Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District ... … · Control and Water...

Year 5

Review Draft Vegetation Monitoring Report Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District

VINEYARD CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT Novato, California

Prepared for:

Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District

PO Box 4186

San Rafael, CA 94913

Contact: Hannah Lee

Prepared by:

May & Associates, Inc.

182 Seal Rock Drive

San Francisco, CA 94121

415-391-1000

Contact: Loran May

In association with:

Shelterbelt Builders Inc.

401 Terry A. Francois Blvd, Ste 220

San Francisco, CA 94158

415-357-1500 Contact: Mark Heath

January 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 1

2.1 PROJECT LOCATION ...................................................................................................................................... 4

2.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................ 4

3.0 MONITORING METHODS ..................................................................................................................... 9

3.1. PLANT SURVIVAL ......................................................................................................................................... 9

3.2 VEGETATIVE COVER ................................................................................................................................... 10

3.3 GENERAL SITE OBSERVATIONS .................................................................................................................. 10

4.0 SUMMARY OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES ................................................................................. 11

5.1 PLANT SURVIVAL ........................................................................................................................................ 12

5.2 VEGETATION COVER ................................................................................................................................... 15

5.3 GENERAL SITE OBSERVATIONS .................................................................................................................. 18

6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................... 24

7.0 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................ 26

TABLES AND FIGURES

Figure 1. Project Location

Figure 2. As-Built Planting Plan and Photo Monitoring Locations

Figure 3. Recommended Remedial Plantings (Year 1)

Table 1. Approved Site Planting List

Table 2. Results of Baseline Year 1 Plant Survivorship Monitoring (January 2007)

Table 3. Summary of Year 1 Performance (1-2007)

Table 4. Recommended Replacement Plantings, Year 1 (1-2007)

APPENDICES

Appendix A. Site Photographs

Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District May & Associates, Inc.

REVIEW DRAFT Vineyard Creek Restoration Project 182 Seal Rock Drive

Year Five (2013) Vegetation Monitoring Report San Francisco, CA 94121

November 2013 Page 1 (415) 391-1000

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report documents the final year (Year 5) monitoring for the Marin County Flood Control

and Water Conservation District’s Vineyard Creek project located in Novato, California. The

project is located between the south end of Arbor Creek and McClay Road in Novato, Marin

County, CA (Lat 38.10906 N, Lon: -122.58778 W) (Figure 1). The project area encompasses

2,485 linear feet of Vineyard Creek. Marin County is modifying this section of Vineyard

Creek in order to improve flood conveyance and fish habitat and passage through the project

area.

The project is subject to the following environmental permits and agreements:

California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Water Quality Certification (Site

No. 02-21-C0667, File No. 2158.04(mil) dated April 25, 2008;

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Clean Water Act, Nationwide Permit

(NWP) 3 for Maintenance, NWP 13 for Bank Stabilization, NWP 27 for Aquatic

Habitat Restoration, Establishment, and Enhancement Activities, and NWP 33 for

Temporary Construction, Access,, and Dewatering (72 Fed Reg. 11,092, March 12,

2007) (File No. 2007-00881N);

Department of Fish and Game, Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement

(Notification No. 1600-2007-0510-3) dated February 8, 2008; and

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, request for Informal Consultation (Federal Endangered

Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq.) dated January 7, 2008

These permits and agreements require Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation

District to install plantings described in this document and as shown in Figure 2. Phase 1 of the

creek restoration site was graded and irrigation installed in February and March 2009. The

upper slopes of the site were hydroseeded following site grading, and then planted with woody

shrub and tree species from March 2-11, 2009. Willow stakes were installed at the toe of the

slopes near the fish weirs in mid-March 2009, after the upper slopes were planted. Wetland

plug plantings were installed along the edge of the creek channel on March 23, 2009 to provide

soil stabilization. A planting list for the Phase 1 site is provided in Tables 1a (Phase 1 planting

area) and 1b (Phase 2 planting area).

The Phase 2 portion of the project was constructed and installed in January and February 2010.

Retaining wall planters were constructed, and plants installed in the planters, along the

retaining wall, and on the upper creek channel. A planting list for the Phase 2 site is provided

in Table 1b.

Maintenance activities provided by Shelterbelt Builders were conducted as needed throughout




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2009, and 2010. In 2011, maintenance responsibility shifted to the North Bay Conservation

Corps with oversight and training provided by the County. Activities performed in 2013 by

the North Bay Conservation Corps included the following: spot-removal of invasive plants;

removal of some irrigation lines downstream of Center Bridge; and removal of some wire

cages in the active channel. Grant funding has been obtained for 2014 to continue vegetation

management and invasive species control throughout the Vineyard and Warner Creek project

areas utilizing the CCNB Project Regeneration youth program.

The following performance criteria were established for the project: 85-90% survival of all

plantings at the end of five years. No interim annual success criteria were prescribed for this

project.

Following plant installation, a 5-year monitoring and plant maintenance program was required

by project permits to help ensure the project is successful. To meet this project requirement,

Year 1(2009) vegetation monitoring was performed by Loran May, President and Senior

Botanist with May & Associates on November 10, 2009. Year 2 (2010) monitoring was

performed on November 11 and 17, 2010). Year 3 (2011) monitoring was performed on

September 25, 26, and 27 2011. Year 4 (2012) monitoring was performed on September 27 and

October 26, 2012. The final year (Year 5) Monitoring was performed on October 29, 2013.

Monitoring was performed during the dry season when riparian plants would be most drought

stressed. The timing of monitoring was selected to detect plants that were stressed, unhealthy,

or otherwise unlikely to live to the next growing season.

The results of the Year 5 vegetation monitoring are as follows:

The site was planted in accordance with approved permits and agreements. The site

was also hydroseeded with an appropriate native grass seed mixture.

Year 5 plant survival in the riparian planting area was estimated at 94% for the Phase 1

area and 92% for the Phase 2 area, and therefore meets and exceeds the overall Year 5

survivorship performance standards for the project (85-90% survival) and is considered

complete.

Both the riparian planting area and the hydroseeded grassland area are fully established,

with observed vegetation cover averaging 85% for the planted riparian areas and 98%

for the hydroseeded grassland areas and are considered successful.

Overall creek channel establishment is high, with some areas of the creek with 75%

cover of cattails and watercress in the creek channel and a mixture of willows, mint,

umbrella sedge, and other wetland and aquatic plants occupying the creek channel edge

and low flow channel. Planted channel edge vegetation in 2013 was estimated at 90%

of the overall 95% of creek channel vegetation present, and is considered successfully

established.




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In conclusion, the Vineyard Creek site was planted in accordance with approved permits and

specifications. The site has met project performance standards and is considered successful.

Recommendations for completing the project include discontinuing irrigation, removal of

irrigation equipment, and removal of remaining wire cages.

Following project completion, the County may wish to implement periodic site maintenance on

a 3-5 year basis, beginning in 2016. Periodic maintenance would include ongoing control of

invasive plants to ensure long-term survival of planted species, removal of emergent aquatic

vegetation (mostly cattails) from the creek channel to maintain long-term stormwater flow

capacity, and assessment of ongoing trespass issues.




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2.0 INTRODUCTION

This report documents the 2013 final year of monitoring (Year 5) for the Marin County Flood

Control and Water Conservation District’s Vineyard Creek project located in Novato,

California. The project area encompasses 2,485 linear feet of Vineyard Creek.

2.1 PROJECT LOCATION

The project is located between the south end of Arbor Creek and McClay Road in Novato,

Marin County, CA (Lat 38.10906 N, Lon: -122.58778 W) (Figure 1).

2.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND

The creek restoration project is part of a larger floodwater and fish conveyance improvement

project. Marin County is modifying this section of Vineyard Creek in order to improve flood

conveyance and fish habitat and passage through the project area.

This project includes the following:

Replacement of the concrete box culvert at the Center Road crossing with a free span

bridge or bottomless arch culvert;

Modifications of the Vineyard Creek channel to eliminate erosion risk to adjacent

properties and improve water quality;

Changes to the system to promote active channel conveyance and improved low- and

high flow fish passage;

Improvements the low flow channel form, and

Enhancing in-stream habitat.

The project is subject to the following environmental permits and agreements:

California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Water Quality Certification (Site

No. 02-21-C0667, File No. 2158.04(mil) dated April 25, 2008;

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Clean Water Act, Nationwide Permit

(NWP) 3 for Maintenance, NWP 13 for Bank Stabilization, NWP 27 for Aquatic

Habitat Restoration, Establishment, and Enhancement Activities, and NWP 33 for

Temporary Construction, Access, and Dewatering (72 Fed Reg. 11,092, March 12,

2007) (File No. 2007-00881N);

Department of Fish and Game, Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement

(Notification No. 1600-2007-0510-3) dated February 8, 2008; and




November 2013 Page 5 (415) 391-1000

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, request for Informal Consultation (Federal Endangered

Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq.) dated January 7, 2008

These permits and agreements require Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation

District to install plantings described in this document and as shown in Figure 2. The approved

planting list is provided in Tables 1a (Phase 1 planting area) and 1b (Phase 2 planting area).

Table 1a. Phase 1 Site Planting List

Scientific Name Common Name Size

Aesculus californica Buckeye Tree Pot

Acer negundo Box elder 3 gal

Acer macrophyllum Bigleaf maple 5 gal

Alnus rhombifolia Alder 15 gal, D60

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry 1 gal

Baccharis pilularis Coyote Brush D40

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Blue Blossom D40

Fraxinus latifolia Oregon Ash 3 gal

Heteromeles arbutifolia Toyon D40

Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak 5 gal

Quercus lobata Valley Oak 5 gal, D40

Rhamnus californica Coffeeberry D40

Ribes sanguineum Pink Flowering Currant 1 gal

Rosa californica Wood Rose D40

Rubus ursinus California Blackberry D40

Sambucus mexicanus Blue Elderberry 5 gal, D40

Vitis californica Wild grape D40

Salix laevigata Red willow Cuttings

Carex barbarae Barbara sedge Plugs

Carex nudata Nut sedge Plugs

Juncus balticus Baltic rush Plugs

Juncus patens Common rush Plugs




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Table 1b. Phase 2 Site Planting List

Scientific Name Common Name Size

Alnus rhombifolia White alder D60

Arbutus menziesii Madrone D40

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry 1 gal/D40

Artemisia californica California sage D40

Baccharis pilularis Coyote Brush D40

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Blue Blossom D40

Cornus sericea Dogwood D40

Fraxinus latifolia Oregon Ash 5 gal

Heteromeles arbutifolia Toyon 5 gal

Holodiscus discolor Ocean spray 1 gal

Lonicera hispidula ssp. vacillans Vine honeysuckle D40

Mimulus auriantiacus Sticky Monkey Flower 1 gal

Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak 5 gal/D40

Rhamnus californica Coffeeberry D40

Ribes californicum California gooseberry D40

Ribes sanguineum Pink Flowering Currant 5 gal

Rosa californica Wood Rose D40

Rubus ursinus California blackberry D40

Sambucus mexicana Blue elderberry 1 gal/D40

Symphoricarpos albus

var. laevigatus Snowberry D40

Vitis californica Wild grape D40

Salix laevigata Red willow Cuttings

Juncus balticus Baltic rush Plugs

Juncus effusus Bog rush Plugs

Juncus patens Blue rush Plugs

Leymus triticoides Creeping wildrye Bands




November 2013 Page 7 (415) 391-1000

Figure 1. Project Location




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Figure 2. As-Built Planting Plan and Permanent Photomonitoring

Locations, Phases 1 and 2




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3.0 MONITORING METHODS

Vegetation monitoring requirements are stated in the JARPA excerpts from pages 22-24: U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Clean Water Act, Nationwide Permit (File No. 2007-

00881N). Specifically, vegetation monitoring includes plant survivorship and vegetative cover

as two measures of success, as described in more detail below.

Year 5 (2013) monitoring was performed by Loran May, President and Senior Botanist with

May & Associates on October 29, 2013. Monitoring was performed during the dry season

when riparian plants would be most drought stressed. The timing of monitoring was selected to

detect plants that were stressed, unhealthy, or otherwise unlikely to live to the next growing

season.

The entire site was investigated on foot, and a plant count of the riparian corridor planting

area was conducted. Each woody tree or shrub planting that was installed within the Phase 1

and Phase 2 planting areas was assessed for mortality, health, vegetative cover, and its species

recorded for use in assessing progress towards performance criteria (below). In addition, a

visual estimate of the hydroseeded grassland lower bank area and the creek channel planting

area by the water’s edge was also conducted. Performance criteria and monitoring methods

are described below.

3.1. PLANT SURVIVAL

The performance criterion for plant survival is 85-90% survival of all plantings at the end of

five years. No interim annual success criteria were prescribed for this project.

To assess progress towards performance criteria, May & Associates, Inc. conducted plant

survival counts, comparing site conditions on the day of the monitoring visit with As-Built

drawings prepared during the plant installation (Figures 2a and 2b). Plant survival counts

entail conducting a complete inventory of all woody shrub and tree plantings in the riparian

corridor. Each tree and shrub planting was identified by species, and then recorded as alive or

dead. An assessment of the relative health of planted material and plant size was also

conducted using the following standardized scale:

For Plant Condition:

Score Plant Condition

0 Dead;

1 Poor health (alive but with a few green leaves and no apical growth);




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2 Fair health (alive with foliage but minimal apical growth); and

3 Good health (alive and growing vigorously).

For Plant Size:

Score Plant Size

1 Less than 2 feet;

2 2 feet to 10 feet; and

3 Greater than 10 feet.

3.2 VEGETATIVE COVER

No vegetation cover performance criteria were provided in project permits. Instead, project

permits provided the following guidance:

“The riparian corridor will be planted to provide a low-density understory “soft” bank

erosion protection and increase canopy cover”

Therefore, qualitative vegetation monitoring was used to determine the effectiveness of site

vegetation in providing bank stabilization. Vegetation monitoring focused on detecting

changes in vegetation cover within the planted areas over time as a snapshot of the site’s

functioning for soft bank erosion control. Vegetative cover was visually estimated separately

for the riparian planting, hydroseeded area, and channel edge (willow and wetland plug

planting zone).

May & Associates visually estimated the overall vegetative cover of hydroseeded areas on

October 29, 2013. Likewise, willow cuttings and wetland plug plantings at the channel edge

were also visually assessed on this date to record percent vegetated cover.

3.3 GENERAL SITE OBSERVATIONS

Prior to conducting plant survival counts, the site was thoroughly investigated on foot to

record possible maintenance problems, trespass issues, weed problems, irrigation issues, or

other factors that may have bearing on the site’s overall habitat function or value. For

example, invasive plants were identified and severity/ relative threat of the infestation

assessed and recorded.




November 2013 Page 11 (415) 391-1000

4.0 SUMMARY OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

Maintenance activities provided by Shelterbelt Builders were conducted as needed throughout

2009, and 2010. In 2011, maintenance responsibility shifted to the North Bay Conservation

Corps with oversight and training provided by the County. Activities performed in 2013 by

the North Bay Conservation Corps included the following.

Invasive Plants:

More invasive plants were removed and some were just cut to provide more room for

the native plants to thrive.

Irrigation:

Downstream from Center Rd. bridge on the right bank, the irrigation line was removed.

Protective wire cages:

Cages in the active channel were removed. The large non-constricting ones on top of

bank were kept.

Planned Future Activities:

Flood Control plans to plant wire rush (Juncus sp.) at weirs and pools at the Phase VIII

reach and native trees to top of bank.

Flood Control & CCNB will be looking for more restoration grants to continue

improving riparian areas.

Planned additional maintenance to be performed by the CCNB Project Regeneration

youth program in summer 2014.




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5.0 MONITORING RESULTS

5.1 PLANT SURVIVAL

Refer to Table 2a and 2b below for an overview of Year 1 (November 2009), Year 2

(November 2010), Year 3 (2011), and Year 4 (2012) survivorship monitoring results

presented by species. Year 5 (2013) plant survival was estimated at 94% for the Phase 1 area

and 92% for the Phase 2 area.

Both Phases meet the overall Year 5 survivorship performance standards for the project (85-

90% survival) and are considered complete. The increase in survivorship in the Phase 2 area

from 2009 to 2013 was due to natural regeneration (i.e., volunteer seedlings, rhizomatous

spreading outward from the original planted material).




November 2013 Page 13 (415) 391-1000

Table 2a. Results of Final (2013) Phase 1 Planting Area Plant Survivorship, Trees and Shrubs

Scientific Name Common Name

No. of Plants

Originally

Installed

(March

2009)

Plants

Present,

Year 1

(November

10, 2009)

Percent

Survivorship

Year 1

(November

10, 2009)

Plants

Present,

Year 2

(November

11, 17

2010)

Percent

Survivorship

Year 2

(November

11, 17, 2010)

Plants

Present,

Year 3

(September

2011)

Percent

Survivorship

Year 3

(September

2011)

Plants

Present,

Year 4

(October

2012)

Percent

Survivorship

Year 4

(October

2012)

Plants

Present, Year

5 (October

2013)

Percent

Survivorship

Year 5

(October

2013)

Aesculus californica Buckeye 14 11 79% 14 100%* 12 85%* 12 85%* 12 85%*

Acer negundo Box elder 7 6 86% 21 300%* 19 271%* 17 242%* 17 242%*

Acer macrophyllum Bigleaf maple 15 11 73% 8 53% 7 46% 6 40% 6 40%

Alnus rhombifolia Alder 11 10 91% 12 109%* 12 109%* 13 118%* 13 118%*

Arctostaphylos uva-

ursi Bearberry 47 38 81%

38 81% 32 68% 30 62% 29 61%

Baccharis pilularis Coyote Brush 42 33 79% 48 114%* 47 111%* 49 117%* 49 117%*

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Blue Blossom 34 32 94% 30 88% 30 88% 28 82% 26 76%

Fraxinus latifolia Oregon Ash 17 17 100% 17 100% 17 100% 17 100% 17 100%

Heteromeles

arbutifolia Toyon 47 31 66%

49 104%* 39 82%* 39 82%* 39 82%*

Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak 20 17 85% 17 85% 17 85% 22 110% 22 110%

Quercus lobata Valley Oak 42 38 90% 40 95% 38 90% 37 88% 37 88%

Rhamnus californica Coffeeberry 59 58 98% 73 123%* 70 118%* 65 110%* 65 110%*

Ribes sanguineum

Pink Flowering

Currant 44 20 45%

19 43% 18 41% 17 38% 15 34%

Rosa californica Wood Rose 54 50 93% 70 159%* 73 135%* 75 138%* 74 137%*

Rubus ursinus

California

Blackberry 43 28 65%

50 116%* 50 116%* 65 151%* 65 151%*

Salix Red willow N/A 10 N/A 12 120%* 12 120%* 16 160%* 16 160%*

Sambucus mexicanus Blue Elderberry 58 41 71% 34 58% 33 56% 31 53% 31 53%

Vitis californica Wild grape 49 21 43% 42 85% 38 78% 36 73% 35 71%

Total 603 462 77% 594 98% 564 93% 575 95% 568 94%

* - Indicates species with increases due to replacement plantings in 2009




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Table 2b. Results of Final (2013) Phase 2 Planting Area Plant Survivorship, Trees and Shrubs

Scientific Name Common Name

No. of

Plants

Originally

Installed

(Jan-Feb

2010)

Plants

Present,

Year 2

(Nov 2010)

Percent

Survivorship

Year 2

(Nov, 2010)

Plants

Present,

Year 3

(Sept 2011)

Percent

Survivorship

Year 3

(Sept 2011)

Plants

Present,

Year 4

(Oct 2013)

Percent

Survivorship

Year 4

(Oct 2012)

Plants

Present,

Year 5

(Oct 2013)

Percent

Survivorship

Year 5

(Oct 2013)

Aesculus californica Buckeye 33 14 42% 12 36% 12 36% 12 36%

Acer negundo Box elder 7 7 100% 7 100% 7 100% 7 100%

Acer macrophyllum Bigleaf maple 4 4 100% 4 100% 4 100% 4 100%

Alnus rhombifolia Alder 23 19 83% 19 83% 19 83% 21 91%

Arbutus menziesii Madrone 2 1 50% 1 50% 1 50% 1 50%

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry 33 32 97% 29 87% 26 78% 26 78%

Artemisia californica California sage 33 38 115% 38 115% 34 103% 39 118%

Baccharis pilularis Coyote Brush 91 91 100% 91 100% 90 98% 101 110%

Cornus sericea Dogwood 3 3 100% 3 100% 3 100% 3 100%

Fraxinus latifolia Oregon Ash 30 27 90% 27 90% 26 86% 26 86%

Heteromeles arbutifolia Toyon 17 17 100% 16 94% 16 94% 16 94%

Holodiscus discolor Creambush 29 26 90% 26 90% 23 79% 23 79%

Lonicera hispidula var

vacillans Vine honesuckle 460 391 85% 389 84% 380 82% 380 82%

Mimulus auriantiacus Sticky monkeyflower 66 59 89% 59 89% 50 75% 58 87%

Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak 3 9 300% 9 300% 14 466% 14 466%

Rhamnus californica Coffeeberry 19 23 121% 23 121% 21 110% 21 110%

Ribes californicum California gooseberry 10 4 40% 4 40% 3 30% 3 30%

Ribes sanguineum Pink Flowering Currant 48 46 96% 45 93% 44 89% 44 89%

Rosa californica Wood Rose 67 66 99% 64 95% 64 95% 64 95%

Rubus ursinus California Blackberry 316 316 100% 315 99% 326 103% 351 111%

Sambucus mexicanus Blue Elderberry 32 32 100% 30 93% 26 81% 26 81%

Symphoricarpus albus

var. laevigata Snowberry 54 49 91% 48 88% 47 87% 47 87%

Vitis californica Wild grape 293 246 84% 245 83% 248 85% 252 86%

Total 1673 1520 91% 1504 90% 1484 89% 1539 92%




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5.2 VEGETATION COVER

Baseline vegetation cover was visually estimated for the riparian planting, hydroseeded area,

and channel edge willow and wetland plug planting zone on November 11, 2010. Refer to

Photos 1a and 1b below, illustrating the change in vegetation cover from baseline to Year 5.

By October 2013, observed vegetation cover within the riparian planting area averaged 85%.

This result is within the expected range, and the riparian plantings are considered successfully

established. Hydroseeded areas have an estimated vegetative cover of 98% in October 2013,

with very few bare spots or other unvegetated patches. This result is within the expected range,

and the hydroseeded areas are considered successfully established.

In both riparian and hydroseeded areas, invasive plants have become established, including

Prickly ox tongue (Picris echioides), Harding grass (Phalaris aquatica), Himalayan blackberry

(Rubs armeriacus), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare).




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Photo 1a. Typical vegetation cover following site planting (2010)

Photo 1b. Typical vegetation cover in Year 5 (2013)




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The channel edge vegetation was difficult to estimate for overall vegetative cover as many of

the plug plantings may have been obscured by other aquatic species such as watercress

(Rorippa nasturtium-aquatica) and cattails (Typha latifolia) as well as un-mowed grasses at the

water’s edge. By Year 5, overall creek channel establishment was high, with some areas of the

creek with 98% cover of cattails, willows, and other wetland and aquatic plants. Planted

channel edge vegetation was estimated at 90% of the overall 98% of creek channel edge

vegetation present. Refer to photos 2a and 2b below illustrating the change in vegetation cover

from baseline to Year 5.

Photo 2a. Typical baseline vegetation cover, channel edge (2009)

Photo 2b. Typical Year 5 vegetation cover, channel edge (2013)

Channel Edge

Planting Area

Channel Edge

Planting Area




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5.3 GENERAL SITE OBSERVATIONS

A total of 18 permanent photopoints were established onsite to illustrate changes in site

conditions over time (Figures 2a and 2b). Photopoint 18 was eliminated in 2011 because the

site had been cleared for creek channel conveyance purposes. Year 1 (2009) through Year 5

(2013) comparison photographs are provided in Appendix A. In Year 5, most plantings

appeared to be healthy and without symptoms of disease or pests. Trespass from neighboring

properties was evident, and may continue to be become problematic. The site exhibits

moderate to high levels of human use (i.e. greenwaste dumping, pet waste, social trails).

General site observations include the following:

There was continued evidence of natural regeneration in 2013, with several species

such as coyote brush, California wild rose, and California blackberry spreading onsite

from original planting locations. Overall growth of planted materials continued to be

vigorous in 2013, with may trees such as willows, toyons, and oaks and vines such as

wild grape and California blackberry in the Phase 1 planting area increasing

dramatically in both height and vegetative cover. Refer to Photos 3a to 3c illustrating

reproduction in planted materials.

Invasive plants are an ongoing issue at the site, and may warrant periodic (i.e. every

3-5 year) control after the 5 year project is complete. See Photos 4a-4c below for

representative photos depicting invasive plant infestations. Invasive plants observed

onsite in 2013 include:

o Dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum);

o Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare);

o French Broom (Genista monspessulana);

o Harding grass (Phalaris aquatica);

o Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor= Rubus armeniacus);

o Prickly ox tongue (Picris echioides);

o Sweet clover (Melilotus alba); and

o wild radish (Raphanus sp).

Cattails, watercress, and other aquatic plants are becoming problematic in the creek

channel in the Phase 1 planting area and may need active control. Cattails were

mowed in 2011, however the majority of the plants in the creek channel were intact in

2013. In particular, cattails (Typha sp.) are of concern because they reduce the flood

flow capacity of the creek channel, and limit gravel migration within the channel.

Cattails may need ongoing, periodic maintenance (i.e. partial removal every 3-5

years) to maintain creek channel flow capacity. See photos 5a and 5b below.

Shrub and tree plantings in general appear to conform to the As-Built planting plans

(Figures 2a and 2b) and most were increasing in size, spreading from original




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plantings, and had evidence of reproduction (See Photos 3a-3d below) during the

October 2013 monitoring site visit.

Photo 3a. Photos depicting vigorous growth of

coast live oak in 2013. Wire cages should be removed.

Photos 3b. Photos depicting vigorous growth and reproduction of toyon in 2013




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Photos 3c. Wild grape in fruit, October 2013

Photos 3d. Vigorous growth and reproduction of wild rose in 2013, including fruit (rose hips)




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Photo 4a. Dallis grass grass infestation- 2013

Photo 4b. Hydroseeded area infested with fennel and Himalayan blackberry- 2013




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Photo 4c. Channel banks overgrown with Himalayan blackberry – 2013

Photo 5a. Channel overgrown with cattails (2013)




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Photo 5b. Evidence of past cattail maintenance (hand-pulling)




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6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In conclusion, the Vineyard Creek site was planted in accordance with approved permits and

specifications. The site has met project performance standards and is considered successful.

Recommendations for completing the project include discontinuing irrigation, removal of

irrigation equipment, and removal of remaining wire cages. Refer to Table 3 for a summary of

yearly project performance as compared to overall project performance standards.

To complete the project, the County should remove any remaining irrigation equipment.

Likewise, all plant cages (installed to protect against mechanical damage and browse) should

now be removed. Many of the plants observed in 2013 have outgrown their cages: failure to

remove cages may impede future growth.

Following project completion, the County may wish to implement periodic site maintenance

on a 3-5 year basis, beginning in approximately 2016. Suggested periodic site maintenance is

described below.

The creek channel is heavily vegetated with cattails (Typha spp.) and other emergent

aquatic vegetation that may require periodic removal to maintain flood flow capacity

of the creek channel, and limit gravel migration within the channel. A maintenance

schedule of 3-5 years is suggested after project completion.

The planting area has an established population of invasive plants that may require

ongoing periodic control to ensure the long-term viability of the restoration site. In

particular, prickly ox tongue (Picris echioides), Harding grass (Phalaris aquatica),

Himalayan blackberry (Rubus aremeniacus), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare are

problematic at the site. A maintenance schedule of 3-5 years is suggested for invasive

plant control (i.e. a combination of mowing, brushcutting, and handpulling) after

project completion.

Human use issues should be routinely assessed, including severity of effects of

trespass issues on the restoration site (e.g., greenwaste dumping, social trails, trash

build up, domestic pet use, and actions taken only as needed to ensure long term

functioning of the restoration site. Actions may include notifying neighbors of trespass

issues, installation of educational signs, and/or fencing.




November 2013 Page 25 (415) 391-1000

Table 3. Summary of Year 4 Performance (March 2009 to October 2013)

Monitoring

Parameter

Project

Performance

Standard

Observed

Year 5

Site Conditions

Performance

Standard

Met? Y/N

Plant Survivorship 85%-90% survival of all

plantings by Year 5

93% Survivorship for Phases 1 and 2 planting

areas combined

Y

Vegetative Cover Increase in vegetative

cover by Year 5

Riparian planting area =85%, an increase over

baseline;

Hydroseeded grassland area 98%= an increase

over baseline;

Channel edge planting area 90%= an increase

over baseline.

Y

General Site

Conditions

Acceptable condition by

Year 5

Vigorous plant growth observed in 2013.

Overall site in good condition.

Y




November 2013 Page 26 (415) 391-1000

7.0 REFERENCES

7.1 Printed References

California Department of Fish and Game Streambed Alteration Agreement, Notification No.

1600-2007-0510-3) dated February 8, 2008.

California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Water Quality Certification Site No. 02-

21-C0667, File No. 2158.04(mil) dated April 25, 2008.

Shelterbelt Builders, Inc. As-Built Planting Plans 2009. Vineyard Creek As-Built planting

Plans dated November 2009.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Section 404. Nationwide Permit No. 3 for Maintenance,

NWP 13 for Bank Stabilization, NWP 27 for Aquatic Habitat Restoration,

Establishment, and Enhancement Activities, and NWP 33 for Temporary

Construction, Access. File No. 2007-00881N dated March 12, 2007.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Letter Request for Informal Consultation (Federal

Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et. seq.) dated January 7, 2008




November 2013 Page 27 (415) 391-1000

APPENDIX A. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

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