SALT LAKE CITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES Red Butte Creek Riparian Corridor Study Public Workshop 3 May 14, 2009 Facilitated by BIO-WEST, Inc Facilitated by BIO-WEST, Inc.

Workshop Presentation Outline Review of Workshops 1 and 2 –Purpose/Need of Study –Study Plan and Schedule –Riparian Area Definition –Riparian Corridor Functions –Baseline Assessment Recommended Types of Improvement Projects What is our collective vision for the Red Butte Riparian Corridor

Why is SLC Conducting This Study? Why is SLC Conducting This Study? To assess current conditions To determine desired future conditions To identify opportunities for restoration and remediation of Red Butte Creek

Why is SLC Conducting This Study? Why is SLC Conducting This Study? To use the information, data, and maps developed during the study to inform planning, permitting, and administrative processes of the Riparian Corridor Overlay District Ordinance (RCO)

What Will the Riparian Corridor Study Management Plan Include? Statement(s) of desired future conditions Identification of restoration and remediation projects Cost analysis and ranking of projects Identification of project funding mechanisms Presentation of best management practices Inventory of GIS-based information Continuation of public outreach

What Does a Riparian Corridor Study Involve? BIO-WEST Planning & Public Outreach public workshops (four) subcommittee/stakeholder meetings (quarterly) web site comment form Baseline Condition Assessment vegetation stream condition Historical and Current Trend Assessment Salt Lake City Public Utilities Management Plan / Desired Future Conditions

Timeline and Milestones Fall 2008Winter 2009 Spring 2009 Summer 2009 Field Evaluation Public Workshop 1 Public Workshop 2 Public Workshop 3 Public Workshop 4 Historical Trend Assessment High Flow Field Evaluation Identify Improvement Projects Draft and Final Mgt. Plans

Riparian Area Definition: Zone of influence between aquatic and upland areas Sometimes defined as including channel, floodplain, and transition zone (Illustration by G. Zaimes; based on BLM 1991).

Riparian Corridor Functions: Wildlife and Aquatic Habitat –60% of vertebrate species in arid Southwest rely on riparian areas (Ohmart and Anderson 1982) Shading and Water-Temperature Control Aesthetics Recreation and Open Space Floodplain Storage and Flood Damage Reduction

Riparian Corridor Functions: Wildlife Travel Corridors/Connectivity Organic Matter Inputs Stream Stability/Safety Pollution and Nutrient Filtration Storm Water and Irrigation Water Conveyance

Baseline Condition Assessment

Baseline Assessment Results Review Aesthetics Function – Litter Wildlife Habitat Function – Invasive Plants Filtration Function – Lack of shrub and understory cover Stability Function –Erosion from storm runoff and drain outfalls –Scour around concrete –Culverts narrower than channel width –On-going stream channel adjustments –Altered hydrology

Improvement Projects: Working Toward Solutions Riparian Corridor Projects –General Projects Appropriate at any scale –Local-scale Projects Relevant to specific individual locations or features (storm drain, culvert, etc.) –Reach-scale Projects Stream bed and bank stability should be addressed at this scale Watershed-scale Projects Figure from SLCO 2009

Riparian Corridor-scale Projects

General Projects : Stream Cleanup Volunteer stream cleanup –Organize a group to pick up trash along specific portions of the riparian corridor Mechanized trash cleanup –Heavy, over-sized items requiring mechanical equipment to remove Stream adoption – / / Continued public outreach From adoptawaterbody website

General Projects: Weed Management Weed Management and Revegetation –Improve Habitat and Filtration Functions Weed-Management Techniques –Physical –Cultural – replant with desirable species –Biological –Chemical (herbicides) –Salt Lake County Natural Areas Plan Includes detailed information sheets by species

General Projects : Weed Management

Non-native invasive species common in riparian corridor but not on State or County “noxious weed” lists –English ivy and periwinkle Shallow root systems = poor stabilization Low stem density = poor filtration Exclude other plants Habitat for rodents –Siberian elm –Russian olive –Tamarisk –Tree of heaven

General Projects: Revegetation SLC Riparian Corridor Recommended Plant List –Four lists according to mapped vegetation community type –Canopy, shrub, understory species –Species appropriate for sun, shade, part sun/shade Planting Techniques –Site and seedbed preparation –Seeding/planting guidelines –Protection from herbivory –“Fire-wise” plants –

General Projects: Revegetation SLC Riparian Corridor Recommended Plant List

General Projects: Revegetation General techniques appropriate for slopes 3:1 and flatter Use geotextile for 3:1 to 2:1 Steeper than 2:1 requires structural/ engineered techniques

General Projects: Revegetation These general revegetation techniques are recommended for: –Areas where invasive species have been removed –Areas disturbed by construction activities or utility installation –Areas impacted by foot traffic, where future traffic has been redirected or otherwise addressed NOT adequate for: –Slopes steeper than 2:1 –Areas that are unstable due to stream erosion processes –Areas that are unstable due to poorly controlled runoff Need to understand why an area is not well vegetated

General Projects: Bioengineered Slope Stabilization Use on slopes 2:1 or steeper Can be applied at various scales when slopes to be treated are above the AHWL When slopes extend to the AHWL and below, treatments should be applied at the reach scale and incorporate toe protection and grade control!

General Projects: Bioengineered Slope Stabilization

Tiered vegetated cellular grids Photos from NCHRP 544

Local-scale Projects: Outlet Protection Recommend rock and vegetation rather than concrete Stabilize conveyance channel as well as outlet

Local-scale Projects: Outlet Protection Provide a stable path over entire distance from pipe outlet to creek Vegetated rock-lined swale is recommended to provide some water quality treatment Where possible, avoid locating outlets within the active channel where they are subject to scour and channel change

Local-scale Projects: Outlet Protection Techniques appropriate for: –new storm drain outfalls –retrofits of existing outfalls that are in poor condition –high-priority locations for retrofits are identified on project maps

Local–scale Projects: Stream Crossings These recommendations are applicable to new crossings and crossing replacements Bridge spanning full width of channel and active floodplain

Local-scale Projects: Stream Crossings Box, arch, or large-diameter culvert with natural substrate bottom Open-bottom or bottom “fitted” with rock substrate Improved stability, conveyance, connectivity, and habitat functions relative to small-diameter culverts Reduced risk of clogging Deer Creek Highway 189 crossing

Reach-scale Projects: Bed and Bank Stabilization Use in areas within the AHWL, where conditions are affected by stream- channel adjustments –streambed lowering –bank scour –channel migration

Should implement comprehensively through reach from “hard point” to “hard point” “Local” scale approaches in adjusting reaches are unlikely to be long lasting “Local” scale stabilization often just sends the problem elsewhere Reach Projects: Bed and Bank Stabilization

Things to avoid: –Treatments that protrude into the active channel and reduce width between banks –Concrete or other smooth, impervious treatments –Use of “hard” (nondeformable) bank treatments within acceptable meander zone –Use of “hard” bank treatments above toe and lower bank zones Reach Projects: Bed and Bank Stabilization

DO: –Give the stream as much width to adjust as possible –Incorporate vegetation to the greatest extent possible Aesthetics Habitat Filtration/Water Quality –Protect toe of bank to expected scour depth –Incorporate grade control with bank stabilization Reach Projects: Bed and Bank Stabilization

Reach Projects: Grade Control

Reach Projects: Toe Protection Subexcavate to maximum depth of scour Install rock sized to be immobile during flood flows

Reach Projects: Bank Stabilization

Applicable within and beyond riparian area Attempt to halt or reverse some of root causes of riparian corridor degradation Alterations to hydrology Alterations to sediment regime Point and non-point source pollution Watershed-Scale Projects Figure from FISRWG (1998) Figure from SLCO (2009)

Watershed-Scale Projects Lower Red Butte Creek watershed is 32% impervious

Watershed-Scale Projects Manage and reduce impervious surfaces –County WaQSP document includes recommendations Green roofs Bioretention swales Oil/water separators at gas stations Porous pavement Infiltration practices –New development U of U Research Park area VA Hospital area Figures from SLCO (2009)

Watershed-Scale Projects Retrofit existing development –Seattle Public Utilities “natural drainage system” program –Convert curb and gutter systems to bioretention swales, etc. –Opportunities in your own yard Infiltrate driveway and rooftop runoff

Watershed-Scale Projects Improve instream flows –Investigate opportunities to secure and manage water rights for instream flows –Improve groundwater recharge Increase construction inspections and enforcement of existing stormwater regulations –Reduce sediment/pollutant inputs –Emphasize revegetation

Watershed-Scale Projects Conduct public awareness campaign –Coordinate with U of U, City Parks, etc. to show creeks on maps and web sites –Neighborhood signs (e.g., “Yalecrest – Red Butte Creek Watershed”) –Road signs – “crossing Red Butte Creek” etc. –Storm drain stenciling –Sidewalk imprints

Improvement Projects - Ranking Identify high- vs. low-priority locations for each type of “local-scale” project (e.g., storm drains, culverts) Identify appropriate suite of projects for each reach Provide your input to determine which types of projects are highest priority

Summary of Workshop Series 1: Workshop Dates: October/November 2008 Red Butte attendees: 16 Red Butte comments: 2 Emigration attendees: 27 Emigration comments: 9

Summary of Workshop Series 2: Workshop Date: February 2009 Red Butte Attendees: 24 Red Butte Comments: 5 Emigration Attendees: 42 Emigration Comments: 3

What Is A Vision Statement? Defines desired or intended future condition Acts as a source of inspiration Provides clear decision-making criteria Describes what will be achieved

Features Of An Effective Vision Statement: Is clear and unambiguous Creates a vivid picture Describes a bright future Uses memorable and engaging wording Embodies realistic aspirations Aligns with values and culture

Red Butte Creek Vision Statement : Introductory text (... a source for inspiration) Supporting text (... desired future conditions) Concluding text (... how to implement)

Draft Vision Statement: Introductory The Red Butte Creek riparian corridor is a highly valued natural resource that provides a refuge from the chaotic urban environment of the City. It is appreciated by the community for its relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, as well as for the visual and auditory benefits of a free-flowing stream. The riparian ecosystem is restored to the extent possible and provides many of the essential functions of a healthy natural ecosystem.

Draft Vision Statement: Supporting To reach this vision, the following riparian corridor functions must be realized: –a well-connected vegetative corridor provides a diverse habitat for native wildlife –healthy, mature vegetation provides a canopy to cool air and water temperatures; mid-level vegetation and ground cover allow for diverse wildlife habitat, erosion control, and filtration of sediment and pollutants –an uninterrupted flow of clean, clear water supports a healthy cold-water fishery in the naturally perennial segments of the creek

Draft Vision Statement: Supporting –stream banks are stable but allow for natural stream dynamics within acceptable limits for property owners –the stream is recognized as a valuable asset by the community, with trash or debris and noxious weeds kept out of the stream bed and riparian corridor –open space compliments the riparian corridor while allowing for accessible public enjoyment of the stream environment –storm-water conveyances are upgraded to improve stream stability and water quality –culverts along the stream are replaced to reduce stream- channel constrictions, provide energy dissipation, and improve stream-bed and bank stability

Draft Vision Statement: Concluding These efforts should be accomplished cooperatively between the City and Red Butte Creek riparian- corridor stakeholders, and property owners should be given a significant opportunity to provide input and implementation of proposed rehabilitation projects.

YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT! Identify improvement projects that are important to you. Suggest your revisions to the draft vision statement for the project. Ask project staff questions.

Ways to Comment and Participate Workshop Response Form SLC DPU Website ( Contact SLC DPU: Florence Reynolds

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING! BIO-WEST Contacts: Melissa Stamp Christopher Sands