Res 2003-152 - Laserfiche WebLink

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IM-1. will include up to nine restoration measures. Enclosure e 3 represents the prof ect plan view with proposed restoration features. The ra osed restoration p p n features consist of: (1� Riparian Corridor Restoration: Areas of the existing ng rpar�an corridor from City Park downstream to Interstate 3 5 are high) fragmented, devoid • . Y gm d of bottornland vegetation and subject to increased erosion (Enclosure 7, Photos 1-3). • }, contributing to aquatic habitat degradation. An assemblage of native trees, shrubs and asse gr s will be planted along the San Marcos River in areas lacking established woodland vegetation. The riparian corridor will average 50 feet in width and run ar p allel to the permanent water line of the San Marcos River. Existing vegetation that is beneficial to the project will be preserved. Non - native vegetation such as Chinaberry, Li ustrum and Chinese tallow will be cleared and removed from the entire study area followed b native y vegetation plantings. It is estimated that approximately 20 -40% of the existing riparian corridor ' ' g p is comprised of exotic tree and shrub species. Removal of exotics followed b native plantings . Y p g will restore approximately 3 -5 acres of the existing riparian corridor. Areas devoid of woody vegetation will be planted at a ratio of 3 hard mast trees to 1 soft mast trees, with 20% of the vegetation consisting of fruit bearing shrubs. Hard and soft mast producing trees will be planted at 30 to 100 stems er acre and fruit bearing g shrub s at 20 to 50 stems per acre. Grading will be used along bank areas of the San Marcos River that have high slopes and are highly eroded. Followin g grading and non - native vegetation' clearing, the riparian corridor will be re- vegetated with native terrestrial asses such • gr as big bluestem, switchgrass, Indian grass and wildrye; hard mast producing trees such as live oak, Texas red oak, burr oak, pecan, walnut, bald cypress and black willow; and fruit bearing ng shrubs like American beautyberry, Chickasaw plum and buttonbush. Likewise under story story grasses and forb s species will be planted to complete restoration of the riparian corridor. In areas with high soil compaction and/or erosion, approximate) 5 -18 inches of topsoil w' ' Y p X11 be added prior to planting. Temporary chain link or post and cable fencin g q will be required to planted protect newly p ted vegetation from damage due to local foot traffic. Fencing ill be required g q during the first two years after implementation or until the vegetation becomes established self- sufficient. hed and sel sufficient. It is estimated that the project will require approximately 1700 linear feet of fencing. The riparian corridor restoration measure will restore approximately 22.0 acres of woodland habitat along the San Marcos River. Benefits associated with the restoration measure include: increased plant and wildlife biadiversit , de -fro fragmentation of wildlife Y gm �fe habitat, increased bank stabilization, increased filtration of polluted surface runoff, creation of nesting and food sources for resident and migratory wildlife, and installation of a buffer zone for the San Marcos River system. (2) Aquatic Vegetation Restoration: The San Marcos River recreational corridor between City Park and Rio Vista Park is heavily utilized for recreational u oses. As a result, p rp the City of San Marcos is interested in managing submerged aquatic vegetation within g q g n the s area to enhance the aesthetics and enjoyment of recreational activities such as tubing, g, canoeing and fishing. The existing aquatic vegetation community ithin the recreational oral corridor contains approximately 15 exotic plant species. Dominants species include H dril p Y la' Elephant Ear, water hyacinth, Indian hygrophila, parrot's feather and water milfoil. Due to their high - growth rates and invasive nature, some of the exotics ecies (Enclosure 7 p ,Photos 3