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Ecesis

ecesis \I-’se-sus, i-’ke-sus\ noun [from Greek oikesis meaning inhabitation]: the establishment of an animal or plant in a new habitat.

The Quarterly Newsletter of the California Society for Ecological Restoration


Summer Solstice 2007 Volume 17, Issue 2

In this issue:
Restoration Potluck…
2... The Guadalupe River
Project
6... Successful Mitigation and
Monitoring Techniques
8... Riparian Vegetation on
Levees
Plus…
3... SERCAL Contacts
11... Natural Resource Events
10-11... Membership

Restoration Potluck
Ecesis is published quarterly by
the California Society for
The original theme of this newsletter was intended to focus on performance monitoring. Instead it
Ecological Restoration, a has morphed into a restoration potluck — a little of this, a little of that.
nonprofit corporation, as a
The feature article focuses on the monitoring program for the Guadalupe River Flood Protection
service to its members.
Project in San Jose, California. This flood protection project and the mitigation and monitoring
Newsletter contributions of all
types are welcome and may be plan were developed through a collaborative process with resource agencies and other stakeholders
submitted to any of the that sought to balance flood protection while minimizing effects on the natural river channel and
regional directors (see p. 2). overhead shaded riverine aquatic cover vegetation.
Articles should be sent as a
word processing document;
The second article focuses on implementing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Habitat Mitigation
and accompanying images and Monitoring Proposal (HMMP) for projects that impact wetlands and other waters of the United
sent as jpg or tif files. States. This article describes how to incorporate the HMMP process into the project design process
and includes some lessons learned during the development and implementation of HMMPs.
ABOVESacramento River levee.
Courtesy Harry Oakes. The final article focuses on the treatment of riparian vegetation on flood protection levees. In the
RIGHT Theconfluence of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has placed increased emphasis on
Sacramento River and the treatment of woody vegetation on flood protection system components. The Corps has drafted a
American River depicting the guidance paper outlining a directive that could have significant effects on riparian habitat and
difference in leveed associated wildlife and fish resources along leveed waterways. This articles describes what the
floodplain width. Courtesy implications of these potential actions could mean for California.
Airphoto USA.
— Harry Oakes, Region 2 Director
The Guadalupe River Project:
Development & Implementation of a Comprehensive Monitoring Program
by Karen Leone, Jones & Stokes; Mario Parker, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and Ryan Heacock, Santa Clara Valley Water District

Introduction constructed in phases along 2.6 miles of the The MMP was developed in coordination
Guadalupe River in downtown San Jose. with resource agencies and other
Effectively identifying the success or failure
Project flood protection components include stakeholders. The MMP’s monitoring
of mitigation for landscape-level projects
river channel and bank armoring, program identified 28 ecological indicators
usually requires a comprehensive, ecosystem-
underground bypass construction, earthen and related measurable objectives to
based monitoring program. Key components
bypass construction, bridge removal and represent the overall success of the
of ecosystem monitoring programs are 1)
replacement, and trail/maintenance road and mitigation effort. Because of the complex
ongoing coordination with stakeholders; 2)
stairwell construction. Mitigation nature of the Project and the number of
identification of mitigation goals and
components include installation of riparian stakeholders involved in the development of
objectives; 3) identification of entities
and shaded riverine aquatic cover vegetation the MMP, a multi-step process was used as
responsible for implementation; 4)
plantings, construction of a low-flow described below.
identification of ecological indicators and
channel in armored channel sections, and
measurable objectives for those indicators; 5)
development of instream habitat through the Step 1: Coordinating with Resource
development of monitoring methods and
inclusion of geomorphic features in the Agencies and Other Stakeholders
schedules; 6) development of a data
constructed low-flow channel.
management system; 7) analysis, evaluation, The development of the MMP involved
and reporting of data; 8) implementation of Mitigation for the loss of riparian vegetation collaboration with six resource agencies and
an adaptive management process; and 9) includes planting approximately 21 acres of eight stakeholder groups. All parties were
identification of corrective actions. The riparian vegetation within the earthen bypass either directly or indirectly (via a designated
Guadalupe River Flood Protection Project in channels and planting approximately 22,000 representative) involved throughout the
San Jose, California, provides a case study for linear feet of shaded riverine aquatic cover development of the monitoring program.
the development and implementation of a vegetation. The implementation of Very active involvement was necessary on
comprehensive monitoring program. mitigation was phased to match the timing behalf of the participants because of an
of newly constructed portions of the Project accelerated Project construction schedule
Background and as mitigation sites became available. Two and the need for real-time decision making.
The Guadalupe River Flood Protection offsite mitigation areas were implemented to In addition to meeting on a regular basis and
Project (Project) was developed through a supplement onsite mitigation. The offsite providing review of written materials, many
collaborative process with resource agencies mitigation sites include a 1.2-mile section of of the stakeholders helped to perform
and other stakeholders that sought to the Guadalupe River downstream of the technical analyses, including selecting
balance flood protection while minimizing Project area (Reach A) and a 1.6-mile section indicators and related measurable objectives,
effects on the natural river channel and of Guadalupe Creek, a tributary to the determining monitoring methods, and
overhead shaded riverine aquatic cover Guadalupe River. Mitigation monitoring, determining monitoring schedule and
vegetation. As implemented by the U.S. based on the mitigation and monitoring plan frequency. The collaboration of all
Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento (MMP), began in 2001 and will continue for participants on the MMP’s monitoring
District (Corps), as the lead Federal sponsor, 40 years. program helped to proactively address
and the Santa Clara Valley Water District potential conflicts and enable the Project to
(SCVWD) as the lead nonfederal sponsor, Mitigation and Monitoring Plan move forward with broad support.
the Project provides up to the design Development
threshold of 17,000 cubic feet per second Step 2: Identifying Mitigation Goals and
Conditions of the Project’s Clean Water Act Objectives
flood protection to downtown San Jose and
Section 401 water quality certification
surrounding areas while mitigating adverse To initiate the development of a successful
required that an MMP be developed to
effects on anadromous fish, specifically MMP monitoring program, one goal and
address adverse effects on anadromous fish
steelhead, and riparian habitat, including several objectives were identified:
and riparian habitat. The MMP includes
shaded riverine aquatic cover vegetation. A
environmental mitigation and monitoring Goal: Set guidelines and account for the
recreation component is also included as
required as part of the water quality management, operation, and reporting of mitigation
part of the Project.
certification and environmental mitigation values over the life of the Project.
Construction of the Project began in 1992 and monitoring required under Section 7 of
and was substantially completed in 2006. the Federal Endangered Species Act. Objective 1: Implement a technically sound
Flood protection components were monitoring program for the Project for riparian
vegetation, spawning gravel, and other components

2 Ecesis Summer 2007 Volume 17, Issue 2


SERCAL Board of Directors
PRESIDENT Mark Tucker Tucker & Associates
tuckerandassociates@cox.net
PRESIDENT-ELECTKaren Verpeet H.T. Harvey & Associates
kverpeet@harveyecology.com
PAST PRESIDENTRegine Miller
regine_m_miller@yahoo.com
SECRETARY Paul Kielhold LSA Associates, Inc.-Riverside
Paul.Kielhold@LSA-Assoc.com
TREASURER Bo Glover Environmental Nature Center
BoGlo@aol.com

Directors
REGION 1 Mark Stemen (Appointee) California State
University-Chico mstemen@csuchico.edu — NORTHERN
INTERIOR (Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Trinity)

REGION 2 Harry Oakes (Appointee) Jones & Stokes-Sacramento


HOakes@jsanet.com — SACRAMENTO VALLEY (Butte, Colusa,
Glenn, Lake, Sacramento, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo, Yuba)

REGION 3 Karen Verpeet H.T. Harvey & Associates


kverpeet@harveyecology.com — BAY AREA (Alameda, Contra
Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara,
Guadalupe Creek Restoration Project, San Jose, California. Solano, Sonoma)

REGION 4 Open — SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY (Amador, Calaveras,


Fresno, Kern, Kings, Mariposa, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin,
of anadromous fish habitat in fulfillment of Monitoring report preparation, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne)
regulatory requirements. Monitoring report review and certification, and
REGION 5 Margot Griswold EARTHWORKS Restoration, Inc.
Corrective action implementation. earthworks@telis.net — SOUTH COAST (Los Angeles, Orange,
Objective 2: Provide ongoing monitoring and
accounting of all mitigation measures throughout San Diego, Ventura)

the life of the Project to ensure that the realized Step 4: Identifying Indicators and REGION 6 Dave Hubbard (Appointee) Coastal Restoration
benefits of mitigation measures comply with Measurable Objectives Consultants david@coastalrestorationconsultants.com —
mitigation requirements. Five major resources were identified to be CENTRAL COAST (Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa
Barbara, Santa Cruz)
monitored under the MMP:
Objective 3: Allow for adaptive management of REGION 7 Nick Pacini (Appointee) soilsnick@hotmail.com
the Project so that corrective actions can be Riparian vegetation, — NORTH COAST (Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino)
implemented if onsite and offsite mitigation does Shaded riverine aquatic cover (including instream REGION 8 Michael Hogan Integrated Environmental Restoration
not perform as expected. and overhead cover components), Services, Inc. michael.hogan@integratedenvironmental.net
Anadromous fish spawning habitat, — SIERRA (Alpine, El Dorado, Inyo, Mono, Nevada, Placer,
Step 3: Identifying Responsible Entities Anadromous fish passage and rearing habitat, and Plumas, Sierra)

for Monitoring Program Anadromous fish occurrence. REGION 9 Paul Kielhold LSA Associates, Inc.-Riverside
Paul.Kielhold@LSA-Assoc.com — SOUTHERN INTERIOR
Implementation Indicators and measurable objectives were (Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino)
All stakeholders agreed that the MMP’s then developed to determine if the target
monitoring program needed to clearly resources were on track to successfully Guild Chairs
identify responsible entities for all establish and reach measurable objectives. COASTAL HABITAT Vince Cicero California Department of Parks
components of the program to ensure that Indicators are environmental conditions & Recreation vcicero@hearstcastle.com
long-term commitments would be carried or variables that can be measured; they are EDUCATION Mark Tucker Tucker & Associates
out. Identifying responsible entities was identified based on scientific literature, tuckerandassociates@cox.net
especially important for the Project reference sites, and environmental models. UPLAND HABITAT Margot Griswold EARTHWORKS Restoration,
because the Corps and SCVWD would be Measurable objectives define the Inc. earthworks@telis.net
sharing some responsibilities and trading performance thresholds for indicators and WETLAND & RIPARIAN Max Busnardo H.T. Harvey & Associates
off other responsibilities over time, are therefore quantifiable and temporal; mbusnardo@harveyecology.com
depending on the mitigation site. measurable objectives are identified based ____________________
on regulatory requirements, scientific ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR Susan Clark
Key components for which a responsible smclark@lightspeed.net
literature, reference sites, and
entity was identified included: 2701 20th St., Bakersfield 93301
environmental models.
tel. 661.634.9228 fax 661.634.9540
Data collection,
continued next page NEWSLETTER EDITOR Julie St. John julieDesign@cox.net
Data analysis and evaluation,
WEBMASTER Steve Newton-Reed webmaster@sercal.org

Volume 17, Issue 2 Summer 2007 Ecesis 3


Guadalupe River Project continued
The MMP’s monitoring program identified Stream flow postproject vertical distribution of gravels
28 indicators and related measurable Simulated water temperature (measured as cumulative gravel abundance for each
objectives. The indicators for each resource Short-term thermal suitability 1-foot elevational contour) must be at least 75% of
category covered under the MMP include: Monthly thermal suitability preproject cumulative abundance.
Riparian vegetation: Anadromous fish spawning habitat
Spawning gravel abundance Step 5: Developing Monitoring Methods
Survival
Health and vigor Spawning gravel quality and Schedules
Native vegetative cover (line intercept method) The MMP’s monitoring program will last for
Anadromous fish passage and
Nonnative vegetative cover (line intercept 40 years after each phase of mitigation is
rearing habitat
method) implemented. The monitoring frequency for
Depth and velocity/vertical barriers
Nonnative vegetative cover (visual estimation) most indicators is higher during the early
Rearing habitat diversity
Tree height stages of the monitoring program with less
Tree basal area Anadromous fish occurrence frequent “check-ins” during the latter stages
Adult migration and spawning of the monitoring program. Because staff
Shaded riverine aquatic cover Juvenile rearing changes are anticipated during
Survival Fry emergence implementation of the monitoring program,
Health and vigor monitoring methods need to be reproducible
Nonnative vegetative cover A sample indicator and its measurable
and consistent. Therefore, standardized,
Natural recruitment objective from the MMP’s monitoring
accepted methods were used whenever
Bank stability program are shown below:
possible. Monitoring methods were carefully
Instream cover documented in a step-by-step approach,
Indicator: Spawning gravel abundance
Channel bottom stability supported by detailed graphics (Figure 1),
Measurable objective: Spawning gravel coverage
Measured water temperature and data collection forms were developed to
in the Project area must be at least 20,000 square
Solar heat transfer facilitate complete and consistent data
feet (80% of preproject level). In addition, the
Stream channel geometry collection across monitoring years.
The schedule for the Project monitoring
program is complicated not only by the
many indicators that are monitored but also
by the phasing of the mitigation. This
phasing may result in two mitigation sites
adjacent to one another but in different
monitoring years because of their installation
date. A series of spreadsheets was developed
that lists each mitigation site, the monitoring
that should be conducted according to the
calendar year, and the monitoring year
designation.

Step 6: Developing a Data Management


System
In addition to accuracy and precision, the
value of good data is determined by the ease
at which collected data are accessible. The
MMP’s monitoring program generates many
different data types that require careful
management and organization to maximize
their usefulness (e.g., the Project has 28
indicators, 400 monitoring locations, and a
40-year timeline). These data are key to
determining whether measurable objectives
have been met. The Guadalupe
Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS)
was developed in response to the challenges

4 Ecesis Summer 2007 Volume 17, Issue 2


Recommendations (e.g., corrective actions and/or
changes in methodology) based on the
environmental monitoring data collected in each
monitoring year; and
A system-wide assessment of the river based on
progress toward meeting mitigation objectives of
the mitigation program.
The intended audience of the MMR is the
AMT, a group consisting of the Corps,
SCVWD, federal and state resource agencies,
and other stakeholders.

Step 8: Implementing an Adaptive


Management Process
From the early planning stages of the MMP’s
monitoring program, it was determined that
an adaptive management process needed to
of organizing and safeguarding Project Information technology will change over the be incorporated to address uncertainty
monitoring data. course of the MMP’s monitoring program. related to GR Project effects on water
The current system requirements for GEMS temperature and the related effects on
GEMS consists of a relational database that computer hardware and software represent anadromous fish. In addition, because the
connects to the JSATEMP stream appropriate equipment for the immediate GR Project is a large-scale, multiyear, phased
temperature model, geographic information term. Although the computer hardware and project, flexibility was needed to adjust
system (GIS) database, and ground-level and software will change, GEMS has been mitigation efforts if early results suggested
aerial photograph libraries (Figure 2). To designed to allow data to be converted to alternative efforts may be more successful.
maintain the quality of the data entered into new computer systems without loss of data.
GEMS, database data entry screens mirror This flexibility is especially important to An adaptive management process and an
field data collection forms. Also, GEMS has SCVWD, which will maintain GEMS over adaptive management team was identified in
quality assurance checks, including lookup the bulk of the monitoring period. SCVWD the MMP. The general adaptive management
values and numeric range checks, which is planning to expand GEMS to cover data process provided in the MMP has been
allow only the input of valid values into the collected from other projects along the further expanded into formal operating
database. These characteristics increase the protocols to guide the AMT. AMT members
Guadalupe River.
accuracy, precision, and accessibility of the include the Corps, SCVWD, federal and state
data. resource agencies, and other stakeholders.
Step 7: Analyzing, Evaluating, and
An electronic copy of the GEMS GIS Reporting Data Periodic workshops, run by an objective
database is provided to the adaptive The data collected during each monitoring facilitator, are held to provide a forum for
management team (AMT) — a group year are entered into GEMS and automated the AMT to discuss as a group the annual
consisting of the Corps, SCVWD, federal reports and other analyses are generated to MMR, including major issues,
and state resource agencies, and other compare monitoring results for each recommendations to address the issues, and
stakeholders — in the Project’s annual indicator to its measurable objective. consensus on the recommendations. Issues
mitigation monitoring report (MMR). The Graphics are an important tool for and recommendations are succinctly and
MMR is produced using ArcReader 9.1, a interpreting the results. Data collected from objectively summarized using bulleted text,
free mapping application that allows the user reference sites are also used to put the results tables, and graphics, to ensure that all AMT
to view, explore, and print maps developed in the context of local environmental members have a clear understanding and any
in ArcGIS. Although the MMR data are conditions and confirm acceptable trends. supporting data prior to final decisions being
provided in the form of tables, figures, and made. Key outcomes from these workshops
hardcopy maps, ArcReader allows for more An MMR is prepared for each monitoring are carefully summarized and become an
interaction with and customization of the year and includes: important part of the AMT’s decision record.
entire data set (e.g., bank stability data across To reinforce the AMT’s connection to the
Monitoring method changes;
all monitoring years can be viewed Project and keep members focused on the
Data analysis and presentation of results;
simultaneously and in concert with channel reality of what is happening on ground, field
Comparison of present year monitoring results to
bottom stability and spawning gravel trips to the Project site are planned at key
measurable objectives;
abundance and quality data) to see decision points during the adaptive
Comparison of present year monitoring results with
relationships and trends discussed in the management process. The combination of
previous results (i.e., trend analysis);
MMRs. continued next page

Volume 17, Issue 2 Summer 2007 Ecesis 5


Successful Mitigation and Monitoring Techniques
for Wetland Mitigation Areas
by Jonathan Foster and Harry Oakes, Jones & Stokes

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is important to remember during the early describe the mitigation sites, construction
issues Department of Army Permits, under stages of project design that an HMMP will methods, and monitoring and reporting
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which in be required whether your project is a guidelines in the same level of detail for each
many cases contain special conditions relatively small-scale bridge replacement mitigation site. If an in-lieu fee program or
requiring compensatory mitigation for project with temporary impacts on wetlands mitigation bank credits are purchased, the
unavoidable impacts on wetlands. Most or a large-scale off-site restoration project. As project proponent must state in the HMMP
compensatory wetland mitigation projects consultants, restoration planners, and fee program mitigation bank from which the
require a detailed Habitat Mitigation and designers we need to plan early in the project credits will be purchased the HMMP does
Monitoring Proposal (HMMP) for work design phase for what will be required in the not need to include detail-specific mitigation
involving the creation, restoration, and/or HMMP. The best way to do this is by and monitoring methods being used by the
enhancement of aquatic resources. Many discussing the project and possible program mitigation bank.
Corps Districts have developed District- mitigation requirements with the Corps early
specific HMMP guidelines and outlines. This in the design process. Mitigation of temporary impacts typically
article describes some of the lessons we have includes restoring on-site wetlands or other
learned during the development and review Mitigation of wetland impacts typically waters of the United States to preproject
includes compensating for permanent and conditions. It is easy to overlook these
of HMMPs.
temporary impacts. Mitigation of permanent impacts and mitigation requirements during
impacts may occur on site (if possible), at an the early planning phase of the project.
Incorporating the HMMP Process off-site location, through a Corps-approved However, in some cases it may be more
into the Project Design Process in-lieu fee program, or at a Corps-approved efficient to include portions of the
HMMPs are a requirement of the Corps mitigation bank. An HMMP must address restoration design into the construction
permit, which is issued during the later the proposed mitigation methods and documents (plans and specifications).
stages of the planning and design process. It monitoring procedures for all impacts and
continued next page

Guadalupe River Project continued


facilitated in-office workshops and field trips to see first hand any Summary – Implementation of the Monitoring
issues has been very effective in bringing about AMT consensus and
practical recommendations. Program
The sixth year of monitoring was recently completed for the GR
Step 9: Identifying Corrective Actions Project and a new MMR is in preparation to present the monitoring
The AMT, as a result of their review of the MMR and group results. Monitoring results for each indicator are being compared to
deliberations, may make changes to the monitoring program, that indicator’s measurable objectives to determine mitigation
including changes to an indicator, its’ monitoring method, frequency performance for the monitoring year. Previous years’ monitoring
and schedule, and/or its’ measurable objective. Generally, changes to results are also being reviewed for ecological context and
a measurable objective are considered very carefully since the identification of trends.
measurable objective is tied to the Project goals and objectives and a Because the GR Project’s monitoring program was developed
change in the measurable objective may not be appropriate if lack of collaboratively with resource agencies and other stakeholders using
performance is the issue. In keeping with the spirit of adaptive the process described above, the following efforts have been possible:
management, corrective actions are often implemented on a small the use of clearly described and practical monitoring protocols to
scale and use a structured process for learning based on the scientific ensure data collection is reproducible; the collection and review of
method. The AMT seeks to avoid trial and error learning, as it can be data from reference sites and other sources for environmental
expensive, both in economic and ecological costs and schedule context; and the use of clearly described data management protocols,
delays. For each corrective action, a responsible party is designated, including the GEMS relational database, to manage the large data set
with backup from a subgroup of the AMT. Depending on the with confidence in the data’s integrity. The efforts, which culminate
complexity of the corrective action, a work plan and schedule may be in the preparation of the MMR, continue to provide the AMT with
prepared for the entire AMT’s review to ensure the actual action as reliable and important information to use when identifying necessary
proposed has maintained its focus. corrective actions.

6 Ecesis Summer 2007 Volume 17, Issue 2


For the purpose of this discussion we will The Corps has identified common Consider a functional assessment (the measurement
consider a pipeline project that intersects monitoring report problems that usually are of wetland functions and values induced by
seasonal wetlands and drainages. Restoration tied to the following reporting alternation either positively or negatively) ce
of temporarily affected seasonal wetlands inconsistencies. standards;
typically requires that existing wetland soils Comply with Corps permit special conditions —
be stockpiled and reapplied to the restored The Corps expects problems to arise with
compensatory mitigation projects; therefore, each follow available reference material (see box with
wetland basin and that the disturbed links) such as regulatory guidance letters, local
landscape is restored to preproject monitoring report should include proposed
remediation with a remediation schedule. district HMMP guidelines, executive orders, the
conditions. By including these requirements proposed Corps/EPA mitigation rule, and the 1987
in the pipeline construction documents, Monitoring reports should be submitted on time and Delineation Manual and new Supplements; and
instead of solely providing the information in electronic format and with GPS data, if possible.
in the HMMP, all the pertinent grading Provide additional documentation and remediation
Additionally, it has been observed that short measures in the case of complex and ecologically
requirements are in one place and described monitoring periods (e.g., <5 years) often result in
in clear, concise bid language. This will significant compensatory mitigation projects.
failed mitigation projects when success criteria are
facilitate the bid process and ensure that the
not measured correctly. Overall, in our experience, it is good practice
mitigation requirements are not overlooked.
to keep regulatory agency personnel
Common inconsistent approaches to informed of monitoring results, invite
Easements performance standards and reporting agencies for field visits each year, and keep
include failing to address these questions: monitoring reports brief and refer to
Temporary wetland impacts often occur
within the temporary construction Is the site achieving or trending toward success or supporting documents.
easements (TCE). A TCE gives the project failure?
proponent rights to use others’ property for a Do restored areas meet the three parameters to be
specified period of time. TCEs usually are considered waters of the U.S.?
obtained to allow access to a work site and to What remediation measures are proposed?
Useful Links from the U.S.
provide additional workspace during the Army Corps of Engineers:
construction process. Because the habitat These general recommendations should be
Los Angeles District Final Mitigation
restoration phase often occurs after the considered when planning and producing Guidelines and Monitoring
construction project is completed, it is HMMPs and monitoring reports: Requirements: www.spl.usace.army.mil/
important to consider the following points if regulatory/mmg_2004.pdf
Keep monitoring reports straightforward and provide
wetland restoration will occur within a TCE: only necessary information for all parties involved to San Francisco and Sacramento District
assess the status of compensatory mitigation; Mitigation and Monitoring Proposal
The time period of the TCE should allow sufficient Guidelines: www.spk.usace.army.mil//
time to construct mitigation features after the Include location, habitat types, data points, photos, organizations/cespk-co/regulatory/pdf/
construction project is completed. delineated resources, and a legend on maps and Mitigation_Monitoring_Guidelines.pdf
drawings;
The TCE agreement should include access rights for Regional Guidance Letter 06-03—
mitigation monitoring.The monitoring period may Develop detailed performance standards and Minimum Monitoring Requirements for
extend 5–10 years beyond the construction phase. monitoring strategies early and disclose them in the Compensatory Mitigation Projects
HMMP; Involving the Creation, Restoration,
If temporary wetland restoration occurs within TCEs and/or Enhancement of Aquatic
on private land, the project proponent cannot Consider using reference sites and having Resources: www.usace.army.mil/cw/cecwo/
provide assurances that the mitigation areas will be performance standards or success criteria that reg/rgls/rgl06_03.pdf
preserved in perpetuity. It is important that the compare the vegetative cover of the restored habitat
With EPA: Compensatory Mitigation for
HMMP state this condition and that the Corps and to the vegetative cover of the reference sites; Losses of Aquatic Resources; Proposed
other applicable resource agencies be made aware Consider creating a table with photo references to Rule: www.usace.army.mil/cw/cecwo/reg/
of this condition during the permitting stage. compare measured performance standards and news/Comp_Mit_Prop_Rule_FR.pdf
conditions from past to present; Executive Order 11990—Protection of
Monitoring and Reporting Provide a timetable and remediation actions in the Wetlands: www.usace.army.mil/cw/cecwo/
reg/exo11990.htm
Monitoring techniques are an essential piece event that performance standards are not being
of the HMMP that the Corps and other met; 1987 Delineation Manual and Regional
federal and/or state agencies must approve Supplements to Delineation Manual:
Consider at least semiannual site visits during the www.usace.army.mil/cw/cecwo/reg/
prior to implementation. The Corps typically
early stages of monitoring, tapering off to perhaps reg_supp.htm
requires at least 5 years of monitoring for
every other year in long-term situations;
wetlands and approximately 10 years when
forested or riparian wetlands are involved.

Volume 17, Issue 2 Summer 2007 Ecesis 7


LEFT TO RIGHT Riparian vegetation on the waterside and landside of the Sacramento River levee. Bank protection and riparian vegetation Sacramento
River levee. Urban encroachment on the Sacramento River levee and floodplain.

Riparian Vegetation on Levees


Balancing the Need for Public Safety and Environmental Protection
by Harry Oakes, Jones & Stokes

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and reducing risks to levee systems. If local Today, the federal government often builds
other recent large storm events, the U.S. sponsors do not comply with the proposed or funds local flood protection projects;
Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has placed directive, they may be ineligible for federal however, most local levee systems are
increased emphasis on the treatment of assistance to repair levees. If vegetation is maintained by a local sponsor (e.g.,
woody vegetation on flood protection system removed, however, local sponsors would be reclamation districts, water districts).
components, such as levees, floodwalls, required to provide funding for the Following completion of a flood protection
dams, and embankments. Woody vegetation environmental compliance and mitigation project, the Corps prepares an operations
provides habitat for common and special- process. and maintenance manual, which is used by
status species, protects against soil erosion, the local sponsors to maintain and manage
provides aesthetic value, and provides many The final directive, which is expected to be the levee system. Implementation of the
other benefits; however, according to the released later this year, is expected to identify operation and maintenance manual by the
Corps, this vegetation could also have and summarize existing Corps guidelines for local sponsor ensures that the project
detrimental effects on levee systems, which levee system maintenance. These guidelines features retain federal funding and
could result in the loss of life or property. include maintaining vegetation-free zones certification under the National Flood
The Corps has drafted a guidance paper and root-free zones on levee slopes and Insurance Program.
outlining a directive that could have along the toe of levee slopes. The purpose of
significant effects on riparian habitat and these zones is to allow federal and local
inspectors an unimpeded view of the levees Guidelines for Treatment of
associated wildlife and fish resources along
leveed waterways. Under the directive, local to look for trouble spots (e.g., boils and Vegetation
sponsors responsible for maintenance of slumps) and to ease emergency access. The proposed directive is expected to
federal levees could be required to remove identify and summarize the existing Corps
woody vegetation from hundreds of miles of Brief History of Corps’ Role in guidelines for levee system maintenance.
waterways in California alone. These guidelines include maintaining
Flood Damage Reduction vegetation-free zones and root-free zones on
The directive is being prepared following a The Flood Control Act of 1917 first levee slopes and along the toe of levee slopes.
review by the Corps of their Levee Safety authorized the Corps to participate in flood The purpose of these zones is to allow
Program, which identified numerous levee control activities. This purpose of this act federal and local inspectors to have
systems with deficiencies that, if left was to “provide for the control of the floods unimpeded views of the levees to look for
unchecked, could result in levee failure. On of the Mississippi River and of the trouble spots (e.g., boils, slumps) and to
February 1, 2007, the Corps released a list of Sacramento River, Calif., and for other allow for emergency access.
nationwide levee units considered to have purposes.” Since that time, numerous flood
unacceptably maintained levees. control acts and other acts have been passed In vegetation-free zones, which include the
Approximately one-third of these levee units that further expand the Corps’s role in flood levee slopes and areas adjacent to the levee
occurred in the Corps Sacramento District. protection. The Flood Control Act of 1936 toe, herbaceous vegetation, preferably grass,
directed that the federal government be is the only vegetation permitted to grow.
The presence of woody vegetation on levees primarily responsible for providing flood Woody vegetation on levees can compromise
and in areas designated as vegetation-free protection and gave the responsibility for the structural integrity of a levee by causing
zones adjacent to levee toes or floodwalls most federal flood protection projects to the localized scour around trunks or fallen
does not meet the current guidance for Corps. vegetation, creating voids in the protected

8 Ecesis Summer 2007 Volume 17, Issue 2


levee surface when vegetation is uprooted
and creating passages along larger root
surfaces or where roots have decomposed.
vegetation also provides important nesting
and foraging habitat for migratory birds. The
Corps, local flood protection agencies, and
the other resource agencies charged with
SERCAL
The root-free zone is the greatest extent of
surface area where woody plant roots are not
protecting our natural resources recognize Coastal Habitats
the importance of woody vegetation in
permitted. This zone provides a clearance
area that protects the levee structure from
riparian areas and have incorporated
riparian mitigation into levee reconstruction
Guild Workshop
being affected should a tree uproot. The designs. Implementation of the Corps’s
root-free zone also reduces the risk of larger vegetation management practices according SERCAL’s Coastal Habitats (formerly
roots penetrating the levee core and causing to the directive represents a substantial Dunes) Guild Chair, Vince Cicero is
potential piping areas during periods of high policy change that could affect the ability to in the process of organizing a
flow. The Corps Engineering Manual 1110- use levee slopes for planting riparian
2-301 provides figures that illustrate the workshop to be held on the
vegetation mitigation along California’s Mendocino Coast in mid-August.
vegetation-free and root-free zones. levees.
Planning is focused on a number of
Implications for California In addition to the potential loss of riparian ongoing dune restoration projects at
The Corps maintenance guidelines were habitat, local sponsors and local 10 Mile Dunes in MacKerricher State
developed for levee systems throughout the governments are struggling with determining Park and Manchester State Park.
United States but do not take into account funding responsibilities for implementing Some of the issues being
variations in localized levee system design or the inspection and possible vegetation considered for discussion include
climatic conditions. Unlike some areas of the removal process, the loss of flood insurance species recovery status, survey and
country, where broad floodplains are extant protection eligibility, Federal Emergency
monitoring methods and challenges,
between levees and the low-flow river Management Agency mapping assessment
modifications, and environmental impacts and other recovery needs such as
channel, most of California’s levees are standardization of data collection,
constructed adjacent to the low-flow river and mitigation.
reporting, and the need for a central
channel or otherwise have narrow floodway The Corps is expected to release the final repository for reports. You won’t
cross sections. In the Sacramento-San guidelines later this year, and a California-
Joaquin Valleys, the narrow cross section of want to miss this valuable
specific standard could follow. Until that
these floodways were in most cases opportunity to meet and network.
time, the Corps and local sponsors will
deliberately designed and constructed in the continue the delicate balancing act between
late 19th and early 20th centuries for a
As workshop details are finalized,
public safety and environmental protection.
number of objectives, including: information will be posted on the
SERCAL website, www.sercal.org.
To concentrate flow to flush sediments deposited Bibliography Stay tuned !
during the hydraulic mining era, Weiser, M. 2007. Tree-laden levees flunk
federal inspection, state seeks compromise to
To increase channel depth to allow sufficient draft for save riverside habitat. Sacramento Bee.
commercial navigation, and (Sacramento, CA). April 7. Available: www.mvd.usace.army.mil/offices/pa/
www.sacbee.com/101/story/150966.html OpenChannels/2004/Vol%202%20Issue%203.p
To direct water pathways to reclaim land for
Accessed: May 6, 2007. df Accessed: May 6, 2007.
agriculture and settlement.
Heath, B., P. O’Driscoll, and E. Bazar. Fixing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2006. Levee
The narrow river corridor subjects Owner’s Manual for Non-Federal Flood
levees isn’t easy or cheap. USA TODAY.
California’s levees to higher channel February 1, 2007. Available: Control Works. The Rehabilitation and
velocities and make any nick-in-the-armor a www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-02-01- Inspection Program. Public Law 84-99.
serious concern from a flood protection March.
levees_x.htm Accessed: May 6, 2007.
standpoint. California’s Mediterranean U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2007. U.S.
climate, combined with the dominance of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2000.
Army Corps of Engineers Levees of
Guidelines for landscape planting and
annual grasses and forbs on many levee Maintenance Concern. February 1. Available:
vegetation management at floodwalls, levees,
surfaces, does not support the dense stands and embankment dams. Engineer Manual www.hq.usace.army.mil/cepa/releases/
of grasses permitted under the Corps 1110-2-301. January 1. Available: leveelist.pdf. Accessed: May 6, 2007.
guidelines. www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 2007. Fact
Woody vegetation along California’s levee manuals/em1110-2-301/toc.htm Accessed: Sheet—National Levee Safety Program. Date
May 7, 2008. unknown. Available: www.hq.usace.army.mil/
systems provides important habitat for many
special-status species, including salmonids, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi cepa/releases/ leveesafetyfactsheet.pdf
Swainson’s hawk, other raptors, and valley Valley Division. 2004. Open Channels. Accessed: May 6, 2007.
elderberry longhorn beetle. Woody Volume 2. No. 3. March. Available:

Volume 17, Issue 2 Summer 2007 Ecesis 9


Salmon River Dives & 2nd Annual
Many, Many Thanks… Spring-run Chinook Symposium at
Nordheimer Campground, Salmon
River, CA July 24-27
2007 Sustaining Members Salmonid Restoration Federation is proud to
INDIVIDUAL: $100 BUSINESS: $500 join with the Salmon River Restoration Council
Albert Knight, Glendale Tallac Applied Ecology & Design, in offering training and dives, workshops, field
Peter Warner, California Gerald A. Dion, South Lake Tahoe tours and presentations on challenges and tools
specific to Spring-run Chinook restoration in
Department of Parks & Tree of Life Nursery, San Juan California, including fish identification, snorkel
Recreation, Mendocino Capistrano surveys, fish habitat improvement and fish
Bo Glover, Pacific Restoration Group, Inc., passage barrier removal projects. Renowned
Environmental Nature Corona fisheries biologist, Peter Moyle, will offer a
Center, Newport Beach EcoSystems Restoration presentation on Spring-run Chinook recovery
Associates, San Diego efforts. Stay Saturday July 28 for the Jammin’ for
the Salmon benefit concert.

2007 Contributing Members 10th Annual Coho Confab August 17-19,


2007 in Petrolia, CA on the North Coast
BUSINESS: $250 Hedgerow Farms, John
Restoration Resources, Anderson, Winters Salmonid Restoration Federation, Trees
Foundation, Mattole Restoration Council, Mattole
Chris Swift, Rocklin Hydro-Plant, Inc., Rob Salmon Group and Sanctuary Forest are
Full Circle Compost, Craig McGann, San Marcos sponsoring a symposium to explore watershed
Witt, Minden, NV Pacific Coast Seed, Inc., restoration and learn techniques to enhance
Ecological Concerns, Inc., Livermore recovery of salmon and steelhead. The Confab
Joshua Fodor, Santa Cruz S & S Seeds, Carpinteria brings together community members, landowners,
activists, scientists, and restoration ecologists for a
Prunuske Chatham, Inc., Stover Seed Company, Los weekend of innovative skills-building workshops,
Occidental Angeles hands-on tours of restoration projects, community
Palos Verdes Peninsula Chambers Group, Inc., Irvine networking, and fun. Workshops include
Land Conservancy, underwater fish identification, water flow
Vandermost Consulting
Rolling Hills Estates monitoring, conservation easements and stories
Services, Julie Vandermost,
and songs of salmon. Field tours include site visits
Valley & Mountain San Juan Capistrano from the headwaters to the estuary of the Mattole
Consulting, Virginia RECON Native Plants, Inc., watershed.
Mahacek, South Lake Ryan West, San Diego
Tahoe For more information on either of these events, contact SRF at
Integrated Environmental 707.923.7501 or srf@calsalmon.org or visit www.calsalmon.org.
EDAW, Inc., Sacramento Restoration Services, Inc.,
Coastal Restoration Michael Hogan, Tahoe City
Consultants, Inc., Matt Many thanks to our
Golden Bear BioStudies,
James/Dave Hubbard, 2006 Conference sponsors…
Santa Rosa
Santa Barbara

Welcome! to our New Members


through 10 June 2007
Ann Sever, Wallace Group, Nipomo
Stanley Spencer, LSA Associates, Riverside
Brynne Lazarus, UC Davis
Ernest Bryant, Bryant Ranches, Santa Barbara
Stephanie Pacheco, Fountain Valley

10 Ecesis Summer 2007 Volume 17, Issue 2


SERCAL 2007 Membership Complete form and payment to SERCAL
and mail to: SERCAL Administrative Office,
Application/Renewal Form 2701 20th St., Bakersfield CA 93301

Annual Membership Dues


SERCAL’s newsletter, Ecesis, is received with ALL rates. ________________________________________________________
NAME DATE
INDIVIDUALS BUSINESS
Student  $15 Nonprofit Organization  $45
________________________________________________________
Regular  $35 Contributing  $250 *
COMPANY/AFFILIATION
Joint Individual (Discounted) Sustaining  $500 *
SERCAL + Cal-IPC†  $60 Summit Circle  $1000 *
________________________________________________________
SERCAL + CNGA†  $70 ADDRESS
All 3 organizations  $100 * Receive quarterly recognition
Sustaining  $100 * in Ecesis
________________________________________________________

Cal-IPC is the California Invasive Plant Council and CITY ZIP COUNTY
CNGA is the California Native Grasslands Association

________________________________________________________
The following members receive additional benefits: PHONE EMAIL
Copies of each No. of discounted rates
Category Ecesis issue ** at SERCAL events
 Check enclosed (please make payable to SERCAL)
Nonprofit Organization 2 1
Contributing Business 3 3  Please charge my credit card: __Visa __MasterCard
Sustaining Business 4 4 _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ Exp: _ _ / _ _
Summit Circle 6 6
**When completing this membership form, you may designate
Billing address (if different than address above):
specific individuals to be included on the mailing list.
________________________________________________________

Do you know of an
upcoming event that would be
of interest to SERCAL members?
Noteworthy Natural WANTED:
Send specifics to Ecesis via
julieDesign@cox.net Resources Events SERCAL Grant Writer, 2007- 08.
Paid Position.
Jun 18–22: Sustainable Watershed Management,
Five-day Short Course presented in two modules (Bren Please submit resume and
School of Environmental Science & Management, UC–Santa fee requirements to the
Barbara). Info: www.unex.ucsb.edu/watershed
SERCAL Board of Directors c/o
Jul 10: Abstract Submittal Deadline for SERCAL’s 14th
SERCAL Administrative Office at
Annual Conference, October 23–26, Restoration from Sea to
Shining Sea (Marina Village Conference Center, San Diego). 2701 20th Street, Bakersfield, CA
Info: www.sercal.org/SERCAL_2007_conference.htm 93301 or email to SERCAL
Jul 24–26 Still Battling the Inland Sea—Exploring Solutions for California’s Administrative Director, Susan
Complex Water Issues (workshop on flood damage reduction co-sponsored by Clark at smclark@lightspeed.net
the Am. Society of Civil Engineers & the Society of Am. Military Engineers,
Sacramento). Info: samesacramento.org/calendar/2007leveeconference.html
Aug 5–7: ESA/SER Joint Annual Meeting, Ecological Restoration in a
Changing World (San Jose). Info: www.esa.org
Sep 19–22: Cal-IPC Annual Symposium, Conservation & Communication:
The Human Dimension in Invasive Plant Management (Bahia Resort Hotel,
San Diego). Info: www.cal-ipc.org

Volume 17, Issue 2 Summer 2007


Photo of Salton Sea courtesy Ian Parker, 2005
w w w. s e r c a l . o r g
2701 20th Street, Bakersfield CA 93301-3334
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