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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESPONSE - RFP - P925 WETLAND RESTORATION AT UDALL NATRUAL AREA® Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc 4920 Tesla Court —Boulder, Colorado-80301-720.564.0788 Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program RFP #P-925 February 25, 2004 Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. Cost Estimate This cost estimate has been prepared based on the information provided as part of the RFP. The costs provided are based upon ERC's hourly rates (rate sheet attached) plus direct project expenses intended to be a "not -to -exceed" contract amount. Any adjustments in scope to the original contract will be treated as a negotiated change order to the contract. Task 1. Project Administration Task 2. Preliminary Design Review Task 3. Restoration Implementation (Refer to Table 1 & 2 for details) with IOcc Plant Material or with 50cc Plant Material (Refer to Table 1 and Table 2 for detailed cost estimate) Task 4. Monitoring and Adaptive Management Program (2004)* 12.5% of Planting Cost Contingency (as needed) (May include: routine monitoring, plant replacement, reseeding, weed control wildlife control, supplemental irrigation or others as needed). Task 5. Monitoring and Adaptive Management Program (2005)* 12.5% of Planting Cost Contingency (as needed) (May include: routine monitoring, plant replacement, reseeding, weed control wildlife control, supplemental irrigation or others as needed). $2,600 $4,500 $85,270.80 $79,261.54 $10,300 $10,300 * A more intensive monitoring and adaptive management program may be appropriate should funds be available to ensure a successful project. The City may desire to develop specific program and budget based on available funds. E Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants. Inc. Table 1. Restoration Implementation Cost Estimate Item Unit Quantity Unit Cost Item Cost Soil prePfill Acre 2 $ 75.00 $ 150.00 Fine Grading if needed CY 1,000 $ 3.50 $ 3,500.00 Broadcast Seeding Acre 2 $ 575.00 $ 1,150.00 Seed Mix Lump Sum 1 $ 1,500.00 $1,500.00 Plant Material IOcc Lump Sum 1,730 varies $ 30,320.00 Plant Material 50cc um Sum 1,730 varies $ 24,310.74 Upland Plant Material ach ,000 $ 0.70 $ 4,200.00 Plant Material Deliv Lum Sum 1 $ 1,400.00 $ 1,400.00 Plant Material Install Each 7,730 $ 0.46 $ 21,955.80 obilization/Demobilization um Sum 1 $ 5,245.00 $ 5,245.00 Wildlife/Public control and i e (as needed) Lump Sum 1 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 Construction setup/control Lump Sum il $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 Construction BMP's Lump Sum 1 $ 1,500.00 $1,500.00 ub Total 10 ccplants) $ 85470.80 ub Total 50 ccplants) $ 79,261.54 lIl I.. IY.i.. I.11. 1 ill i I Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants. Inc. Table 2. Plant Material Costs Plant Species Estimate # of Plants Cost /Plant locc Cost/Plant 50cc++ Sub Basin A Schoen lectus lacustris 2,662 0.68 0.53 Spargangium a um* 2,662 NA NA Sub Basin B Schoen lectus pungens, 3,884 0.68 0.53 Carex languinosa 3,418 0.68 0.53 Carex emoryi 3,418 0.68 0.53 Eleocharis palustries 7,768 0.68 0.53 Juncus articus 5,178 0.68 0.53 Sub Basin C Carex nebrascensis 4,620 0.68 0.53 S artina pectinata 3,500 0.68 0.53 Carex praigracilis 4,620 0.68 0.53 Alternatives Schoenoplectus lacustris 1,00 0.68 0.68 Saggitaria latifolia 2.5" 1,662 1.85 $1.85 Notes: *Spargangium eurycarpum is not commercially available. As an alternative 1,000 extra Schoenoplectus lacustris and 1,662 Saggitaria latifolia may be substituted. ++ 50cc (cubic centimeter) materials are a non-standard production item, these materials would require specialized contract grow agreement and would require a 90-day grow period from contract agreements Price does not include plant material installation, delivery or sales tax. 11 I.- I.1.. .L .., Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. References For ERC Town of Minturn Eagle River Restoration Project Minturn, Colorado Contact: Alan Lanning, Town Manager Phone: (970) 827-5645 CH2M Hill Fountain Creek Restoration Project Colorado Springs, Colorado Contact: Mark Rosser, P.E., Senior Water Resource Engineer Phone: (303) 713-5315 Town of Silverthorne Blue River Fish Habitat Enhancement Project Silverthorne, Colorado Contact: Bill Linfield, P.E., Director of Public Works Phone: (970) 262-7341 References For WSRI Aggregate Industries Thornton Gravel Quarry Wetlands Mitigation Thornton, Colorado Contact: Ms. Jamie Gaboriau Phone: (303) 716-5304 Jefferson County Richmond Hills Wetlands Mitigation Project Jefferson County, Colorado Contact: Hilary Mesa Phone (303) 271-5028 Colorado Department of Transportation Numerous CDOT Revegetation Project Mike Banovich, Landscape Architect (CDOT) Phone:(303) 757-9542 12 Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. Appendix A Project Examples 13 Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. Gunbarrel Business Park, Wetland Restoration and Storm Water Treatment Gunbarrel, Colorado Project Description: ERC provided technical design consultation, construction coordination and monitoring services to restore an existing highly disturbed 0.5 acre wetland (including an 0.5 acre buffer zone). The basic design concept was to re -connect surface drainage to the wetland which had been previously interrupted from surrounding development of parking lots, curbs and roads. Through minor site grading, rerouting of site drainage and addition of plant material, the wetland complex was restored providing significantly high functional value of the remnant alkaline wetland. The entire wetland area was seeded with a native wetland seed mix and approximately 16,500 native plugs installed. Client: Dean Callan and Company, Inc. 1510 28'h Street, Suite 200 Boulder, Colorado 80303 14 .- .1. 1. 1. 1 Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecolopical Resource Consultants, Inc. Fountain Creek Drainage Improvement Project, Colorado Springs, Colorado Project Description: ERC completed design, permitting and construction observation as part of a bid -build enhancement project for the Phase B Fountain Creek drainage improvements project in Colorado Springs, CO. Project included restoration and realignment of approximately 0.5 miles of the Creek with the main objective of improving public safety along the corridor. ERC completed a delineation of the water's of the U.S, conducted a threatened and endangered species screening, obtained the 404 permit, assisted with public meetings, designed channel protection and stabilization, completed landscape plans and submitted design drawings and specifications. ERC also completed construction oversight for implementation of the Phase A project (construction fees $700,000) and will be providing oversight services for Phase B construction. Client: CH2M Hill Contact: Mark Rosser, P.E. Phone: (303) 713-5315 15 Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants. Inc. Copper Mountain Wetland Mitigation and Stream Restoration Project Description: ERC completed design, permitting and construction observation for a design/build enhancement project at Copper Mountain. Project included creation of 1.6 acres of mitigation wetlands, realignment of Wheeler Creek and instream and riparian corridor enhancements along West Ten -Mile Creek. Field and design work included selecting restoration sites, conducting baseline inventories of the area, generate a hydraulic computer model to evaluate floodplain issues, selected species for vegetation, identified instream habitat improvements required, conducted a water budget for the site and developed grading and erosion control plans for the site. Obtained 404 permit and 401 certification for the project and gained approval for the project from DOW and Summit County. Served as the client's representative in the design/build process and provided a liaison between contractor and the project sponsor. Client: Intawest Development Group Copper Mountain, CO 16 I .. 1. L 1 . Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants. Inc. Appendix B Rates and Resumes 17 ®Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. 4920 Tesla Court —Boulder, Colorado-80301-720.564.0788 2004 Rate Sheet Professional Services Senior Ecologist.........................................$80.00 per hour Senior Water Resource Engineer .....................$80.00 per hour Field Technician..................................................... $45.00 per hour Expenses Mileage..................................................$0.365 per mile Plots (B&W or Color, 24"x36")..................... $6.00 per sheet *Additional direct project expenses at cost Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants Inc Project Understanding The City of Fort Collins (City) is seeking professional services from a qualified consultant to assist in development and implementation of a wetland restoration program for an artificial surface water wetland at the Udall Natural Area. This area was acquired by the City to treat urban stormwater runoff from portions of downtown prior to draining into the Poudre River. The stormwater runoff collects in a series of three shallow basis intended to detain and clean water. The third basin, approximately two acres in size, has been designed to act and function as an artificial, shallow water wetland. Within this third basin, three discrete hydrological zones have been developed intended to support a variety of wetland plants. Wetland plant establishment within this third basin is the subject of this proposal and primary goal of the City's project. The Scope of work is to include review of the existing wetland design, acquire plant/soil materials, complete the installation in early 2004, prescribe a hydrologic regime for the basin as well as develop a monitoring and adaptive management program Project Team Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. (ERC) offers innovative solutions for environmental planning, natural ecosystem restoration, water resource management and regulatory permitting projects throughout the Rocky Mountain region. ERC is a small, independently owned company comprised of a multidisciplinary team with expertise in wetland science, ecology, biology, water resources and environmental regulatory issues. This range of experience allows us to develop comprehensive solutions that meet the needs of our clients and are compatible with the natural environment. ERC uses this experience to provide a full range of environmental and water resource services. ERC was formed specifically to provide the services requested by the City for the project. Unlike larger companies where a majority of the actual work is performed by inexperienced, less qualified staff the team presented below will complete 100% of the project work. The project will benefit by senior level technical experience that will lead to an efficient, well -organized product. ERC also provides these senior level professionals at billing rates that are well below the industry standard. As a result, we are able to provide a greater level of effort for a given price than our competitors. ERC's small yet dedicated staff can provide the City of Fort Collins with the requested services in the most efficient and timely manner as possible. ERC will be the project manager and main point of contact to the City. ERC will provide all technical wetland related issues and coordinate the project implementation. Western States Reclamation, Inc. Western States Reclamation, Inc. (WSRI) has completed restoration projects for municipalities and private corporations for twenty years. They have completed high profile, award -winning projects throughout the Western United States. WSRI offers turnkey services ranging from soil preparation, seeding and plant installation to 1 Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. David J. Blauch, Vice President, Senior Ecologist Education B.S. Environmental Resource Management, Pennsylvania State University Employment History Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc, Boulder, CO.2000-Present.V.P., Senior Ecologist Aquatic and Wetland Company, Boulder CO. 2000-1996. Senior Ecologist Environmental Concern, Inc., St. Michaels, MD. 1996-1994. Wetland Ecologist Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Resources, Harrisburg, PA. 1994, Field Biologist Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA. 1993. Research Assistant Areas of Expertise Jurisdictional Delineation, Section (CWA) 404, 401 Regulations, Wetland Mitigation Design and Monitoring, Stream Restoration, Trout Habitat Development, Ecological Assessments, Threaten and Endangered Species Surveys, GPS Mapping, AutoCAD Drafting Mr. Blauch is responsible for technical oversight and project management of ecological related projects for ERC. He is responsible for directing project work from field studies to conceptual level evaluations and final design and construction. His experience in ecological projects complement the multidisciplinary project approach emphasized by ERC. Select Relevant Professional Experience: Kingfisher Natural Area, Wetland Restoration, Fort Collins, CO Contracted as a project ecologist, provided technical consultation for development of alternative vegetation plans for the US Army Corps (Omaha District) Kingfisher Point Restoration Project (under contract with Tetra Tech, Inc.) located in the City of Fort Collins, Colorado. The Project is being conducted under Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act. Responsibilities included a complete analysis of wetland vegetation development alternatives including: species selection, seeding/planting methodologies, wildlife protection measures, cost analysis and success rankings for over 30 acres of wetland development. Copper Mountain Wetland Mitigation and Creek Enhancements, Summit County, CO Project Ecologist for a 1.6 acres compensatory wetland mitigation project which also included 500 linear foot of enhancement to West Ten Mile Creek and 500 linear feet of enhancement to Wheeler Creek, responsibilities included Summit County, Division of Wildlife and Army Corps of Engineers (NWP 27) permitting, site selection, complete wetland mitigation and stream design/build plans, construction coordination and continuing yearly monitoring. Creek enhancements included construction of instream boulder trout habitat structures, bend pools, low flow channel improvements and bio-engineered bank stabilization. Spine Road Wetland Mitigation Design/Monitoring, City of Boulder, Colorado As project ecologist, responsibilities included USACE and City of Boulder permitting for a commercial development and complete compensatory wetland/buffer zone mitigation plans. Mitigation plans included creation of a 0.5 acre seasonally inundated palustrine emergent wetland complex and development of a 0.6 acres surrounding native buffer zone. Wetland/buffer zone was monitored for a period of 3 years and is considered viable and self-sustaining. Eagle River Restoration, Minturn, Eagle County, CO Project Ecologist for the 0.9 mile long Eagle River Restoration Project, responsibilities included identification of aquatic and riparian habitat limiting factors, evaluation of existing brown trout habitat, development of instream trout habitat features and low flow channel improvements, revitalization of riparian and wetland habitat, coordination with the local citizens, Division of Wildlife and Army Corps of Engineers as well as preparation of preliminary design plans. The project received Natural Resource Damage funding and is scheduled for construction in 2003. Alder Street Constructed Wetland, San Miguel County, Telluride, CO Project Ecologist for this award -winning project which is a component of the Town of Telluride's streetscapes program, responsibilities included design, US Army Corps of Engineers (NWP 27) and Colorado Division of Wildlife coordination/permitting, construction management and monitoring of a 0.3-acre stormwater wetland which treats urban runoff before it enters the San Miguel River. The project also included 110 linear feet of bioengineered streambank stabilization on the San Miguel River. First Creek Restoration, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Arapahoe County, CO: Project Ecologist for the development of a restoration plan for First Creek through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal completed for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Objectives of the restoration plan were to stabilize First Creek through the use of bio-engineered bank treatments, instream grade control and riparian revegetation for the highly degrade intermittent First Creek. Responsibilities included functional evaluation of existing conditions, development of bio- engineered bank treatments, seeding and planting plan development and the creation of over 5 acres of riparian wetland habitat. Brush Creek Restoration, Snowmass Village, Pitkin County, CO Project Ecologist for the proposed base village expansion project located in Snowmass Village, responsibilities included wetland delineation, aquatic/riparian habitat functional assessment and preliminary restoration plans for a 0.3 mile long reach of Brush Creek. Restoration goals include re -alignment of the Brush Creek channel away from roadway disturbances, increased channel meandering, bank stabilization and development of instream trout habitat features. The project goals also focus on development of approximately 1 acre of wetland habitat, revitalization of the riparian corridor and promotion of appropriate public recreational uses. Wetland Mitigation/Buffer Zone Enhancement Plan, Loveland, Larimer County, CO Completed a complete ecological assessment of a proposed 3,000 acre development site. Ecological assessment included jurisdictional wetland delineation, natural area buffer zone analysis, vegetation community inventory, wildlife use analysis, screening of threatened, endangered and of concern species, project impact analysis (including Individual Section 404(CWA) permit and received approval of preliminary design plans for approximately 2 acres of wetland mitigation and 15 acres of buffer zone enhancements. Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. Troy A Thompson, P.E., President, Senior Engineer Master of Science, Water Resources Engineering, University of Colorado Bachelor of Science, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Cornell University Professional Affiliations Registered Engineer, State of Colorado # 32913 American Society of Civil Engineers American Water Resource Association Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers Employment History Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc., Boulder, CO. 2000-Present. President, Senior Engineer Aquatic and Wetland Company, Boulder CO. 1999-2000. Managing Engineer Hydro -Triad, Ltd., Lakewood, CO. 1993-1999. Water Resource Engineer Central Engineers and Architects, Beaver Dam, WI. 1991,1992. Staff Engineer/Surveyor Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. 1993. Hydraulic Research Assistant Areas of Expertise Hydrology Modeling and Floodplain Delineation, Stream Restoration, Bioengineered Bank Stabilization, Sediment Transport Modeling, Aquatic Habitat Evaluations, Stochastic Computer Modeling. Professional Experience Eagle River Master Plan and Stream Restoration, Minturn, Colorado — Project manager for stream restoration and riparian corridor master plan for 0.8 mile stretch of the Eagle River through Minturn, CO. Objectives of the project were to restore the river to a stable, natural state. Components of the project included narrowing and reshaping a Type B3 stream channel to create the appropriate bankfull width, width/depth ratio and reduce the level of entrenchment. A riffle/pool channel bed configuration was designed and sinuosity was increased to reestablish the stream's equilibrium. Design included bank stabilization, water quality drop vaults, creation of a native riparian buffer zone and fish habitat improvements appropriate for the B3 Type stream Conducted public meetings and assisted Town with grant applications. Coordinated with contractors and completed initial phases of design/build process to date. Blue River Habitat Enhancement, Silverthorne, Colorado — Project manager for stream restoration and aquatic habitat improvements on 0.6 miles of the Blue River through Silverthorne, CO. Objectives of this project were to enhance aquatic habitat, improve aesthetics of the riparian corridor and increase tourist/fisherman use of the river. Performed frequency analyses to select low flow and flood event design criteria. Established low flow channel within the overly wide main channel. Performed hydrological, hydraulic and sediment transport models for the project reach. Designed and oversaw installation of instream drop structures, vortex rock weirs, concave bend pools, riffle sections, current deflectors and point bars to improve low flow conditions and provide overwintering trout habitat. Negotiated with ACOE as part of the 404 process. Sand Creek Restoration, Denver, Colorado — Project engineer for construction oversight on a degraded reach of Sand Creek in Denver, Colorado. Utilized bioengineering solutions including boulder toe with willow cuttings, biologs, coir matting and willow waddles for bank stabilization. Incorporated planting and seeding to improve riparian function of traditional riprap revetment structures. Installed grouted boulder drop structures and buried hard -points to eliminate historic downcutting. Meandered low flow within the overly wide existing channel to decrease gradients and "naturalize" channel appearance. Tennessee Creek Enhancement, Leadville, Colorado — Project manager for channel stabilization and fish habitat improvements on 1.8 miles of Tennessee Creek. Designed and installed 73 fish habitat units including drop structures, vortex rock weirs, backwater wetlands (nursery habitat), concave bend pools, undercut banks, riffle sections, current deflectors and point bars. Performed hydrological and sediment transport modeling to size boulders for structures and set low flow criteria to maintain scour in pools throughout the year. Stabilized banks using willow stakes and plantings. Assisted in preparation of a Army Corp's Nationwide 27 permit. Performed construction oversight. San Miguel River Restoration, Telluride, Colorado — Technical leader for restoration of 0.7 miles of the San Miguel River in Telluride, Colorado. Utilized an on-line sediment basin to equilibrate aggradation and degradation that had been impacted by historic mining operations. Created a meandering 30 foot wide low flow channel within an existing 100 foot wide main channel to reestablish the stream's geomorphological balance. Installed boulder toe bank stabilization with native willow clumps and stakes to improve the riparian corridor. Added drop structures, vortex rock weirs, undercut banks and concave bend pools to provide overwintering trout habitat. Crown Jewel Mine Streamflow and Water Rights Evaluation, Washington — Technical leader responsible for evaluating impacts of proposed mine activities on regional groundwater levels, streamflow quantities and water rights. Conducted hydrologic and geomorphologic studies of the streambed to evaluate water losses into the alluvium. Reviewed instream flow incremental method (IFIM) study to evaluate impacts on aquatic habitat. Analyzed water augmentation plan including groundwater recharge operations. Provided expert testimony regarding findings of evaluation as part of a dispute over Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. La Romana Water Resources Evaluation, Dominican Republic — Project manager for the water supply master plan of the La Romana Province in the Dominican Republic. Quantified potable water demands for municipal and commercial water users. Performed statistical evaluations of flow data to determine the reliable yield from surface sources. Evaluated long-term changes to the groundwater table and correlated recent drawdown to pumping operations. Determined the safe aquifer yield for future development. Performed cost/benefit analysis to determine the most technologically and economically feasible future supply. Monywa Water Resources Evaluation, Burma — Project engineer for a hydrologic, geohydrologic and water quality evaluation of an open pit copper mine. The pits were located adjacent to the Yama Stream and Chindwin River. Modeled groundwater flow patterns and developed pumping scheme to control groundwater levels and dewater pits. Performed field sampling and analyses for the baseline water quality monitoring program Designed diversion ditches and sediment basins to convey stormwater offsite and minimize sediment loads. Minera Yanacocha Gold Mine Systems Modeling, Peru — Project manager for feasibility, design and optimization studies for Yanacocha facilities. Performed statistical evaluations of meteorological and hydrological data. Modeled relationship between water treatment plant capacity and pond storage requirements using Monte Carlo simulations. Analyzed sequencing of pad loading with respect to the natural climatological cycles of the region to optimize operations. Determined reliability of water supply system and set requirements for well locations and pumping rates. Created windows based computer model used by operators to monitor and forecast operations. 2 Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants Inc maintenance and erosion control. WSRI's past experience includes working with an array of soil conditions from alkaline to acidic as well as working in a variety of climates from desert to sub -alpine. WSRI provides the experience and equipment necessary to complete any size project. WSRI will perform all construction related activities including, soil preparation, seeding, plant installation and maintenance for the project under the direct supervision of ERC. Rocky Mountain Native Plants Company Rocky Mountain Native Plants Company (RMNP) offers a comprehensive line of site and watershed specifc native vegetation for Colorado. RMNP will provide all native plant material associated with the project under direct coordination of ERC • Together ERC, WSRI and RMNP provide the ideal expertise in wetland science native plant propagation and reclamation and maintenance services to complete the City project. Project Personal David Blanch, V.P. (ERC), Senior Ecologist, will serve as project manager and senior ecologist for projects. David will assume the primary role of technical expert and serve as the main point of contact for the City. David provides extensive local and nationwide wetland science expertise to potential projects. David specializes in wetland creation and restoration habitat development. He has personally evaluated hundreds of acres of wetland habitat and designed/constructed numerous wetlands throughout the Front Range gaining a thorough understanding of local wetland habitat dynamics. His experience in wetland science and implementation of wetland restoration techniques will ensure that the project will develop and function properly. Troy Thompson. P.E., President (ERC), Senior Water Resource Engineer, will serve as senior water resource engineer providing technical assistance and review of project components associated with water budget analysis and engineering review. Troy specializes in hydrologic analysis and hydraulic design of natural features and his experience will help to ensure that wetland system is designed and implemented in a manner that will function hydraulically. 0a Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. ERC Relevant Project Experience Kingfisher Point Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project, Fort Collins, Colorado ERC provided technical consultation for development of alternative vegetation plans for the US Army Corps (Omaha District) Kingfisher Point Restoration Project (under contract with Tetra Tech, Inc.) located in the City of Fort Collins, Colorado. The Project is being conducted under Section 206 of the Water Resources Development Act. ERC provided a complete analysis of wetland vegetation development alternatives including: species selection, seeding/planting methodologies, wildlife protection measures, cost analysis and success rankings for over 30 acres of wetland development. Eagle River Restoration Project, Minturn, Colorado ERC worked in conjunction with the Town of Minturn to develop and implement a river restoration project funded by the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) Natural Resource Damage Fund program. The project was awarded $1.1 million and included the restoration of 0.8 miles of the Eagle River through the Town of Minturn creating appropriate channel geometries, 11-riflfle-pool-glide sequences, establishment of 1.5 acres of riparian habitat and installing three water quality vaults. ERC completed a full restoration design plan package, coordinated all construction and provided detailed as -built documentation. Final riparian plantings and monitoring will be completed in 2004. Over 30,000 herbaceous plugs, 2,000 shrubs and 80 trees will be installed by WSRI as part of the final 2004 planting. Fountain Creek Drainage Improvement Project, Colorado Springs, Colorado ERC provided ecological related services as part of the design team for the Fountain Creek Drainage Improvement Project for the City of Colorado Springs. The project included restoration and realignment of approximately 0.5 miles of the Creek with the main objective of improving public safety along the corridor. ERC was responsible for channel protection and stabilization, completed vegetation restoration plans, specifications and construction/plant installation oversight. ERC worked directly with WSRI to complete approximately 6 acres of wetland and upland restoration. Restoration included installing 5,600 willow stakes, 734 1-gallon shrubs, 444 5-gallon shrubs, 31,000 square yards of erosion control blanket and 5-acres of seeding. WSRI also installed a temporary irrigation system for maintaining plant material during the establishment period. Wiper Mountain ResortWetland Mitigation Project, Copper Mountain Colorado ERC designed, constructed and implemented a monitoring and maintenance program for 1.6 acres of compensatory wetland mitigation for Copper Mountain Resort. Wetlands developed included three individual montane, palustrine emergent wetland complexes located throughout the ski area. ERC was solely responsible for development of grading plans, establishment of hydrology, plant selection, coordination of construction, planting crews and monitoring per Army Corps of Engineers guidelines. Over 40,000 wetland plugs and 200 shrubs were installed as part of the wetland mitigation project. 3 Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. Gunbarrel Business Park, Wetland Restoration, Gunbarrel Colorado ERC provided technical design consultation and on -going monitoring services to restore an existing highly disturbed 0.5 acre wetland (including an 0.5 acre buffer zone). The basic design concept was to re -connect surface drainage to the wetland which had been previously interrupted from surrounding development of parking lots, curbs and roads. Through minor site grading, rerouting of site drainage and addition of plant material, the wetland complex was restored providing significantly high functional value of the remnant alkaline wetland. The entire wetland area was seeded with a native wetland seed mix and approximately 16,500 native plugs installed. Project Approach ERC proposes to provide a complete turnkey design -build -monitoring -maintenance approach for the Udall wetland restoration project. ERC has found this approach the most cost effective and efficient process to ensure a successful project compared to traditional design -bid approaches. Creation of natural features such as wetlands often requires in -field modifications to ensure that the constructed area functions in a manner that is complementary with the surrounding environment. The design -build approach is generally more efficient for these types of projects as it allows the designer to work directly with construction operators in the field to modify or adjust for any unforeseen conditions that may be encountered, monitor development and provide direct maintenance as required. Our experience indicates that wetland development projects implemented using the design/build approach are more successful than traditional design/bid/build projects when judged by overall cost and success. Wetland creation and restoration has been an evolving science over the past 30 years. Nationwide, countless wetland development techniques have been implemented with varying degrees of success. The US Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA have identified a growing concern of unsuccessful wetland development projects. Often wetland establishment projects are unsuccessful due to lack of a through understanding of a planned wetlands dynamics. A wetland is composed of three primary comments, hydrology, soil and vegetation. Through understanding of these three components is critical for the successful development of a wetland. Hydrology Wetland hydrology may be the single most important comment determining the success of a wetland restoration project. The hydrology of a wetland restoration project must be clearly understood and known to be reliable so that vegetation communities can be assigned with confidence to various site elevations. Determining the frequency, duration and quantity of available water to a wetland system is crucial for the successful development of a wetland ecosystem. Soil The physical and chemical composition of wetland substrate is a vital component of the wetland ecosystem as a medium for plant growth. Soil texture, acidity and salinity all play a role when creating a wetland. Although soils are an important aspect of the wetland ecosystem as a substrate for plant growth, the hydrology is usually the most 11 I M•« r�i. N i Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants. Inc. important factor determining vegetative communities what can be established. In most cases, wetlands occur when the correct hydrology is present regardless of the substrate. Compaction is typically the issue of concern with soil suitability. Substrate compaction will greatly affect herbaceous plant survival as well as the rate of spread. The substrate of a wetland development project should always be deconsolidated prior to planting. Vegetation Vegetation common to wetland habitats is adapted to existing in very speck conditions. Saturation of soil with water in a wetland environment effectively blocks the entry of oxygen from the atmosphere creating an anaerobic condition. This lack of oxygen in the root zone is a source of stress for plants that lack special adaptation to bring oxygen to roots from above or to function without oxygen in the root cone. Wetland plant species are adapted to exist in specific hydrologic regimes. Species which thrive in seasonally saturated soil may not thrive in soils saturated throughout the growing season. The selection of plant species which are adapted to specific hydrological regimes is critical for the successful development of a wetland. Many wetland vegetation establishment techniques have been attempted with varying success through out the country and specifically in the Colorado Front Range. The selection of an appropriate technique is directly dependant on the specific project goals, cost constraints and site characteristics. In the case of this wetland restoration project the assumed goal is to develop a diverse, viable and self-sustaining emergent wetland ecosystem Planting containerized material is the most reliable approach to achieve successful vegetation establishment of the specific wetland community. Containerized herbaceous nursery plant material has a well -developed soil/root mass, above ground plant parts and is available in a wide variety of container sizes. Containerized material is typically grown from seed in a native plant nursery under controlled environments producing mature plant specimens quickly. Containerized plant material has a mature root system, a small amount of productive growing medium (soil and soil amendments) and established above ground plant parts. The closer the spacing of containerized plant material the more rapidly uniform groundcover is realized. Potential Management Concerns A problem that appears to be common to all wetland creation projects throughout the United States is the grazing of above ground parts of woody and herbaceous plants and the excavation and consumption of below ground parts of herbaceous plants by wildlife including fish (primarily carp), geese, ducks, deer, muskrats, beaver, rabbits and small rodents. Emergent wetland establishment is vulnerable to wildlife herbivory for the first several years until nearly complete vegetation coverage is achieved. Many potentially successful restoration projects have failed due to a lack of proper weed control. Recently disturbed soils are extremely susceptible to weed infestation especially when large weed sources are present in the vicinity as is the case at the Udall Natural Natural Area. Large dense stands of kochia (Kochia scoparia), Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), smooth brome (Bromus inerimus), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), Chinese elm (Ulmus pumila), yellow sweetclover R Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. (Melilotus officinale) as well as other weed species create a potential threat of infestation in disturbed soil areas associated with project grading. Scope of Work The Scope of work presented in Section 2.0 of the RFP provides a general outline of services requested by the City. ERC provides the following recommended sequence of tasks to more specifically complete the proposed project in a cost-effective manner. Task 1. Construction Administration and Monitoring ERC will provide all construction administration, monitoring and coordination associated with the wetland restoration project. ERC will serve as the primary point of contact for the City in all aspects of the project. ERC will coordinate all tasks including project meetings, review of plans, provide recommendations, secure plant/seed material, provide construction oversight and monitoring and track and submit billings. ERC will also provide project progress reports to the City as needed. This task assumes up to one initial meeting with the City. Work Product • project administration • one (1) meeting with the City Task 2. Preliminary Design Review ERC will review the existing preliminary design plans for the project. Specific components associated with the design to be reviewed include: construction access, water budget analysis, hydrologic regime, soil suitability, vegetation species selection, vegetation species commercial availability, vegetation species origin, wildlife protection, public protection, vegetation installation methodologies and adaptive management. ERC will review the preliminary design plans and provide a brief summary report summarizing critical design elements and recommendations. In the event that critical design flaws are identified, ERC will work directly with the City to determine appropriate corrective measures, however redesign of potential concerns is not included in this cost estimate. ERC will attend up to two (2) meetings with the City to discuss project goals and requirements and review plans. Work Product • (2) meetings with the City • Preliminary Design Summary Report Task 3. Restoration Implementation ERC will coordinate the implementation of the proposed planting plan. ERC will coordinate seed/plant stock and delivery as well as installation and site preparation. Upon review of preliminary design and existing site conditions ERC will provide R Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants. Inc. recommendation of required site preparation prior to planting. The evaluation will determine soil preparation requirements such as deconsolidation and/or amendments. Site preparation may also include appropriate construction access, temporary dewatering and minor earthwork. For the purpose of this cost estimate it is assumed that the entire wetland site will require deconsolidation of the substrate to a depth of 8". Deconsolidation will assume to be completed by discing or similar method. Additional corrective measure implementation will be determined and negotiated upon completion of Task 2. Field staking of plant grouping and locations will be completed by ERC to facilitate planting efforts. For the purpose of this cost estimate ERC has assumed the preliminary planting schedule for Basin #3 provided in the RFP will be implemented. This will include the purchase and broadcast seeding of a typical wetland and upland island seed mix; purchase and installation of 41,730 plugs; and purchase and installation of 6,000 upland plugs for the islands. Work Product • Site Preparation • Wetland seeding and plant installation Task 4 and 5. Monitoring and Adaptive Management Program The immature state of many newly created wetlands makes them vulnerable to failure due to erosion, plant mortality, weed infestation and herbivory. A monitoring and maintenance program is implemented during the early stages of the critical establishment period to ensure the desired goals are achieved and protect the investment of the project. During the establishment period (typically 2 to 5 years) of a wetland, monitoring and adaptive management may be required to: evaluate success; control invasive weeds; supplement plantings and seeding; irrigate and remove protective measures. A key component of an adaptive management program would also include an integrated weed management (IWM) plan. IWM plans involve the selection and application of a variety of weed management techniques that, in combination, shape the composition and structure of the plant community to promote ecosystem health and function (Colorado Natural Areas Program, 1998). Prevention, eradication, biological control, chemical control and mechanical control are all techniques which may be implemented individually or in combination depending on target species and population densities as part of an IWM. The development of an adaptive management program is site specific and requires evaluation of problems and an assessment of appropriate remediation measures to implement to reach desired goals. ERC recommends development of a routine monitoring and adaptive management program upon plant installation during the first growing season. Monthly site evaluations will be conducted by ERC to determine any appropriate management concerns. Upon identification of a management concern ERC will prepare a brief summary of findings recommending corrective actions along with an implementation cost estimate. 7 Wetland Restoration at Udall Natural Area Ecological Resource Consultants, Inc. Warrantv All material used as part of this project will be warranteed against flaws or defects of any type and shall be the best of their class and kind as specified in the RFP (Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3). Plant material and seed will be warranteed 100% with no cost to the City upon successful installation and final approval by ERC and ultimately the City. The uncertainties associated with wetland restoration projects often are difficult to predict, insufficient water, lack of maintenance and monitoring, weeds and herbivory are all problems directly related to unsuccessful wetland development. Arbitrary warranties of success beyond approved installation for natural restoration projects commonly only create unnecessary increased costs. As an alternative, ERC recommends a set fund be established which could be utilized as part of the adaptive management program to correct and ensure successful wetland development as needed. Typical one and two year warranty periods can increase planting costs by 25%-50%. With a specific fund of money set aside, corrective measures can be completed on an as needed basis. ERC recommends as a separate cost item 25% of the planting costs be set aside for potential corrective measures to be utilized only as needed and identified as part of the adaptive management program. Work Product • Monitoring and Adaptive Management Protocol • Monthly Monitoring -Recommendations Memo • Corrective Measures as needed. Project Timeline ERC is committed to completing the project on schedule that will allow for an anticipated planting date during early spring of 2004. This timeline will include design review (Task 2) to be completed by April 1, 2004. Please note in Table 2, that 50cc plant material is not available until July 2004. If 50cc material is desired, planting would occur at that date. Monitoring and adaptive management program would be initiated upon plant installation and continue through the growing season approximately until October 2004. Monitoring and adaptive management programs for the 2005 growing season would be imitated by May 2005 and continue through October 2005. The project timeline for initiating plantings by spring of 2004 will require immediate contract finalization and secure of plant material. ERC recommends the City selected a contractor and finalize an agreement as soon as possible to ensure a quality project is completed. 8