Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition Best Practice Recommendations and Resources for river front land owners impacted by the flood.

Transcription

1 Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition Best Practice Recommendations and Resources for river front land owners impacted by the flood. The Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition (BTRRC) is a group of concerned community members, citizens, non- profit organizations, state and local agencies, whose goals are: 1) to assist land owners restore and enhance the river corridor next to their properties, 2) to develop a long term restoration plan to protect infrastructure, and restore the fishery and natural areas along the river, and 3) to make our watershed more resilient to future flooding events. The BTRRC has organized a Rapid Assessment Team to analyze the condition of the river corridor in order to raise funds for river restoration work. We invite you to provide access for this team to your section of the river by signing and sending in the Access Authorization Form at the end of this document. Before implementing any significant restoration efforts, it is important to recognize that substantial changes may have occurred to your section of the river. If left unaddressed, or incorrectly managed, you may not achieve the restoration efforts you desire or you may unknowingly impact efforts of neighbors. Hence, it is important that we collectively adopt best practices and implement them across the watershed for lasting results. Watch for notices of public meetings to be held soon where BTRRC will share Best Practices. What follows are recommended best practices and contact information for restoration actions. For more information on BTRRC and our restoration efforts, or to join and lend your support, contact: John Giordanengo BTRCC Coordinator Wildlands Restoration Volunteers 418 So. Howes St., #115 Fort Collins, CO john@wlrv.org Before Taking Action Prepare a Sketch Map and Photos of Your Property To determine what has changed and plan what to do, it is best to first make a sketch map of your property. This will help guide you through the steps of restoration and help others understand your situation and provide the best assistance. 1) Outline your property boundaries and indicate neighbors and significant features adjacent to your property. 2) Identify significant structures, roadways, wells and septic. Include head gates, ditches, bridges, etc. 3) Trace in the river as it crosses or passes by your property, also feeder streams, ditches, and any other waterways. 4) Sketch in the extent of flood damage and try to estimate the size of the area needing work, this will help you focus efforts and better work with neighbors.

2 5) Identify areas of surviving vegetation to be protected, such as cottonwood and willow trees. Look for patches of riparian shrubs such as willow that might be bent way over and covered in debris, but that may bounce back next spring. This will help you avoid further damaging important natural resources. 6) Estimate the depth and size of sediment accumulation, such as boulders, cobble, gravel/sand, and silt. Consider whether it might be contaminated by sewage, fuel, paint, fertilizers, other materials requiring special care. 7) Use wooden stakes, pin flags or survey tape to identify the high water mark in as many places as possible. If you can identify flow paths, this will help hydrologists better understand your unique situation and how to best move forward. 8) Locate higher elevation staging areas away from the river's edge or next to roadways for storing materials and trash. 9) Locate other areas for stockpiling materials that can be useful in future restoration work, such a large trees and boulder. 10) If you have had a lot of scour and lost topsoil, think about designating a place to store and mix silt and sand with woodchips and other organic materials to make new soil or mulch. 11) Take lots of photos, include photos from specific places that can be re- photographed over time as your property heals. Taking Short- term Action Hazardous materials, trash and non- woody debris Currently, Larimer County asks that residents wait until a pick- up schedule is announced as they are working to hire a contractor to pick up this material. Questions concerning debris cleanup can be directed to Gary Darling at or Stephen Gillette at of Larimer County. Metal and some dimensional lumber may be recycled at your local recycling facility. Hazardous materials, such as gas, oil, and chemicals: call the Larimer County landfill at to determine how to dispose of hazardous waste. Trees and natural woody materials The flood deposited many trees, brush, and plants along the river. Some of these will need to be moved; if so, use the procedures outlined above. However, much natural material can be used for habitat restoration, and some can remain in place for passive habitat conservation. What you see as dead brush may green up in the spring and become some animal s home. Leaving some of your land more wild than it looked before could be the easiest strategy over the long run. Moreover, some of this material may be utilized- - and paid for- - by contractors and agencies working on restoration projects up and down the river. So, leave it in place if you can, or stockpile it for later use. Do not cut large logs into smaller pieces unless absolutely necessary. Woody Debris 10 in diameter and larger: stock- pile it on site in an area that is not near the normal high flows that you typically see on your property in spring, to avoid it being carried downstream by floodwaters that may clog water intakes, bridges, or other structures. Woody Debris less than 10 diameter: stock pile for chipping (first grind, not fine mulch) to serve as cover and bank stabilization in areas that will be restored via seeding in future. Ground and chipped woody debris can also be mixed with silt to create soil for restoration of scour areas up and down the river (no more than 30 percent of this created soil should include wood chips).

3 Silt Deposits The river deposited a lot of sediment during the flood, some of which can remain in place, some will need to be moved. It is best to keep sediment from moving back into the river, which will impact fish habitat and water quality for your downstream neighbors. If you have a thin layer of silt (less than 2 inches deep) on your land and it is not toxic, there is a good chance grass and other vegetation will grow through it next summer. You can choose to leave it in place and monitor and manage it for weeds. If you have deeper layers of silt on your land and it is not toxic, consider removing it down to the level of prior vegetation and stockpiling it away from the normal spring high water mark. It may be used (and paid for by contractors or government agencies) at a later time. If you have a pond or wetland that has been covered with silt, consult the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for permitting to remove that silt. As noted above, silt may be mixed with wood chips and organic matter (low in salts and nitrogen) to re- create soil on areas scoured by the river. If you suspect your silt is contaminated, contact Larimer County landfill at for testing and removal options. In the near term it can be helpful to plant a sterile cover crop to stop silt/soil from blowing in the wind or washing back into the river until a re- vegetation plan can be created for a given property (see beloow). Fish Because of potential disease and population management concerns, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) recommends that fish, regardless of species, not be bucketed from one location to another for release. If fish are caught in a pool that is cut off from the adjacent river or pond they may be transferred quickly to the larger more permanent water source close at hand. Carp, suckers and other rough fish should be returned to the water, or if removed should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. If there are a large number of fish trapped in a small, shallow pool or pond that is drying up or freezing please contact CPW at or at with locations and directions to the site, and if possible, the name of the property owner. CPW will assess the situation as soon as possible and attempt to recover the fish. Controlling Aquatic Nuisance Species In order to avoid the spread of invasive aquatic species, including but not limited to Eurasian water milfoil, zebra mussel, quagga mussel, and New Zealand mudsnail, these are the current best management practices: If heavy equipment is used that was previously working in another stream, river, lake, pond, or wetland, remove all mud and debris from equipment (tracks, turrets, buckets, drags, teeth, etc.) and spray/soak equipment with a solution of commercial grade quaternary ammonium disinfectant compound containing at least 8.0% active ingredient diluted in solution to achieve at least 0.8% concentration (roughly 12 ounces of product per gallon of water). Specifically, a 1:15 solution of Quat 4 or Super HDQ Neutral institutional cleaner and water, can be used for effective treatment. Treated equipment should be kept moist for a least 10 minutes, managing rinsate as a solid waste in accordance with local, county, state, or federal regulations, OR Remove all mud and debris from equipment (tracks, turrets, buckets, drags, teeth, etc.) and spray/soak equipment with water hotter than 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 10 minutes. Clean hand tools, boots, and any other equipment that will be used in the water with one of the above options as well. Do not move water from one water body to another. Be sure equipment is dry before use.

4 LONGER- TERM PROJECTS River bank and in- stream restoration The BTRRC is working to develop a river- wide restoration plan to assist local land owners in raising funds for this restoration work. This effort will be much more successful if we work together. Below are some best practices for which the coalition will be seeking funds. Lost Soil If your meadow or natural area has been scoured significantly (i.e., there is now cobble where a green meadow once existed), it is most likely necessary to replace that topsoil before trying to re- establish that meadow or natural area. There will be significant costs associated with this effort. A coordinated river restoration plan is the best way to approach this problem. If top soil is brought in from another location, monitor it closely for new weed infestations during the growing season. Restoring Vegetation Re- vegetating river banks is important for keeping water temperatures down, promoting fisheries habitat, increasing terrestrial habitat diversity, and binding silt and soil to reduce wind and water erosion. Planting of recommended species. We will be assisting re- vegetation projects that align with ecologically- friendly objectives, while avoiding planting of invasive or non- native species due to their detrimental effects on the environment and economy, i.e., Russian olive, cereal rye, crack willow, Siberian elm, etc. Contact the Larimer County Weed District ( ) to set- up a free site visit or go to for more information on native versus non- native plant species and management recommendations. The Natural Resources Conservation Service ( ) can help you understand the importance of species selection, timing, cover and weed control prior to and after re- vegetating. Weed Control. By applying early detection and rapid response to new weed infestations, landowners will minimize the amount of time and resources dedicated to ecological restoration. Fencing For repairing and replacing fences, we will support designs that allow unrestricted, easy movement for wildlife, minimizing where possible cross fencing perpendicular to the river channel. For barb wire fences 3 strand is best for wildlife movement and 4 strand is workable as long as the bottom strand is at least 16 inches above ground and top strand is no more than 42 inches. Stays should be used between posts to keep strands from catching and wrapping wildlife legs caught in the fence. Wire fences can be enhanced by using smooth wire on the middle two strands, putting white vinyl markers on top strands, putting in lay down sections or drop rails along heavily traveled corridors or using high tensile 3 strand electric designs. Additional fencing suggestions are available in a publication from Colorado Parks and Wildlife titled Fencing with Wildlife in Mind available on line at ngwithwildlifeinmind.pdf or in paper copy from your local District Wildlife Manager

5 Stream Channel work Work in the stream channel, either filling or dredging work, will likely require authorization from US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). During this stage of river restoration, the BTRRC will seek support for projects and practices that foster the following objectives. Protection of roads, bridges, homes, irrigation structures and other such fixed structures. Enhancement of resilient stream systems that include meanders, pools and riffles for fish habitat, secondary channels for spawning and numerous deep pools for over- wintering fish. Floodplain designs, such as oxbows, that mitigate the impact of future flooding. Use of large tree trunks, boulders and other natural materials to create deflectors and other bank stabilizing structures in the river. Grouted rock structures should be avoided if possible. Repairing recreational trails that are at least 50% located at or beyond the FEMA 100 year flood line, or at least out of direct view of the river, in order to provide useable stretches of the river for species like belted kingfisher and great blue herons that try to avoid humans. This Guide was compiled and edited by the Colorado Conservation Exchange, a non- profit group promoting best management practices to improve water quality and land stewardship in the Poudre and Big Thompson watersheds. Quick List of Resources Larimer County Flood Response Information: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): or for the speech/hearing- impaired. Apply for disaster aid online at or go to Hazardous Waste Removal: Larimer County landfill at to determine how to dispose of hazardous waste. Colorado Office of Emergency Management: Health- related flood questions: or (303) Map of shelters and quick facts: American Red Cross: Disaster and Emergency Assistance: Denver Office: (303) , Fort Collins Office: (970) help USDA Farm Service Agency Disaster Assistance Programs: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: General non- emergency assistance: call 211 Trees and natural woody material cleanup: Larimer County, Gary Darling at or Stephen Gillette at Instream and in- channel activities: including filling and dredging: such activities may require permitting by the US Army Core of Engineers (USACE) Weeds: Larimer County Weed District: call (970) to set- up a free site visit or go to for more information

6 WAIVER AND RELEASE AGREEMENT THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND PERMISSION FOR RIVER RESTORATION WORK. For a period of five (5) years from the date of this instrument, the undersigned landowner hereby grants permission to participants of the Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition and/or its agents and members (BTRCC) to enter upon any land it owns within the area of the September 2013 flood within the Big Thompson River Watershed, at times of the land owner s choosing, for the purpose of evaluating and implementing measures to mitigate the effects of the flood. Measures that may be implemented include rapid assessments, installing erosion control structures, in-stream physical restoration, invasive species mitigation (noxious weed treatment), habitat restoration, and other restoration work necessary to address flood-related impacts agreed to by the land owner. Due to acts of nature, natural variations in vendor products and contractor services, and other site-specific variables, BTRRC cannot guarantee that its work will result in a desired outcome, or that the treated sites will reduce the threat of flooding, landslides, or other catastrophes that may occur on landowner s property after treatments are applied. Landowner hereby releases and agrees not to sue BTRRC, project participants, and any other person involved with a project and their respective agents, representatives, officers, employees, successors, assigns and insurers, hereinafter referred to collectively as Released Parties", from any and all liability, claims, demands or actions or causes of action whatsoever, arising out of damage, loss or injury to landowner s person or property, whether anticipated or unanticipated, while participating in any of the activities contemplated by this agreement, whether such damage, loss, or injury results from the negligence of the Released Parties or from some other cause. This release and agreement shall be binding upon landowner and its heirs, successors, assigns, administrators and executors. Landowner expressly acknowledges, represents and agrees that expressly identifying and explicitly naming all Released Parties individually is a practical impossibility. Landowner expressly acknowledges that the terms "respective agents, representatives, officers, employees, successors, assigns, and insurers, however used in this Waiver and Release Agreement, are expressly and explicitly intended to include all and each and every individual, person, firm, entity and corporation who are now, or at any time may have been included in the specifically listed categories. Landowner grants BTRRC permission to use photographs or video taken on its property in any and all of its publications and in any and all other media, including public website publication and social media channels, whether now known or hereafter existing, in perpetuity, and for other use by these organizations. I, the landowner, certify that I have read, understand, and accept the terms of this release. Print Name: Street address of your affected property: City: Signature: Zip:. Phone: NOTE: Date: Check here if you would like to receive periodic updates on the status of the project. Return this form by mail to: John Giordanengo BTRCC Coordinator Wildlands Restoration Volunteers 418 So. Howes St., #115 Fort Collins, CO (Or) scan a signed copy and to: john@wlrv.org AREA YOU LIVE IN: Please list here the area in which you live (i.e. In the Big T Canyon, mouth of Big T Canyon to Loveland City Limits, Within Loveland City Limits, Loveland to I-25, Estes Park and above, Fish Creek, Little Thompson, or stream along which you live, etc). Other landmarks to help locate your property will help us find your property during assessments: