Post on 30-Sep-2020
Balancing Wetland Protection with Balancing Wetland Protection with Landowner Interests in Utah Landowner Interests in Utah
County, UtahCounty, Utah
June 5, 2007June 5, 2007Association of State Wetland ManagersAssociation of State Wetland Managers
Western State WorkshopWestern State WorkshopPark City, UtahPark City, Utah
Andy Herb, Ecologist/OwnerAlpine Ecological Resources (AlpineEco)
Denver, CO
Project OverviewProject OverviewProject SettingProject SettingWetland DescriptionWetland DescriptionTrail Alignment/Working with LandownersTrail Alignment/Working with LandownersMitigation PlanMitigation PlanStatus Report Status Report ConclusionsConclusions
Balancing Wetland Protection with Balancing Wetland Protection with Landowner Interests: Landowner Interests: OutlineOutline
Provo/Jordan River ParkwayUtah County Public Works DepartmentProject purpose14.5 miles of paved trail
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Project OverviewProject Overview
Jordan RiverDry CreekSpring CreekAmerican Fork DrainAmerican Fork Boat HarborTimpanogos Sewer PondsBattle CreekLindon Boat HarborGeneva PondsOrem-Sleepy Ridge GCPowell SloughProvo River
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Project OverviewProject Overview
Section 404 of the Clean Water ActSection 404 of the Clean Water Act
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Project OverviewProject Overview
Wetland delineationWetland delineationThreatened and endangered species surveysThreatened and endangered species surveysCultural Resources surveyCultural Resources survey
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Project SettingProject Setting
Lake Fringe HabitatsLake Fringe HabitatsMesicMesic meadow (includes agricultural areas)meadow (includes agricultural areas)DisturbedDisturbedRiparianRiparianWetlandWetland
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Project SettingProject Setting
Lake Fringe Habitats (Lake Fringe Habitats (MesicMesic Meadow)Meadow)
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Project SettingProject Setting
Lake Fringe Habitats (Disturbed)Lake Fringe Habitats (Disturbed)
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Project SettingProject Setting
Lake Fringe Habitats (Riparian)Lake Fringe Habitats (Riparian)
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Project SettingProject Setting
Lake Fringe Habitats (Wetland)Lake Fringe Habitats (Wetland)
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Project SettingProject Setting
Consortium for ProtectionConsortium for ProtectionJune Sucker Recovery Implementation ProgramJune Sucker Recovery Implementation Program
USFWS, USBR, DOI USFWS, USBR, DOI DNR, CUWCD, Utah Reclamation Mitigation and DNR, CUWCD, Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission, Provo River Water Users Conservation Commission, Provo River Water Users Association, Provo Reservoir Water Users Company, Association, Provo Reservoir Water Users Company, other local outdoor and environmental groupsother local outdoor and environmental groups
Utah Lake CommissionUtah Lake Commission
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Project SettingProject Setting
Importance of LakeImportance of LakeIrrigationIrrigationRecreationRecreation
FishingFishingBoatingBoatingBirdingBirding
Wildlife HabitatWildlife Habitat
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Project SettingProject Setting
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Wetland DescriptionWetland Description
UplandsUplands AcresAcres % of Study Area% of Study AreaMesicMesic Meadow (uplands)Meadow (uplands) 16.31 16.31 4747Disturbed (uplands)Disturbed (uplands) 8.42 8.42 2424Riparian Woodland (uplands)Riparian Woodland (uplands) 0.33 0.33 11SubtotalSubtotal 25.06 ac25.06 ac 72%72%
WetlandsWet Meadow (wetlands) 5.25 15Shallow Marsh (wetlands) 2.97 8Deep Marsh (wetlands) 0.02 <1Scrub/Shrub (wetlands) 0.02 <1Subtotal 8.26 ac 24%
Total Vegetated Area 33.32 ac 95%
Summary of Field WorkSummary of Field Work
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Wetland DescriptionWetland Description
UplandsUplands AcresAcres % of Study Area% of Study AreaMesicMesic Meadow (uplands)Meadow (uplands) 16.31 16.31 4747Disturbed (uplands)Disturbed (uplands) 8.42 8.42 2424Riparian Woodland (uplands)Riparian Woodland (uplands) 0.33 0.33 11SubtotalSubtotal 25.06 ac25.06 ac 72%72%
WetlandsWetlandsWet Meadow (wetlands)Wet Meadow (wetlands) 5.25 5.25 1515Shallow Marsh (wetlands)Shallow Marsh (wetlands) 2.97 2.97 88Deep Marsh (wetlands) Deep Marsh (wetlands) 0.02 0.02 <1<1Scrub/Shrub (wetlands) Scrub/Shrub (wetlands) 0.02 0.02 <1<1SubtotalSubtotal 8.26 ac8.26 ac 24%24%
Total Vegetated Area 33.32 ac 95%
Summary of Field WorkSummary of Field Work
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Wetland DescriptionWetland Description
UplandsUplands AcresAcres % of Study Area% of Study AreaMesicMesic Meadow (uplands)Meadow (uplands) 16.31 16.31 4747Disturbed (uplands)Disturbed (uplands) 8.42 8.42 2424Riparian Woodland (uplands)Riparian Woodland (uplands) 0.33 0.33 11SubtotalSubtotal 25.06 ac25.06 ac 72%72%
WetlandsWetlandsWet Meadow (wetlands)Wet Meadow (wetlands) 5.25 5.25 1515Shallow Marsh (wetlands)Shallow Marsh (wetlands) 2.97 2.97 88Deep Marsh (wetlands) Deep Marsh (wetlands) 0.02 0.02 <1<1Scrub/Shrub (wetlands) Scrub/Shrub (wetlands) 0.02 0.02 <1<1SubtotalSubtotal 8.26 ac8.26 ac 24%24%
Total Vegetated AreaTotal Vegetated Area 33.32 ac33.32 ac 95%95%
Summary of Field WorkSummary of Field Work
Wetland Types: Wet MeadowWetland Types: Wet Meadow
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Wetland DescriptionWetland Description
Common Plants:
Distichlis spicataPhalaris arundinaceaPhragmites australis
Xanthium strumariumLepidium latifolium
Cirsium arvense
Wetland Types: Wet MeadowWetland Types: Wet Meadow
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Wetland DescriptionWetland Description
Primary Functions:TES Habitat
Groundwater discharge
Secondary Functions:Flood attenuation
Water quality improvementFood chain support
Shoreline stabilization
Suitable Spiranthes diluvialis habitat
Wetland Types: Wet MeadowWetland Types: Wet Meadow
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Wetland DescriptionWetland Description
Xanthium strumarium monoculture several years after a utility line installation
Wetland Types: Shallow MarshWetland Types: Shallow Marsh
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Wetland DescriptionWetland Description
Common Plants:
Phragmites australis
Primary Functions:Groundwater discharge
Secondary Functions:Flood attenuation
Water quality improvement
Food chain supportShoreline stabilization
Wetland Types: Deep MarshWetland Types: Deep Marsh
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Wetland DescriptionWetland Description
Common Plants:
Schoenoplectus acutusSchoenoplectus tabernaemontani
Schoenoplectus maritimusTypha latifolia
Wetland Types: Deep MarshWetland Types: Deep Marsh
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Wetland DescriptionWetland Description
Primary Functions:Water storage
Food chain supportGroundwater discharge
Secondary Functions:Fish and wildlife habitat
Water quality improvementShoreline stabilization
Flood attenuation
Wetland Types: Scrub/ShrubWetland Types: Scrub/Shrub
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Wetland DescriptionWetland Description
Primary Functions:Wildlife habitat
Shoreline stabilization
Secondary Functions:Water quality improvement
Food chain support
Common Plants:Salix exigua
Tamarix ramosissimaPhalaris arundinacea
Highly Unique Fens Highly Unique Fens Permanent groundwater dischargePermanent groundwater dischargePeteetneetPeteetneet Peat soilsPeat soilsHistorically: unique plants (and animals?)Historically: unique plants (and animals?)ULT habitat/known populationsULT habitat/known populations
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Wetland DescriptionWetland Description
Alternative Analysis: DriversAlternative Analysis: DriversInherent value of natural habitatsInherent value of natural habitatsSection 404: Avoidance and minimization/LEDPASection 404: Avoidance and minimization/LEDPAEndangered Species Act: Ute ladiesEndangered Species Act: Ute ladies’’--tressestressesLandowner interestsLandowner interestsTrail Trail useabilityuseability: linkages, overall recreation potential, : linkages, overall recreation potential, educational opportunitieseducational opportunities
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Trail AlignmentTrail Alignment
Alternative AnalysisAlternative AnalysisFour basic approaches:Four basic approaches:
Maximum avoidance of wetlandsMaximum avoidance of wetlandsMaximum avoidance of private propertyMaximum avoidance of private propertyMost direct route Most direct route Balance of wetland and private property avoidanceBalance of wetland and private property avoidance
Preferred Alternative:Preferred Alternative:
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Trail AlignmentTrail Alignment
Alternative AnalysisAlternative AnalysisFour basic approaches:Four basic approaches:
Maximum avoidance of wetlandsMaximum avoidance of wetlandsMaximum avoidance of private propertyMaximum avoidance of private propertyMost direct route Most direct route Balance of wetland and private property avoidanceBalance of wetland and private property avoidance
Preferred Alternative:Preferred Alternative:The Balanced Approach!!!The Balanced Approach!!!
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Trail AlignmentTrail Alignment
Preferred Alternative (Balanced Approach)Preferred Alternative (Balanced Approach)Smart planningSmart planningUse of existing roads, social trails, and other Use of existing roads, social trails, and other disturbed areas wherever possibledisturbed areas wherever possibleMuch of alignment based on Much of alignment based on current current landuseslanduses and and wetland functionswetland functions
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Trail AlignmentTrail Alignment
Maximum Avoidance of WetlandsMaximum Avoidance of WetlandsVery costly; doesnVery costly; doesn’’t meet project purpose (too far t meet project purpose (too far from lake)from lake)
Maximum Avoidance of Private PropertyMaximum Avoidance of Private PropertyExtreme wetland impactsExtreme wetland impacts
Most Direct RouteMost Direct RouteExtreme wetland impacts; very costly; doesnExtreme wetland impacts; very costly; doesn’’t meet t meet project purposeproject purpose
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Trail AlignmentTrail Alignment
Landowner Interests: Current Landowner Interests: Current landuseslandusesGrazing: cattle, horsesGrazing: cattle, horsesAgriculture: sod farm, corn, alfalfa, minkAgriculture: sod farm, corn, alfalfa, minkRural residential (privacy)Rural residential (privacy)Recreation: hunting, camping, boating, golfRecreation: hunting, camping, boating, golfIndustrial/Commercial: Geneva Steel, Sewer DistrictIndustrial/Commercial: Geneva Steel, Sewer DistrictWildlife habitat???Wildlife habitat???
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Trail AlignmentTrail Alignment
Landowner Interests (contLandowner Interests (cont’’d)d)Between 50 and 100 owners to negotiate withBetween 50 and 100 owners to negotiate withMany were Many were ““quickquick--claimclaim”” deedsdeedsMost parcels fallow or abandoned; likely historically Most parcels fallow or abandoned; likely historically agriculture/grazingagriculture/grazingSupport from some: wetland and habitat Support from some: wetland and habitat preservation; preservation; ““open spaceopen space””
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Trail AlignmentTrail Alignment
Landowner Interests (contLandowner Interests (cont’’d)d)Avoid condemnationAvoid condemnationCounty is committed to teamwork/coordinationCounty is committed to teamwork/coordination
Dozens of landownersDozens of landownersTowns of: Towns of: LehiLehi, Saratoga, American Fork, Orem and , Saratoga, American Fork, Orem and VineyardVineyardJune Sucker Recovery ProgramJune Sucker Recovery ProgramGeneva SteelGeneva SteelTimpanogosTimpanogos Sewer DistrictSewer DistrictResidential developersResidential developers
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Trail AlignmentTrail Alignment
Wetland Preservation/Restoration Wetland Preservation/Restoration Conduct fen studyConduct fen studyPurchase approximately 150 acres of wetlands Purchase approximately 150 acres of wetlands currently under immanent threat (including fens)currently under immanent threat (including fens)
Buy land from 10Buy land from 10--20 different landowners20 different landownersAlready purchased a 30Already purchased a 30--acre parcel with at least 10 acres acre parcel with at least 10 acres of deep marshof deep marshRemove grazing, agriculture, development threat in Remove grazing, agriculture, development threat in perpetuityperpetuity
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Mitigation PlanMitigation Plan
Grazing EffectsGrazing Effects
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Mitigation PlanMitigation Plan
Agriculture EffectsAgriculture Effects
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Mitigation PlanMitigation Plan
Development EffectsDevelopment Effects
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Mitigation PlanMitigation Plan
Permit StatusPermit StatusSummer/fall 2007Summer/fall 2007
Construction ScheduleConstruction ScheduleBased on acquisitions and fundingBased on acquisitions and funding
Expected OppositionExpected OppositionGeneral support; some landowners still oppose General support; some landowners still oppose
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: Status ReportStatus Report
Strategic Mitigation PlanningStrategic Mitigation PlanningKnow the players and the resource Know the players and the resource Look for threatened (at risk) or unique systemsLook for threatened (at risk) or unique systemsCoordinate with other agencies to work toward Coordinate with other agencies to work toward common goalcommon goal…….UDOT, Corps, USFWS, DWR.UDOT, Corps, USFWS, DWRAvoid piecemeal mitigation.Avoid piecemeal mitigation.
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: ConclusionsConclusions
Paul Hawker, Utah County Public WorksPaul Hawker, Utah County Public WorksClyde Naylor, Utah County Public WorksClyde Naylor, Utah County Public Works
URS CorporationURS CorporationASWMASWM
Wetland Protection and Landowner Wetland Protection and Landowner Interests: Interests: GratuitiesGratuities
Questions?Questions?
Andy Herb, Ecologist/OwnerAlpine Ecological Resources (AlpineEco)
1127 Adams StreetDenver, CO 80206
303-859-1475andyherb@alpine-eco.com