Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District VINEYARD CREEK RESTORATION ... · 2017. 10. 30. · Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District Vineyard Creek

Year 2

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.

1207 10th Street

Berkeley, CA 94710

Contact: Mark Heath

510-841-0911

Review Draft November 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

2.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 4

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

5.0 MONITORING RESULTS ..................................................................................................................... 12

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

5.2 VEGETATION COVER.................................................................................. .................................................14

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

6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................... 21

7.0 REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................ 22 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


Vineyard Creek Restoration Project

Year Two (2010) Vegetation Monitoring Report


182 Seal Rock Drive


(415) 391-1000 Review Draft November 2010 Page 1

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report documents the Year 2 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 Circle 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

2009 and 2010. Browse protection (wire cages) was added to many shrubs and trees. Selective





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mowing of the site was undertaken, and weeds were removed from the planting basins to

reduce competition from non-native grasses and forbs. Plantings were irrigated during the dry

season. In addition to the routine maintenance provided under the maintenance contract with

Shelterbelt Builders, the site was regularly maintained by Marin Conservation Corps, work

crews from the Straw Project, and nearby residents who regularly conducted litter pick-ups,

weeding, and mowing.

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 is 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).

The results of the Year 2 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.

By November 17, 2010, both the riparian planting area and the hydroseeded grassland

area were establishing well, with observed vegetation cover averaging 35-40% for the

newly-planted riparian areas and 85%-90% for the hydroseeded grassland areas. This

result is within the expected range for a newly planted site and no remedial actions are

required.

Riparian planting areas support some invasive plants and weedy grasses that are

competing with the planted material and will require continued control.

Some of the planted shrubs appear to have been planted in areas that not ideal for

optimal growth of this species. For example, species such as pink flowering currant

(Ribes sanguineum) were reported in 2009 to have higher than anticipated die off rates.

Out-of kind substitute plantings were installed in 2009 to offset the less than expected

survivorship rates for this species, therefore no remedial plantings are recommended at

this time. Remaining plants were in good health as of November 2010.

Hydroseeded areas support some invasive plants that warrant attention. In particular,

prickly ox tongue (Picris echioides), wild radish (Raphanus sp.), Harding grass

(Phalaris aquatica), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare are problematic in hydroseeded

areas, and may need to be actively controlled again in 2011.





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Year 2 plant survival in the riparian planting area was estimated at 98% for the Phase 1

area and 91% for the Phase 2 area, and therefore meets and exceeds the overall Year 5

survivorship performance standards for the project (85-90% survival).

Establishment of planted willows, rushes, and sedges adjacent to the creek channel was

spotty. It appears that creek channel scouring in 2009 may have washed away some of

the original plantings in 2009, however, overall creek channel establishment is high,

with some areas of the creek with 90% cover of cattails, willows, and other wetland

and aquatic plants. Planted channel edge vegetation was estimated at 35-40% of the

overall 80% of creek channel edge vegetation present.

One problematic invasive plant, red sesbania (Sesbania punicea) was detected in the

creek channel and it was promptly removed in 2010 by the Conservation Corps.

Although this plant is not directly impeding the development of installed plants, it

poses a long-term risk to the functioning of the site. The County should continue to

monitor for the presence of this plant in the watershed.





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2.0 INTRODUCTION

This report documents the 2010 (Year 2) monitoring 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 Circle 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





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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 lavegata 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

Symphoricarpus albaus var.

laevigata Snowberry

D40

Vitis californica Wild grape D40

Salix lavegata Red willow Cuttings

Juncus balticus

Juncus effusus

Juncus patens

Leymus triticoides

Baltic rush

Bog rush

Blue rush

Creeping wildrye

Plugs

Plugs

Plugs

Bands





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Figure 1. Project Location

Figure 2. As-Built Planting Plan and Permanent Photomonitoring

Locations, Phases 1 and 2

PHOTOPOINT

14

PHOTOPOINT

18

PHOTOPOINT

16

PHOTOPOINT

17

PHOTOPOINT

2

PHOTOPOINT

3

PH

OTO

PO

INT

10

PH

OTO

PO

INT

11

PH

OTO

PO

INT

7

PHOTOPOINT

4

PHOTOPOINT

5

PH

OTO

PO

INT

13

PHOTOPOINT

12

PHOTOPOINT

8

PHOTOPOINT

9





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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.

Monitoring was performed by Loran May, President and Senior Botanist with May &

Associates on November 11 and 17, 2010. 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);

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

3 Good health (alive and growing vigorously).





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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

November 11, 2010. 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. The results

of the general site assessment are used to focus remediation on those areas of the site

requiring attention during the following monitoring year. For example, invasive plants were

identified and severity/ relative threat of the infestation assessed and recorded.





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4.0 SUMMARY OF MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

Maintenance activities were conducted by Shelterbelt Builders as needed throughout 2009 and

2010 and included the following types of activities:

Browse protection (wire cages) was added to many shrubs and trees to protect against

damage from deer and rodents.

Some cages were removed where cages were confining the development of plantings

The entire site was selectively mowed on June 4-5, 2009, and throughout spring and

summer 2010 to reduce overall cover of non-native grasses and forbs.

Hand-weeding and spot removal of weeds from around the planting basins was

conducted during each site visit during 2009 and 2010.

Minor site vandalism was repaired.

Irrigation lines were inspected and repaired throughout 2009 and 2010.

Plantings received a deep watering from the automatic drip irrigation system supplying

5 gallons twice a week during the dry season.

In addition to the routine maintenance provided under the maintenance contract with

Shelterbelt Builders, the site was regularly maintained by Marin Conservation Corps, work

crews from the Straw Project, and nearby residents who regularly conducted litter pick-ups,

weeding, and mowing. Some of the maintenance work unintentionally did damage to

irrigation lines and drip nozzles, including cutting irrigation lines and/or stepping on or

removing feeder hose lines or drip irrigation nozzles.





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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) and Year 2

(November 2010) survivorship monitoring results presented by species. Year 2 plant survival

was estimated at 98% for the Phase 1 area and 91% for the Phase 2 area, and therefore both

Phases meet the overall Year 5 survivorship performance standards for the project (85-90%

survival).

The following species had greater than expected die-off rates, and out of kind replacement

plantings were installed in 2009. Remaining plants are doing well onsite. Plants with less

than 80% survivorship include:

Buckeye (Aesculus californica) (42%);

Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) (53%);

California gooseberry (Ribes californicum) (40%); and

Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) (50%).

Due to the overall high survivorship rates observed in both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 planting

areas, remedial plantings are not recommended at this time.





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Table 2a. Results of Year 2 (11-10) Plant Survivorship Monitoring Phase 1 Planting Area, 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)

Aesculus californica Buckeye 14 11 79% 14 100%*

Acer negundo Box elder 7 6 86% 21 300%*

Acer macrophyllum Bigleaf maple 15 11 73% 8 53%

Alnus rhombifolia Alder 11 10 91% 12 109%*

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberry

47

38

81%

38 81%

Baccharis pilularis Coyote Brush 42 33 79% 48 114%*

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Blue Blossom 34 32 94% 30 88%

Fraxinus latifolia Oregon Ash 17 17 100% 17 100%

Heteromeles arbutifolia Toyon 47 31 66% 49 104%*

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

Quercus lobata Valley Oak 42 38 90% 40 95%

Rhamnus californica Coffeeberry 59 58 98% 73 123%*

Ribes sanguineum

Pink Flowering

Currant

44

20

45% 19 43%

Rosa californica Wood Rose 54 50 93% 70 159%*

Rubus ursinus California Blackberry 43 28 65% 50 116%*

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

Sambucus mexicanus Blue Elderberry 58 41 71% 34 58%

Vitis californica Wild grape 49 21 43% 42 85%

Total 603 462 77% 594 98%

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





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Table 2b. Results of Year 2 (11-10) Plant Survivorship Monitoring

Phase 2 Planting Area, Trees and Shrubs

Scientific Name

Common Name

No. of

Plants

Originally

Installed

(Jan-Feb 2010)

Plants

Present,

Year 2

(November 11, 17

2010)

Percent

Survivorship

Year 2

(November 11,17, 2010)

Aesculus californica Buckeye 33 14 42%

Acer negundo Box elder 7 7 100%

Acer macrophyllum Bigleaf maple 4 4 100%

Alnus rhombifolia Alder 23 19 83%

Arbutus menzinesii Madrone 2 1 50%

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Bearberry

33

32

97%

Artemisia californica California sage 33 38 115%

Baccharis pilularis Coyote Brush 91 91 100%

Cornus sericea Dogwood 3 3 100%

Fraxinus latifolia Oregon Ash 30 27 90%

Heteromeles arbutifolia

Toyon

17

17

100%

Holodiscus discolor Creambush 29 26 90%

Lonicera hispidula var vacillans

Vine honesuckle

460

391

85%

Mimulus auriantiacus Sticky monkeyflower 66 59 89%

Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak 3 9 300%

Rhamnus californica Coffeeberry 19 23 121%

Ribes californicum California gooseberry 10 4 40%

Ribes sanguineum Pink Flowering

Currant

48

46

96%

Rosa californica Wood Rose 67 66 99%

Rubus ursinus California Blackberry 316 316 100%

Sambucus mexicanus Blue Elderberry 32 32 100%

Symphoricarpus albus var.

laevigata

Snowberry

54

49

91%

Vitis californica Wild grape 293 246 84%

Total 1673 1520 91%





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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.

By November 2010, both the riparian planting area and the hydroseeded grassland area were

establishing well, with observed vegetation cover averaging 35-40% for the riparian areas. This

result is within the expected range for a newly planted site and no remedial actions are

required.

Riparian Planting Area

Photo 1a. Typical vegetation cover, riparian planting area 2009

Riparian Planting Area

Photo 1b. Typical vegetation cover, riparian planting area 2010





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Overall, the hydroseed mixtures used in the lower creek bank areas appears to be establishing

properly. Hydroseeded areas have an estimated vegetative cover of 90-95% in November

2010, with very few bare spots or other unvegetated patches. The composition of

the hydroseeded vegetation includes seeded native grasses and forbs, and non-native

species. Some invasive plants have been establishing in the hydroseeded area, and

warrant attention. Invasive plants that warrant future control include Prickly ox tongue

(Picris echioides), wild radish (Raphanus sp.), Harding grass (Phalaris aquatica), and

fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Because herbicide is not allowed, carefully timed mowing of

the plants and/or flaming or

blanching is recommended, as time and funding allows.

Hydroseeded

Grassland Area

Photo 2a. Typical vegetation cover, hydroseeded areas 2009

Hydroseeded

Grassland Area

Photo 2b. Typical vegetation cover, hydroseeded areas 2010





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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. Planted channel edge vegetation was estimated at 35-40% of the overall 70% of

vegetation present. It appears that creek channel scouring may have washed away some of the

original plantings in 2009, however since overall vegetative cover is so high, no remedial

plantings are recommended for the channel edge.

Channel Edge

Planting Area

Photo 3a. Typical vegetation cover, channel edge 2009

Channel Edge

Planting Area

Photo 3b. Typical vegetation cover, channel edge 2010





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5.3GENERAL SITE OBSERVATIONS

A total of 18 Permanent Photopoints were established onsite to illustrate changes in site

conditions over time (Figures 2a and 2b). Year 1 (2009) and Year 2 (2010) comparison

photographs are provided in Appendix A. Most planting sites were maintained, with the

planting basins cleared of weeds prior to the monitoring visit. No plantings showed signs of

being out-competed by weeds at the time of monitoring. Most plantings appeared to be

healthy and without symptoms of disease or pests, with the exception of some downy mildew

detected on some of the snowberry (Symphoricarpus alba) and wild rose (Rosa californica)

(described below). Trespass from neighboring properties does not appear to be detrimental to

seedling growth at this time, however, may become problematic in the future due to moderate

to high levels of use.

General site observations include the following:

There is some damage to plantings from either maintenance activities or

neighborhood activities, including mowing, trampling, and/or mechanical damage to

some plants and some irrigation lines.

There is some trespass, as evidenced by footpaths and domestic animal waste and

tracks.

There is minimal soils erosion at the site that warrants attention. A yearly walk-

through is recommended to spot-treat eroded areas prior to heavy winter rains.

There is some evidence of downy mildew on planted snowberry and wild rose bushes.

Invasive plants are becoming problematic at the site and will require treatment in

2010. Invasive plants observed onsite include:

o Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica);

o Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare);

o French Broom (Genista monspessulana);

o Harding grass (Phalaris aquatica);

o Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor);

o Prickly ox tongue (Picris echioides);

o Red Sesbania, scarlet wisteria, (Sesbania punicea)- 1 plant only;

o Sweet clover (Melilotus alba); and

o wild radish (Raphanus sp).





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Photo 4a. Hydroseeded area infested with Harding grass- 2010

Photo 4b. Hydroseeded area infested with Prickly ox tongue- 2010





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Photo 5. Channel becoming overgrown with cattails- maintenance may be

required to maintain stormwater flow capacity (2010)

Photo 6. A single Red Sesbania plant found in channel edge area 2009. Same plant presentin 2010.

This highly invasive species should be removed immediately and placed on a watch list.

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

2a and 2b). Trees appear to be doing well, with most trees installed in 2009 present and in

good condition by the November 2010 monitoring site visit.





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6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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

specifications. Refer to Table 3 for a summary of Year 1 performance as compared to overall

project performance standards. In general, the site is establishing well, and is anticipated to

meet performance criteria by Year 5 of the program if ongoing maintenance is undertaken in

2011. No remedial plantings are recommended at this time.

Table 3. Summary of Year 2 Performance (March 2009 to November 2010)

Monitoring

Parameter

Project

Performance

Standard

Observed

Year 1

Site Conditions

Performance

Standard

Met?

Y/N

Plant Survivorship 85%-90% survival of all

plantings by Year 5 98% Survivorship Y

Vegetative Cover Increase in vegetative

cover by Year 5 Riparian planting area 35-40% (2010)=

an increase over baseline and 2009;

Hydroseeded grassland area 85-90%=

an increase over baseline and 2009;

Channel edge planting area 80%= an

increase over baseline and 2009.

Y

General Site Conditions Acceptable condition by

Year 5 Overall site in good condition. Minor

erosion, some trespass, mechanical

damage.

Y





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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





182 Seal Rock Drive



APPENDIX A. SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Phase 1 Photopoints (2009-2010)

Photo Point 1A (2009) Photo Point 1A (2010)

Photo Point 1B (2009) Photo Point 1B (2010


Photo Point 1C (2009) Photo Point 1C (2010)



Photo Point 2B (2009) Photo Point 2B (2010)







Photo Point 4A (2009)
















Photo Point 7B (2009)

























Photo Point 11C (2009)











Phase 2 Baseline Photopoints (2010)

Photo Point 14A (2010) Photo Point 14B (2010)















Planter Box Overview A (2010) Planter Box Overview B (2010)

Planter Box Overview C (2010)

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Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District VINEYARD CREEK RESTORATION ... · 2017. 10. 30. · Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District Vineyard Creek