapped approximately 3 to 4 inches. Matting will be anchored with staples driven flush with the seedbed, along each edge, and down the center of the mat Staples driven at the edges VAR alternate linearly with those located down the center of the mat. 0 L 11 S. G. Long - Lagunitas - Redtail Project - 2003 L ._ `J n (— slope, working down -slope, where possible. Mulch will not be spread when wind velocities would prohibit I even distribution. rApproximately 2 tons of mulch per acre will be applied to all areas to be mulched. Native hay or straw Li materials will not be chopped so fine as to inhibit mulch effectiveness or proper anchoring. 3.17 Hydromulching This technique can be used on steeper slopes or to provide a mulch cover on areas too small to permit native hay or straw mulching. Hydromulch will be applied at arate greater than or equal to 1500 lbs. of mulch per acre. Rates up to 3,000 to 3,500 lbs. per acre may be required for steeper slopes and or critical areas. A tackifying agent will be added to the slung to ensure mulch stability. The pH of the mulch slung will be greater than or equal to 3.5. This technique will be applied immediately after seeding but will not be applied under freezing conditions or over standing water. The hydromulch machine should be equipped with an emulsion induction system. The prescribed amount of water, mulch, and tackifying agent will be loaded into the mulch tank. (Seed wig be applied in a separate operation.) These components will be mixed into a homogeneous Slurry in the tank. The slurry will remain agitated throughout the mulching process and be applied uniformly over the seedbed to be treated. 3.18 Native Hay or Straw Mulch Netting Netting will be used to anchor applied native hay or straw mulch on all areas too steep for, or to inaccessible to, agricultural machinery. Netting wig be applied in the following manner immediately rfollowing mulch application. L All rocks and debris which would inhibit the proper installation of netting will be removed from the f slope prior to mulching. The netting will be applied over the straw smoothly but loosely without stretching L: from the top to the bottom of the slope. The top edge of the netting wig be buried in a narrow trench 6 inches deep with staples anchoring the netting within the trench. Where netting ends meet, the upslope . L end will overlap the downslope end by 4 inches. Where lateral edges of rolls meet, an overlap from either side of 4 inches will be made. Staples wig be inserted on a 1-foot spacing along the top and bottom edge of the netting. Staples will be inserted every 4 feet down each edge and the center to form an x-shaped r : pattem. All staples will be inserted so that they are flush with the seedbed. 10 `' S. G. Long - Lagunitas Redtail Project - 2003 Willow sprig collection will take place from healthy willow stands in mid- March to mid -April before the r willows break dormancy. Source stands should be located in or near the same drainage as the planting area, if possible. Stems will be cut from the parent plant to alength of 12-18 inches. The basal cut will be made immediately below anode at a 45-degree angle. Stem diameter win not exceed approximately 1 inch. Stem material 1-2 years old will be preferred. Cuttings will be stored, N storage is necessary, under freezing conditions with a wet towel wrapped around the base of stem bundles to prevent desiccation until the time of planting. To complete willow cutting planting, each cutting will be pushed into the ground such that 2 to 3 inches of cutting remains above the seedbed surface. A bar or similar instrument may be used to prepare a planting hole. Where apreformed hole is used, soil must be tamped around the planted stem to remove. airspaces. The proximal end of each cutting will be dipped in indolebutyric acid (IBA) prior to planting to promote root formation. Stem "polarity" will be maintained throughout the cutting collection and planting R process. 1 3.14 Planting Emergents (Schoenoplectus, Etc.) Tubers and root cuttings of emergent species should be planted according to the directions provided by the supplier. At the least, plantings should be made in wet soil such that the tuber or root is covered by 2 to 3 inches of soil with the cover soil packed firmly.. Where planting material exhibits developed "growing points", these structures should remain above the soil surface following planting. 3.15 Tree Planting Techniques to be used to plant trees will be those specified by the nursery supplying the stock or the contractor employed to plant the trees. In any event, the techniques noted under Seedling Planting regarding hole formation, backfilling, and watering will be observed when planting trees. In addition, the planting circle will extend from the drip line to the trunk of the tree at a minimum. All stock over five feet in height will be staked according to accepted procedures to promote tree stabilization. Stock will be watered during the first growing season following planting on a schedule to be determined by the reclamation supervisor. 3.16 Native Hay or Straw Mulching Mulching wig be conducted immediately following seeding operations. The mulch will be spread evenly by hand or mechanical blower. When mulching slopes, application will be initiated at the top of the 9 S. G. Long - Lagunftas - Redtail Project - 2003 1.! 3.10 Hydroseeding This technique can be used on slopes too steep for drill seeding. Seed will be applied in a separate Coperation and not combined with the mulching step. This technique will be applied immediately following fertilizer incorporation. The pH of the slurry will be greater than or equal to 5.0. The slurry will be agitated fthroughout the seeding process. During implementation, care will be taken to apply seed evenly over the } area to be seeded. 3.11 Hand Rakind This treatment can be used on sites too small or steep for the use of conventional machinery. The C objectives of this technique are to prepare the seedbed for seeding, incorporate applied fertilizer into the seedbed and cover broadcast seed. To accomplish these objectives, raking will occur over the entire disturbed area to the maximum depth feasible for seedbed preparation and fertilizer incorporation. Raking to cover seed will consist of alighter treatment sufficient to provide asoil cover over the broadcast seed. . 3.12 Seedling Planting Individual seedling planting sites will be staked or otherwise identified prior to seedling planting by the reclamation supervisor. At each selected planting site, a circular area (planting circle) will be cleared of debris. The diameter of the circle will be approximately 12 to 24 inches depending upon the size of the seedling.. The receiving hole will then be dug to a depth 2 to 4 inches deeper than that necessary for planting of bare -root or tubling stock and twice the size of the rootballs or containers for larger stock. Planting holes can be dug by hand or with apower auger. The hole will be of sufficient size to allow for positioning the seedling and tamping the backfill. After the hole has been formed, it will be partially backfilled with loose seedbed material to allow planting to the proper depth. The seedling will then be placed in the hole so that the root collar is slightly below the ground surface and the roots are positioned as straight as possible. Following seedling placement, the hole will be one-half backfilled with soil and then filled with water. The remainder of the seedbed material will be backfilled into the hole as rapidly as possible without displacing water from the hole. The backfill will be lightly tamped around the seedling. A second watering may be required to settle the backfill and remove air spaces. Planting will be accomplished to the same depth as the seedling was grown in the container. The watering step may be eliminated when planting into saturated or flooded wetland sites. A basin, which slopes gently from the outside of the planting circle to the seedling stem, will be i formed from excess backfill material to aid in water catchment. The basin may be mulched with straw and the straw anchored by the appropriate means, N specified. 8 S. G. Long - Lagunitas - Redtail Project - 2003 type fertilizer is preferred as asource of nitrogen. Additionally, fertilizer materials with the lowest salt index available should be used. 3.8 Drill Seeding Drill seeding is preferred for planting operations where aerial conditions permit. Drill seeding will be completed using adrill implement preferably equipped with the following features: • depth bands- to allow seeding at the proper depth, r • seedbox agitator- to promote seed mixing, t ... • seedbox baffels- to aid in even seed distribution among rows, • seed -metering device- to promote even seed distribution within rows, • furrow openers- to permit proper seed placement from seed spouts, and • drag chains- to aid in seed coverage To complete the drilling operation, seedboxes will be loaded with the seed mixture and the drill calibrated.. Rice hulls or other inert materials, K necessary, can be used to promote seeding as the proper rate. The drill .will be adjusted to plant seed to the proper depth. The depth of seeding will be approximately 0.25 to 0.50 inch under normal circumstances. Drill row spacing will be set all approximately 6 to 8 inches. The drill will be towed across the seedbed to complete the planting operation. Drill seeding will take place immediately following the completion of final seedbed preparation techniques. 3.9 Broadcast Seeding Broadcast seeding wig be accomplished using hand -operated "cyclone -type" seeders or rotary broadcast equipment attached to construction or revegetation machinery. All machinery wig be equipped with metering devices. Broadcasting by hand will be acceptable on small, isolated sites. When broadcast seeding, passes will be made over each site to be seeded in a manner to ensure an even distribution of seed. When using hopper type equipment, seed should be frequently mixed within the hopper to discourage seed settling and an uneven planting distribution of species. Broadcast seeding will take place immediately following the completion of final seedbed preparation techniques. Broadcast seeding should not be conducted when wind velocities would prohibit even seed distribution. The broadcast seeding rate for herbaceous species will be twice the rate of drill seeding. Woody species will be established by broadcast seeding methods only. U y S. G. Long.- Lagunitas - Redtail Project- 2003 Accompanying each composite sample should be a brief discussion of the area from which the sample was collected. The discussion should include comments concerning: • plant species to be established, • type of seedbed preparation techniques to be employed, • type of mulching practices to be employed, if applicable, • approximate slope, • any special problems or conditions such as cheatgrass infestation, and • past and future land use considerations. 3.6 Diskin Disking will be applied as a seedbed preparation and fertilizer incorporation treatment on areas that will be seeded, as specified. Offset -disk implements are preferred for use due to the characteristics of seedbed materials. To complete the disking operation, the disk will be towed behind an agricultural tractor at aspeed which minimizes surficial disturbance and optimizes fertilizer incorporation. 3.6 Harrowing Harrowing is the preferred method of seedbed preparation for areas which are accessible to revegetation equipment, particularly where cover crops have been used as a mulching method. A flexible -tine harrow is preferred where excessive amounts of rock fragments occur in the seedbed _ material. With respect to more conventional equipment, a spring -tooth harrow is preferred over a spike - tooth implement though both types are acceptable for use. Harrowing is applicable for seedbed preparation, incorporating fertilizer into the seedbed, and for covering broadcast seed. As with disking, passes over the seedbed should be kept to the minimum necessary to meet operational objectives. 3.7 Broadcast Fertilization Fertilizer will be broadcast over the seedbed using hand -operated "cyclone -type" seeders or rotary broadcast equipment attached to construction or revegetation machinery. When an area is disked or harrowed to complete seedbed preparation, broadcast fertilization can occur simultaneously with disking or harrowing to simplify the revegetation process. All equipment used will be equipped with metering devices. Fertilizer application will take place prior to the final seedbed preparation treatment to ensure the incorporation of fertilizer into the seedbed. Fertilizer broadcasting operations should not be conducted when wind velocities would interfere with even fertilizer distribution. tr r Fertilizer will be applied at rates commensurate with recommendations resultant from seedbed material sample analysis. All nutrients, with the possible exception of nitrogen, will be applied in a single r application. Nitrogen application may be delayed one growing season to reduce the chances for weed infestation. The most soluble phosphorus fertilizer material should be selected for use. A slow -release 6 S. G. Long - Lagunitas - Redtail Project - 2003 �sl^Y 3.4 Seedbed Material Sampling General Procedures mom dog The laboratory selected to analyze the samples should be contacted at least 15 days in advance of the sampling period to aid in coordinating sample analysis with the beginning of revegetation activities on site. All samples should be taken with either a the spade or soil auger. This equipment will be free of all foreign substances and rust. No galvanized tools should be used. Approximately 1 quart of material need be collected for each sample. All samples will be placed in dean polyethylene bags at the time of collection and securely sealed for delivery to the laboratory. All efforts should be made to deliver the samples to the laboratory as soon as possible. When samples cannot be delivered within 24 hours of collection, samples should be air-dried. Approximately 48 hours can be considered a sufficient time for air -dying.. Samples should be dried in as iy dust -free of an environment as is possible. Specific Procedures Two samples need be collected representing the surface 24 inches of seedbed material at each sampling point. Where soil has been respread over the surface to be reclaimed, the upper sample will represent the depth of soil applied and the .lower sample the sub -base material to a depth of 24 inches. Where soil has not been applied, two samples should be collected representing the 0 to 12 inch and 12 to 24 inch depths of seedbed material. For each set of samples, the average slope and estimated percent coarse fragment content by volume need be noted. At least one set of samples should be taken for each specific treatment area to be reclaimed. The number of samples to be collected will be at the discretion of the revegetation supervisor. Sample t }' . compositing for larger acreages is recommended. All sample site locations will be noted on aproject map. Each sample should be analyzed at aminimum for: 4 - pH, • texture (field method), • percent organic matter, • NH4-N and NO3-N (ppm), • phosphorus (ppm), • potassium (ppm), • electrical conductivity (mmhos/cm), n • lime estimate, and 'j • sodium adsorption ratio ,d advisable. Other parameters may be added where prior sampling results indicate the potential for plant establishment and growth constraints related to growth medium chemical or physical characteristics. 5 S. G. Long - Lagunitas - Redtail Project - 2003 U , 1 3.0 TECHNIQUE SPECIFICATIONS F 3.1 General Areas outside the limits of the site(s) to be revegetated will not be disturbed, excepting those areas specifically set aside for staging, or as directed_ by the revegetation supervisor. All perimeter erosion 4 control measured need be in place prior to site disturbance activities. Site -specific erosion control ' measures will be installed as soon as practical following the completion of site disturbance activities Ci including grading, resoiling, planting, etc. Any erosion control measure damaged, removed prematurely, or rendered inoperative wig be repaired/replaced as soon as the condition has been discovered. On slopes accessible to common agricultural machinery, all operations wig be conducted along the contour as governed by safety considerations. On slopes accessible to construction equipment, but inaccessible to agricultural machinery, all operations will be conducted so as to avoid creating conditions that increase or enhance downslope surface or subsurface flow patterns. On level or nearly level sites, as aerial conditions permit, all equipment operations will be conducted perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. 3.2 Ripping - Ripping will be accomplished by adozer equipped with asingle or twin set of ripper shanks. Ripping will be completed to a depth of at least 1 or 2 feet, as specified, on approximately 2- to 4-foot centers. Ripping will be completed at aspeed that maximizes the action of the ripper shanks and promotes material disruption to the required depth. Material type and compaction levels will be major factors in determining tractor speed. 3.3 Seedbed Material Application Seedbed material will be applied as soon as possible after grading and/or ripping. Equipment utilized wig be capable of applying this material in the prescribed manner given slope, application depth, and aerial extent as well as material characteristic considerations. Seedbed material wig be spread to an even depth as per resoiling specifications. The number of equipment passes over the site wig be kept to the minimum necessary to properly complete material application and avoid unnecessary compaction. Seedbed materials should not be handled when such materials contain a moisture content that would inhibit proper application or contribute to excessive compaction or crusting. The surface of reapplied materials will be left in a roughened condition to inhibit erosion while providing aproper surface for the application of subsequent revegetation techniques. 4 S. G. Long - Lagunitas - Redtail Project - 2003 1 2.0 CARE OF DELIVERED MATERIALS Commercially purchased seedlings and tree stock will be delivered to the construction site as close to the time of planting as possible. Upon receipt of the shipment, plants will be inspected for moisture status and condition. All seedlings will be watered upon arrival, as necessary, to keep the root system in a moist condition until planted. Watering will be repeated, as needed, following this date until planting. No fertilizer materials will be applied to stored plants. Plants will be stored in such amanner as to: • avoid or reduce moisture stress, • avoid excessive heat or cold (out of direct sunlight), • protect plants from wind and mechanical damage, and • provide astaging area for subsequent planting activities. All fertilizer, seed, and mulch materials will be retained in shipping bags until they are to be used. These materials will be stored in aprotected area in amanner to prevent them from coming in contact with incident precipitation or surface water. 3 S. G. Long - Lagunitas - Redtail Project - 2003 1.3 Seedlings and Tree Stock All seedlings accepted will be true to type and name. All seedlings and stock will have well -formed tops and root systems and be free from injurious insects and plant diseases. Plants will be free from: 1) serious abrasions to roots, stems, and branches; 2) dried root systems; 3) thin root systems; 4) mold; 5) a dry, loose. or damaged soil mass; 6) root -bound conditions; 7) broken or malformed containers; and 8) sun -scald, wind, or freezing damage. Seedlings cut back from larger sizes to meet specified sizes will not be accepted. All stock will be "hardened off" prior to shipment so that stock is physiologically prepared for out -planting. 1.4 Native Hay or Straw Mulch Mulch will not be musty, moldy, caked, _or decayed and shall be free of noxious weeds or noxious weed seeds. it will be delivered in an air-dry condition. The majority of stems should be 10 to 12 inches long or longer prior to application H the mulch is to be anchored by crimping. When the mulch is to be anchored by netting or achemical tack'rfier,.amajority of stems should be at least 6 inches long. 1.5 Wood Fiber Mulch (Hvdromulch) Wood fiber mulch will be anatural, short fiber product, produced from clean, whole wood chips. The material should disperse readily in water to form a homogeneous slung. The fiber, dye, and any tackifying agent to be used will be non -toxic to plant and animal species. The pH of the fiber material will be greater than 3.5. The mulch will be capable of remaining in uniform suspension in water under agitation. The mulch will be delivered to the site in standard manufacturer's packaging. 1.6 Erosion Control Matting Matting will be composed of a blanket of interlocking curled wool fibers overlain with polypropylene plastic netting as an integral component of the mat. The matting will be of uniform thickness with curled wood fibers spread evenly over the mat. Matting components will be non -toxic to vegetation and the blanket will be smolder resistant. The matting will not be moldy or decayed. Matting will be delivered in standard manufacturer's packaging. 1.7 Plastic Netting and Staples Plastic netting will be composed of black or green polypropylene or other approved plastic that is extruded to form a net. The netting will be furnished in rolls and show Tittle or no shrinkage after application. Staples will be U-shaped and be made of 11 or 12 gage steel wire. Staple lengths should be 6 to 8 inches for firm soils and not less than 12 inches for loose soils. 2 S. G. Long - Lagunitas - Redtail Project - 2003 r ..i REVEGETATION TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS MATERIALS, METHODS, AND TECHNIQUES The following specifications have been prepared for Lagunitas Companies to aid in implementing the revegetation plans prepared for this project These specifications maybe used as a reference to develop formal bid packages should Lagunitas prefer to contact out any or all of the field reclamation portion of this project. These specifications can also be used for guidance when erosion control measures must be employed on an emergency basis or to serve as a technical base when making future site stabilization plantings. Specifications for a wide variety of materials and revegetation techniques, other than those specified in the plan, are included herein should the purchase of such materials or use of such techniques r' be necessary for any reason. 1.0 MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS The following specifications are presented to identify the quality of materials that should be purchased to complete revegetation activities. Efforts should be made to follow these specifications, although minor deviations may be required due to the commercial availability of various materials within the region at the time of purchase. 1.1 Fertilizer All fertilizer material will be furnished in waterproof or water-resistant bags. Each bag must be marked with the weight and manufacturer's guaranteed analysis of the contents showing the percentage of each ingredient contained. 1.2 Commercially Purchased Seed Seed will be furnished in standard containers with seed name; lot number; net weight; and percentages of purity, germination, hard seed, and maximum weed seed content dearly marked for each type of seed. Seed supplies will not contain the seeds of any State -recognized noxious weed species. A certificate stating that each seed lot has been tested by a laboratory with respect to the above requirements will be delivered with the seed. jj Only certified seed of named varieties shall be used where varieties are specified and can be obtained. Sources for "common" seed should be those with climatic and elevational characteristics as close to project site characteristics as possible. Legume seed will be inoculated with the correct rhizobium rior to shipping. All legume seed will be planted nor to the expiration date on the inoculum to or P PP 9• 9 P P� P 9 reinoculated within 24 hours prior to planting - S. G. Long - Lagunitas - Redtail Project - 2003 " yr , 11 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 Material Specifications...............................................................................................................1 1.1 Fertilizer.................................................................................................................................1 1.2 Commercially Purchased Seed................................................................................................1 1.3 Seedlings and Tree Stock.......................................................................................................2 1.4 Native Hay or Straw Mulch.......................................................................................................2 1.5 Wood Fiber Mulch(Hydromulch)..............................................................................................2 1.6 Erosion Control Matting..........................................................................................................2 1.7 Plastic Netting and Staples......................................................................................................2 2.0 Care of Delivered Materials...........................................:.............................................................3 3.0 Technique Specifications..........................................................................................................4 3.1 General..................................................................................................................................4 3.2 Ripping..................................................................................................................................4 3.3 Seedbed Material Application..................................................................................................4 3.4 Seedbed Material Sampling.................................................................................................... 3.5 Disking..................................................................................................................................66 3.6 Harrowing.............................................................................................................................. 3.7 Broadcast Fertilization.............................................................................................................6 3.8 Drill Seeding..........................................................................................................................7 3.9 Broadcast Seeding................................................................................................................. 3.10 Hydroseeding......................................................................................................................8 3.11 Hand Raking........................................................................................................................8 3.12 Seedling Planting.................................................................................................................8 3.13 Willow Collection and Planting..............................................................................:................9 ,..- 3.14 Planting. Emergents (Schoenoplectus, Etc.)..........................................................................9 3.15 Tree Planting ............. :.................................................................. ....................................... 9 - 3.16 Native Hay or Straw Mulching................................................................................................9 3.17 Hydromulching...................................................................................................................10 3.18 Native Hay or Straw Mulch Netting........................................................................................10 :.. 3.19 Native Hay or Straw Mulch Crimping.....................................................................................1 1 3.20 Erosion Control Matting.....................:................................................................................ 11 4.0 Partial List of Planting Material Suppliers. ................................................................................... 12 4.1 Seeds.................................................................................................................................1 4.2 Seedlings/Emergents..........................................................................................................13 4.3 Willow Cuttings.....................................................................................................................13 S. G. Long - Lagunitas - Redtail Project - 2003 REVEGETATION TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS MATERIALS, METHODS, AND TECHNIQUES Prepared for: Lagunitas Companies Fort Collins, Colorado Prepared by: Q,3DAR C114= k00GCRA'T30, INC. Fort Collins, Colorado February 2003 I APPENDIX: REVEGETATION TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS first annual report. As appropriate, recommendations will be made with respect to the continued r maintenance and monitoring of the mitigation area. Monitoring will continue on an annual basis until the COE judges this mitigation program to be successful. Disturbed areas revegetated to upland conditions will not be included in the annual monitoring assessments. 14 r� 7.0 MONITORING i� At the end of the first full growing season, the mitigation site will be monitored qualitatively to determine the overall level of construction success, site stability, and vegetation establishment. The results of this qualitative assessment will be submitted to the COE in a report on or about December 31. A project location map, site construction drawings and/or maps, and photographs of the mitigation site taken to document the overall progress of the area will be included with the first annual r qualitative report. Any actions deemed necessary to enhance mitigation success and/or site stability 4 _! will be taken as a result of this monitoring activity. At the end of the second and third growing seasons, a quantitative assessment of the mitigation site will be completed. Mitigation and revegetation success will be judged based on three criteria. These criteria include the size of the mitigation area successfully established, the soil moisture regime created, and the percent ground cover of wetland -classed species. The mitigation size criterion will be met if the area of the mitigation site qualifying as vegetated wetlands and open water (Waters of the U. S.) are 0.30 and 0.18 acres, respectively. The soil moisture regime criteria will be met if the mitigation area surface, following excavation and resoiling, exhibits saturated conditions and/or shallow flooding through the majority of the growing season as evidenced either by soil characteristics extant or the presence of sufficient wetland indicator species. Small ridges and potholes that enhance species diversity will be acceptable so long as these features do not compromise the overall integrity of the wetlands established. The ground cover criterion will be met if, after three growing seasons, the total ground cover contributed by all grass, fort, and shrub species present is equal to or greater than 70 percent, on average, and wetland -classed species (FAC, FACW, and OBL) are dominant on site as compared to upland -classed (FACU and UPL) species. In addition, there will be no evidence of erosion detrimental to vegetation establishment or site stability. The percent of open water occurring over the surface of the mitigation basin will be considered a °null set° when calculating percent herbaceous ground cover, so long as such surface water does not indicate the formation of an 'open water" system. U Specific vegetation sampling and analysis protocols will be developed prior to the first annual quantitative assessment. Information and showings to be submitted with each annual quantitative monitoring report include a project location map, a discussion of the condition of the mitigation site, a summary of the data collected, a list of all species observed within the mitigation area, copies of all �:,' data sheets completed in the field, and a continuation of the photographic record submitted with the ' 6.0 MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE No earth -moving activities will be permitted outside the boundaries of the mitigation area except as provided for in the site development plans. Adjunct disturbances related to the installation of emergency erosion control or site stabilization measures will also be excepted. All erosion control measures will be kept in good condition until the mitigation plan is deemed acceptable by the COE or it is obvious that the site is stable and the installed measures are no longer required. Within this time -frame, any erosion control measure removed prematurely or damaged will be immediately replaced/repaired. The permanent mitigation plantings will be inspected at least bi-monthly during the first three growing seasons following planting. Areas of poor "seed take" will be noted. Any area remaining unvegetated by desirable species at the end of each of the first three growing seasons will be reseeded following the application of seedbed preparation techniques during the next Fall planting season. Where willow cutting plantings fall below a 75 percent success rate, additional cuttings will 1 be planted to achieve this desired rate. When tallying cuttings, all cuttings present, including volunteer shoots, will be included. If nutrient deficiency symptoms develop on revegetated areas, this condition will be remedied by adding the proper nutrients in the proper amounts. Where slips, slides, or slumps occur on slopes, such will be remedied as soon as soil conditions permit. M No mowing, trimming, or other similar vegetation modification activities will be permitted in the wetland mitigation areas unless directly associated with a planned weed control program. -. 12 TABLE 4 FALL MITIGATION SCHEDULE Month Reclamation Technique J F M A M J J A S O N D Excavation/Grading Any month Resoiling and/or Ripping (if necessary) XXX Seedbed Material Sampling XXX Fertilization XXX Seedbed Preparation XXX Seeding XX Mulching XX Willow Cutting and Planting (following year) XX TABLE 5 SPRING MITIGATION SCHEDULE Reclamation Technique Excavation/Grading Resoiling and/or Ripping (if necessary) Seedbed Material Sampling Fertilization Seedbed Preparation lMulching Willow Cutting and Planting Month F M A M J J A S Any month XXX XXX XX XX XX XX X(cut)X(plant) Note: Weather and surface conditions permimng, the earner in me season spring piannng is completed the higher the potential for revegetation success. 11 VJ 5.0 REVEGETATION SCHEDULES Excavation and grading may ordinarily occur during any month of the year. However, revegetation activities are more limited with respect to the time of year in which they should be completed and must be timed to coincide with a recognized planting season. The following tables depict the Fall and Spring revegetation schedules to be followed to achieve the mitigation objectives set for this project. Site conditions and/or climatic variations may require that these schedules be modified somewhat to achieve revegetation success. The schedules do not reflect any weed control r, activities which may be employed on site and would be amended to incorporate such a program if it is l� required. E i, LI 0 10 rr.7 1. G 4.0 WEED CONTROL PLAN SUMMARY This section summarizes the elements of the weed control plan to be prepared for the mitigation site following the first growing season if weeds are deemed to be detrimental to the success of mitigation. The completed plan will be submitted to governmental agencies as required for review and approval. The weed control plan will be prepared by a Licensed Commercial Pesticide Applicator (LCPA). All subsequent weed control activities will also be conducted by an LCPA. The plan to be prepared will take the form of an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) which will consider all methods of control which would potentially be applicable to the project area. These methods include mechanical, chemical, cultural, and biological techniques. Prior to plan preparation, a visit to the project area will be conducted by the LCPA to assess site conditions, routes of access, weedy species present, the - relationship surrounding water bodies to the proposed areas to be treated, potential sources of run-on and run-off, and any other factors relevant to the weed control planning process. Given the presence of wetlands and Waters of the U. S. in the project area, initial emphasis will be given to weed control methods other than those of a chemical nature. Plant species to be considered as weeds and controlled are defined as "noxious weeds" by Larimer County. These species are Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), Dalmation toadflax (Linda genistifolia), Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa), leafy spurge (Euphorbia escula), musk thistle (Carduus nutans), Russian knapweed (Acropblon repens), spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa), yellow toadf lax (Linda vulgaris). k 9 n F 3.0 ADJUNCT AREA STABILIZATION During construction, the soil surface may be disturbed at equipment staging areas and similar sites resulting in a loss of vegetative cover. In such cases, extensive application of revegetation techniques is not desirable where a more simplistic range of restoration techniques will suffice. The following alternatives to intensive reclamation will be applied where conditions warrant. • Supplemental fertilization: The disturbed area will be broadcast fertilized at recommended rates where it is determined that the remaining vegetation can successfully stabilize the area with a supplemental fertilizer treatment. Access to treated sites will be prohibited until vegetation has become adequately established. • Supplemental seeding: The disturbed area will be seeded where it is determined that the existing plant cover is not sufficient to hold soil in place. Minimal seedbed preparation and is soil covering will be acceptable. Following seeding, the treated site will be mulched and the. mulch anchored by applicable means. Access to treated sites will be prohibited until vegetation has become adequately established. This alternative may be combined with supplemental fertilization as necessary. The native seed mixture to be used is depicted in Table 1: Stockpile and Adjunct Disturbance Planting Mixture. L l; 8 ` TABLE 2: NATIVE WETLAND SEED MIXTURE Species Alkali sacaton (FAC) Sporobolus airoides Switchgrass (FAC) Panicum virgatum Baltic rush (OBL) Juncus baldcus Nebraska sedge (OBL) Carex nebrascensis Olney's bulrush (OBL) Schoenoplectus americans Soft -stem bulrush (OBL) Schoenoplectus tabenaemontani Preferred Varieties NA Grenville NA NA NA NA Rate LbsJAcre Planted(Broadca. 1.00 2.00 0.50 1.00 3.00 1.00 Totals = 8.5 PLS Seeded/Acre 1,750,000 778,000 1,500,000 534,000 539,400 550.000 5,651,400 30 seeds/ sq. ft.) Note: Wetland species seed sources should be identified as soon as possible and supplies secured well in advance of seeding due to commercial availability concerns. 7 !J 2.2 Revegetation Following soil redistribution and surface preparation, the disturbed area will be left in a roughened condition. Soil samples will then be taken for laboratory analysis. The resoiled surface will be raked or otherwise roughened and fertilizer (excepting nitrogen) broadcast at rates specified as a result of soil tests. The seedbed will be raked a second time to incorporate the fertilizer into the applied soil and prepare the area for seeding. (Fertilizer will be applied in a split application to decrease the potential for weed invasion and algae formation during seedling establishment.) Following raking, the seed mixture shown in Table 2. Native Wetland Seed Mixture will be broadcast over the seedbed and the seedbed lightly raked a third time to shallowly cover the seed. Mulching is not considered necessary due to the presumed saturated nature of the growth medium. It can also be noted that there are no planned continuous "flows" over the surface of the mitigation areas which could wash the seedbed and disrupt planting efforts. A total of 540 willow cuttings will then be planted. Planting will occur across the surface of each mitigation area on approximate 5.0 X 5.0 foot centers. Were feeder ditches have been constructed, plantings will occur along the borders of the feeder ditches at five-foot intervals to maximize the potential for success. This technique is seen as an adjunct method of establishing willows supplemental to the technique of resoiling/sprigging noted above. In the spring of the second growing season, the recommended amount of nitrogen fertilizer will be broadcast over the seedbed if a nutrient -nitrogen deficiency is apparent. TABLE 1: STOCKPILE AND ADJUNCT DISTURBANCE PLANTING MIXTURE Preferred Rate LbsJAcre PLS Species Variety(s) Planted (Broadcast) Seeded/Acre Green needlegrass l.odorm 4.00 724,000 Stipa viridu/a ( Slender wheatgrass Primar, Revenue 4.00 640,000 F-� E/ymus trachycau/as Thickspike wheatgrass Critana 6.00 1,116,000 E/ymus lanceo/atus ' Western wheatgrass Arriba, Barton QQ 1,134,000 Pascopyrum smithii k Totals = 23.00 3,614,000 (-83 seeds/ sq. ft.) r While groundwater may come to play a part in above average precipitation years, it is assumed that surface water will be the main wetland support source. WM-2 will be constructed using the same techniques as for WM-1 with regard to staking, depth of excavation, backgrade slope percentage, fine grading, soil replacement, and planting. No post -grading ripping of the subgrade will be completed if it is apparent that groundwater will not be a contributory hydrologic factor. If it appears that a groundwater source may exist to help support this wetland, ripping/disking will be conducted, where advisable. If necessary, spreader ditches connected to the detention pond will be constructed prior to planting on 10.0-foot centers and tun the length and width of this basin. The ditches will be I approximately 1.0 foot deep, the width of a backhoe bucket, and will maintain the 1.0 to 2.0 percent backgrade established for the basin as a whole. The dike will be removed following planting to permit flows from the pond to enter the mitigation basin. 2.1.4 Soil Redistribution With the excavated surface prepared, stockpiled wetland soils will be spread over the wetland basins to an average depth of 12.0 inches. A variable replacement depth of from 9.0 to 15.0 inches will be permitted reflecting equipment limitations so long as an average depth of 12.0 inches is achieved. Soil will be applied on areas to be revegetated when hydrologic conditions in the basins do not unduly hinder equipment operations. � During resoiling operations, soil will be redistributed in a manner which: (1) achieves an (' approximate uniform thickness consistent with safety requirements, post -disturbance land use objectives, and surface water drainage systems; (2) minimizes compaction and erosion of the soil resource; and (3) minimizes deterioration of the biological, physical, and chemical properties of the soil to the degree possible. Soil will be applied in a single lift to minimize equipment passes over the resoiled area. Ideally, soil will be applied on areas to be revegetated within 30 days prior to seeding. The resoiled surface will be rough graded to remove higher surface undulations which would promote the formation of upland vegetation plant communities. Low, narrow ridges and small, shallow potholes can be left over the graded surface to encourage a diversity of soil moisture regime conditions conducive to maximizing wetland species diversity. As with basin subgrade preparation, a smooth, compacted surface typical of upland construction grading is not desirable from a reapplied soil stability and vegetation establishment perspective. All soil grading will be completed perpendicular to overland flow direction, where safety conditions permit, to minimize erosion and maximize site stability. The graded surface will be chiseled or disked H the potential for subsequent erosion from overland flow would compromise revegetation success. . 5 2.1.3 Excavation and Grading Following site excavation and preliminary grading, the two wetland mitigation areas will be constructed. The construction objective for each of the mitigation areas is to create a saturated, but not flooded, soil moisture regime that will support the target wetland plant species. To this end, grading and soil replacement activities will concentrate on creating basin surface elevations conducive to this soil moisture regime condition. The following paragraphs summarize the construction activities that will take place to construct the two mitigation basins. The map included at the end of this mitigation plan supports the text and depict the locations of the basins to be constructed. Wetland Mitigation Area 1 (WM-1) is located immediately adjacent to, and west of, the middle detention pond. Subsurface excavations completed in June 2003 indicated that saturated soils incorporating a high gravel content occur at a depth of approximately 38 inches. It was therefore assumed that this hydrologic source, coupled with overflows from the adjacent detention pond, would be sufficient to support a wetland mitigation site. The boundaries of this wetland basin site will be staked in the field to ensure that the correct mitigation acreage is constructed. The site will then be excavated to a depth 1.0 foot below the normal water surface of the adjacent detention pond leaving a dike (berm) between the pond and basin to maintain dry working conditions. The basin will be 14 backsloped at a grade of approximately 1.0 to 2.0 percent to enhance the potential for water spreading across the basin surface. Since groundwater will be an important component supporting Ir wetland WM-1, this wetland basin will be ripped or disked to relieve any post-excavation/grading Q compaction and improve the upward movement of groundwater with respect to seedbed growing 1 conditions. (Ripping/disking can be eliminated from the construction sequence if compaction is deemed to be of no consequence to plant establishment and growth.) Fine grading will be limited to removing all ridges, depressions, and surface features that would inhibit subsequent resoiling activities. A rough surface which will promote soil "bonding" with the underlying subgrade should remain following fine grading. A smooth, compacted surface typical of upland construction grading is not desirable from a reapplied soil stability and vegetation establishment perspective. Soil will then be respread to a depth of 1.0 foot, maintaining the 1:0 to 2.0 percent backgrade, using the techniques described in the following sub -section. Following the completion of planting activities, the dike will be removed and water allowed to flow from the pond into the basin. Wetland Mitigation Area 2 (WM-2) takes essentially the same form, and will function in like manner, as WM-1 with one notable exception. The June 2002 site evaluation provided no evidence of a groundwater source at an elevation which would help support this proposed wetland basin. 4 2.0 WETLAND MITIGATION SPECIFICATIONS 2.1 Soil Handling and Grading 2.1.1 Soil Salvage and Stockpiling Prior to construction and soil salvage, the area encompassing the wetlands of the southern -most delineated wetland will be prepared for soil salvage operations. Willows cuttings will be taken from the area as needed for future planting activities and stored (see Appendix: Revegetation Technical Specifications). A brush hog or similar piece of equipment will cut down the remaining willow stand established in this area leaving the chopped vegetation material on site. Known as "sprigging", this technique has been used as an efficient means of establishing successful willow stands via soil reapplication. The soil overlying this wetland area will then be stripped to a depth of 15.0 inches. A variable stripping depth of from 12.0 to 18.0 inches is assumed due to equipment limitations. Following salvage, the soil will be taken to a stockpile reserved for wetland soil materials. The soil stockpile will be protected from operational disturbances to maintain material integrity. The stockpile will be surrounded by a slit fence. All stockpiles will be located outside the limits of delineated wetlands and other Waters of the U.S., which will remain undisturbed. 2.1.2 Soil Stockpile Stabilization The wetland soil stockpiled will be vegetatively stabilized during the first appropriate planting season following construction if the stockpiles will exist through one or more growing seasons. The surface of the stockpiles will be left in a roughened condition. Fertilizer will be evenly broadcast over the stockpile surface at recommended rates and the seedbed roughened to incorporate the fertilizer into the seedbed. Seed, at the specified rates, will then be broadcast over the seedbed. The seedbed will be lightly roughened to cover the seed. The stockpile will then be mulched using straw and the mulch anchored to complete the stabilization process. Hydromulch, applied at the appropriate rates, can be used in lieu of straw. The seed mixture to be used is depicted in Table is Stockpile and Adjunct Disturbance Planting Mixture. 3 FIS respectively. The proposed monitoring plan is summarized in Section 7.0. An appendix follows r. presenting revegetation technical specifications. A map depicting the location of the wetlands to be impacted and the selected mitigation sites follows the appendix. li C Cj r. L 1.0 INTRODUCTION The following mitigation plan was prepared to accompany the application for a U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide.- 39 permit for Lagunitas Companies' Redtail P. U. D. project. The project area consists of approximately 11.4 acres of undeveloped land within the city limits of Fort Collins, Colorado. The property is bordered on the west by the Colorado and Southern Railroad line, on the east by the Cameron Park First Filing and Fossil Creek Office Park Phase I development areas, and on the south by an existing fence -line and City of Fort Collins Redtail Grove Natural Area. The northern property boundary joins the Mill Brothers Landscape and Nursery property, now abandoned. The property is located in the East 1/2 of Section 2 (T. 6 N., R. 69 W.). UTM coordinates (WGS 84 datum) for the approximate center of the wetland drainage along the eastern side of the property are Zone 13T Easting 493268 Northing 4484935. A total of 0.49 acres of vegetated wetlands and other Waters of the U. S. are proposed to be disturbed as a result of this project. Of this total, 0.18 acre consists of a portion of a jurisdictional pond (other Waters of the U. S.). Vegetated wetlands make up the remaining 0.31 acres of this total, of which 0.01 acre qualifies as a non -jurisdictional, isolated wetland. Therefore, a total of 0.48 acre of jurisdictional wetlands and other Waters of the U. S. are proposed to be affected by this project. To address City of Fort Collins mitigation requirements, the 0.01 acre of non -jurisdictional wetlands will be included in the acreage to be mitigated. Compensatory mitigation will be achieved on a 1.0 acre of Waters of the U. S. disturbed : 1.0 acre of Waters of the U. S. constructed basis. All of the re;;:?red mitigation will be completed on site meeting "in-place/in-kind" project goals. The impact to 0.18 acres of jurisdictional open water in the upper pond will be mitigated by extending the boundaries of the existing pond to the north a total of 0.18 acres. The vegetated wetland impact of 0.31 acre, including the 0.01 acre of non -jurisdictional wetlands, will be mitigated by constructing two small wetlands adjacent to the drainage located in the eastern one-third of the project area. Each of these wetlands will be connected hydrologically to the existing ponds or the drainage itself. Wetland species selected for planting mimic the range of species dominating the existing wetlands proposed to be impacted. The following sections present the wetland mitigation plan prepared for this project. Section 2.0 presents the mitigation/revegetation techniques that will be used to create wetlands on site. Excavation, grading, seedbed preparation, and seeding techniques are addressed and seed mixtures listed. Adjunct area stabilization techniques are summarized in Section 3.0. Sections 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 discuss weed control, revegetation schedules, and management/maintenance activities, ... _ .. - _, ... ....ems-...-... .. .��V4 '.. TABLE OF CONTENTS Tableof Contents......................................................................................................................................I 1.0 Introduction.............................................................................:...........................................................1 2.0 Wetland Mitigation Specifications.......................................................................................................3 3.0 Adjunct Area Stabilization...................................................................................................................8 4.0 Weed Control Plan Summary ..............................................................................................................9 5.0 Revegetation Schedules...........................................................................................................:........10 6.0 Management and Maintenance.........................................................................................................12 7.0 Monitoring.....................................................................................:....................................................13 Appendix : Revegetation Technical Specifications Map: Wetlands Impacted and Mitigation Areas i WETLAND MITIGATION PLAN for the REDTAIL PROJECT (U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Project File No. 200180455) Prepared for: Lagunitas Companies Fort Collins, Colorado Prepared by: CMDAR CMITKIKK ASSOMAM, INC. FortCollins, Colorado L I:L February 2003 Revised March 2005 W 12. -g