HomeMy WebLinkAboutSHIPLEY NATURE CENTER - 05/0619/91 to 02/08/1999 - Urban For all If ? cle
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ���CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Tom Harman, City Council Member
Date: February 8, 1999 '`_'�
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Subject: "H" Item for the February 16, 1999, City Council Meeting D >
Urban Forest Project Proposal at Shipley Nature Center = s
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ISSUE:
I recently visited the Shipley Nature Center with staff to inspect the dying and
decaying Monterey Pine forest. Approximately four acres of the 18-acre nature
center was once a magnificent pine forest. Over 400 trees grew in this area
providing both the Nature Center visitors and the.. community the many benefits
of an urban forest. Beetle blight has taken its toll and destroyed all but a few of
the Monterey Pines. This four-acre area is now overgrown with passion vine on
top of the decaying pine tree remains. Something needs to be done to clear
the area-and reestablish an urban forest on these four acres. Naturally, we
would not replant Monterey Pines. There are a variety of native trees that are
resistant to the beetle blight and would benefit the nature center's interpretive
program.
I believe the Huntington Beach Tree Society, along with scouting groups, service
clubs, schools, and other community organizations would love the opportunity
to help with the replanting. If the city were to clear and prepare the site,
volunteers could raise the funds for trees and do the replanting. People could
dedicate trees in memory of loved ones or for community service projects. This
could be a true community effort.
I would like the City Council to consider the following motion:
MOTION:
Direct staff to develop an Urban Reforestation Program for the four acres of
Shipley Nature Center that once was the Monterey Pine Forest, to include:
1 . A cost estimate for clearing and preparing the site
2. A cost estimate for preparing a planting plan
3. Guidelines for community involvement
4. Possible funding sources for implementation and return to City
Council for further action.
Page Two
Honorable Mayor and City Council
"H" Item for the February 16, 1999, City Council Meeting
Urban Forest Project Proposal at Shipley Nature Center
In talking to staff, they estimate it will take 10 to 12 hours of staff time to research
and develop this report for City Council. The Shipley Nature Center is one of the
cities most treasured assets that provides both educational and environmental
benefits to thousands of visitors each year. I believe we must act now to get
community involvement to not only save the urban forest, but the entire nature
center.
TH:RH:gc
Cc: Connie Brockway, City Clerk
Ray Silver, City Administrator'
Melanie Fallon, Assistant City Administrator
Sao. �o
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
INTER-DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION
To: Karen Foster
From: Edward K. Hadfield Fire Protection Specialist ✓� S/�S/��
Date: May 14, 1999
SUBJECT: FIRE HAZARD @ THE SHIPLEY CENTER
Dear Karen Foster:
Per our meeting at The Shipley Center on May ffh, 1999, I am forwarding you my findings on the
potential fire hazards that exist at that location.
It is my opinion that a fire hazard does exists within the grounds of The Shipley Center. I base this finding
on the following items:
1.There is a heavy fuel loading of ladder fuels. Ladder fuels are light flashy fuels that have a lower ignition
point and spread a fire into the heavier fuels in the surrounding area.
2. The heavier fuels within the grounds of The Shipely Center have been affected by disease, drought or
taken over by other fuel typing. This has caused a large stand of certain fuels to die. These dead fuels are
a potential fire hazard that would certainly add to the problem should a wind driven fire occur.
3. The stands of dead pines are extremely close to the homes located on the backside of The Shiply Center.
In addition, the pines are close to the eucalyptus trees within Central Park. The proximity of the
eucalyptus trees and dead pines creates a problem of fire extension into the housing tract.
4. The proximity and number of homes within the potential fire area that have shake shingle roofs are great
in number.
5. Access and water supply for the Fire Department is hampered by the location and accessibility within
The Shiply Center. A wind driven fire would be difficult to extinguish given the fuel loading that I
observed.
It is my recommendation that the City hire an Urban Forester to review the condition of The Shiply Center
and to recommend actions to eliminate the fuels that present a fire problem.
Respectfully Sub4'tteGk&VL
Edward K. Hadf
Fire Protection Snecialist
J OS112i98 WED 08:39 F.a1 249 3315 Windi Snellen 1411001
TRTTQN RISK MANAGEMENT
14751 Plaza Derive, Suite K
Tustin, CA 92791'
(714)734-4610 phone
(714)7344614 fax
May 12, 1999
Xwen Foster,Risk Manager
City of Huntington Beach
2000 Main St.,Huntington Beach,CA 92648
Dear Karen,
It was a pleasure meeting with.you and Jim Jones on April 21 at the Shipley Nature Center. The purpose
of my visit was to evaluate the exposures and controls presently in place at the Mature Center%ith regards
to property and liability exposures to the City of Huntington Beach. We toured the center and Jim gave
an account of how the center is maintained during the year by natural means and the park ranger. I would
say that even at this time of year,when the wet season is just about to end and the growth in the center
should be healthy and green,there is an excessive amount of dead or dry vegetation material that could be
an adequate fuel source for a serious xvind swept brush fire within the Nature Center. The two story wood
frame homes,some of which have wood shingle roofs that are located about 35'to the north ofthe center
could easily be exposed to an out of control brush fire,especially in the dry season in the fall. Much of
the growth within the center is 30 to 40 feet or more high and many trees or shrubs are dead or dying.
The major source of the problem as Jim explained is that the wild growth of Passion'Vine has overgrown
many of the trees and shrubs,preventing adequate light from getting to them and weakening therm if not
killing them off completely. There is of course,also naturally aging and dying material in the center
which is not removed by lae park ranger. The center has a single story brick and steel visitor center
building with windows that could also be destroyed in a brush fire.
The source of ignition could be from a carelessly discarded cigarette from users of the adjacent public
park grounds,lightening or even arson. A serious property and Iability exposure to the public exists at
the nature center. Steps should be taken to ensure that the excessive dead vegetation is removed on a
regular basis.
Additionally,near the northeast corner of the center is a group of three large,older Eucalyptus trees that
have apparently never been trimmed. One of the trees has a major branch well over SO feet in length
growing out over the trail where people take nature hikes. This branch in particular presents a possible
serious liability exposure to the public using the center and should be cut back or removed.
Sincerely.
9
Russell Hemken
Loss Control Consultant
Triton Risk Management
REQUESP FOR CITY COUNCI ACTION
Date May 6, 1991
Submitted to: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Submitted by: Michael T. Uberuaga, City Administratoorv -j4'6-T�
Prepared by: Ron Hagan, Director, Community Services
Subject: SHIPLEY NATURE CENTER IMPROVEMENTS APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL
S� 6 1v�L
Consistent with Council Policy? [ ] Yes [ ] New Policy or Exception
. -- -- ERK
Statement of Issue, Recommendation,Analysis, Funding Source,Alternative Actions, Attachments: SAM
S TAT EMENT OF 1..S3_LE.
There is a need to provide wetland mitigation for the Waterfront
project at the Huntington Central Park Shipley Nature Center.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the concept of the Shipley Nature Center Habitat
Enhancement and Creation Program.
ANA .Y�®S T S
Mayer Corporation must provide off-site mitigation for
approximately .8 acre of severely degraded wetlands at Pacific
Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard as part of the Waterfront
Development for the extension of Pacific View Avenue. After
exploring potential areas with Vail , Speck, Taylor, Inc. , state
agencies, Victor Leipzig, and Mayor Peter Green, the Mayer
Corporation has determined that the most viable location is
Shipley Nature Center in Huntington Central Park.
Project calls for the expansion of the existing nature center
pond, thereby creating additional wetlands- habitat in Huntington
Central Park. This enhancement to the nature center will not
only provide an extension of the existing natural habitat, but
will also expand the educational and enjoyment benefits for park
users . The nature center is a pr;ime attraction as an excursion
for local school children as well as by individuals and families
who visit Central Park. This program will also improve the
aesthetic experience of visitors by creating the illusion of
being removed from the surrounding urban landscape.
In addition to the expansion of the pond, the plan calls for the
enhancement of the existing habitat in the nature center to focus
on the irradication of exotic invasive species and development of
native habitat structure. The project is being designed to
reduce and/or eliminate some of the existing maintenance problems
and to create a new area that will have minimal impact on city
4
P10 5/85
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION Page Two
maintenance crews. Funding for grading and replanting activities
to create wetlands, short and long-term maintenance procedures
during the two year monitoring period, and supplemental plantings
required during the five year monitoring period will be provided
by the Robert Mayer Corporation. As is the case with the
existing pond, the new section will not always have water in it
based on the season, water table and rain levels . Alternate
methods of keeping more water in the pond for extended periods of
time are being explored. These options will not, however,
include filling the pond with potable water.
Staff feels that the Mayer Corporation and the city' s
redevelopment agency have a viable solution to mitigate the
severely degraded wetlands area at Pacific Coast Highway and
Beach Boulevard. At the same time, the community receives
improvements to the Donald S. Shipley Nature Center. The State
Department of Fish and Game, Army Corps of Engineers and the
Huntington Beach Community Services Commission have approved this
concept of mitigating Pacific Coast Highway wetlands by making
these improvements at the Shipley Nature Center.
FUNDING SOURCE
The Robert Mayer Corporation
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Do not permit Mayer Corporation to make improvements in Shipley
Nature Center.
ATTACHMENT
Shipley Nature Center Plan
Location Map
Shipley Nature Center Habitat Enhancement and Creation Program
prepared by Vail , Speck, Taylor, Inc.
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SHIPLEY NATURE CENTER
HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AND CREATION PROGRAM
Prepared for:
Robert Mayer Corporation
660 Newport Center Drive, Suite 1050
Newport Beach, California 92658
Prepared by:
Vail Speck Taylor, Inc.
4 Executive Circle, Suite 150
Irvine, California 92714
Contact: Eileen Brown
September 20, 1990
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Existing Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Program Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
II. EXISTING RESOURCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Biology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Hydrology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ 4
Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
III. HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AND CREATION ISSUES . . . . . . . . 6
Habitat Structure and Exotic Vegetation . . . . . . . . 6
Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
WaterSources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Aesthetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Vector Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Encroachment by Domestic Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
IV. ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Enhancement of Existing Habitats . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Eradication Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Replanting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Educational Center Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Funding Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
V. WETLANDS CREATION PLAN AND SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . 12
Mitigation Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Habitat Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Wetlands Creation Plan Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Grading Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Planting Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Water Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Soil Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Vector Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Performance Standards/Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Irrigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Maintenance and Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Responsible Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SHIPLEY NATURE CENTER
RESTORATION PROGRAM
I. INTRODUCTION
Description
The Shipley Nature Center is a component of Huntington
Central Park, located in the City of Huntington Beach near
Golden West Boulevard and Talbert Avenue (see Vicinity map) .
The Center provides opportunities for visitors to view a
variety of natural processes. In addition to managing and
maintaining wildlife habitat, it also provides educational
services for the public.
The purpose of the program delineated below is to articulate
habitat goals and objectives for the Shipley Nature Center.
Within the framework of the program, details are provided
for the enhancement of portions of existing wetlands and
creation of additional wetlands habitat.
Existing Conditions
A variety of habitats exist in the center: oak, pine,
willow, redwood, alder/sycamore, grassland/shrubs and
wetlands (see Existing Vegetation Exhibit) . Several of the
desired native species are competing with invasive exotic
species, such as castor bean, passion vine, and tamarisk.
The wetlands vegetation is dependent upon localized
irrigation and ground water. The water level in the pond at
the south-eastern corner of the area fluctuates according to
the groundwater supply, which in turn affects the type and
density of wetlands vegetation surrounding the pond.
Program Summary
The objectives of the enhancement program are as follows:
o Maintain and enhance a variety of natural habitats
within the Shipley Nature Center for the education and
enjoyment of visitors;
o Develop a maintenance program which does not conflict
with California Department of Fish and Game criteria
for wetlands habitat and is compatible with City of
Huntington Beach mosquito abatement considerations;
o Identify means by which the community can support and
contribute to the management of the Shipley Nature
Center; and
o Create additional wetlands habitat.
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II. EXISTING RESOURCES
Biology
The Shipley Nature Center contains woodlands and wetlands
which serve as an urban wildlife refuge, particularly for
avian and invertebrate species. The City of Huntington
Beach is located on land that was historically covered with
marshland, springs and ponds. Alterations of the natural
hydrology along with deposits of fill material have created
upland areas which no longer support wetland ecosystems.
The Nature Center landscape now contains a functioning
wetlands including a range of habitat types from freshwater
marsh to willow woodland. Other areas of the center are
defined by mass plantings of California native trees, with
occasional exotic specimens dispersed about the center.
Supplemental irrigation is used to maintain many of the
trees. The remaining areas have been maintained as mixed
grasslands although large portions of them are heavily
invaded by ruderal species.
The greatest area of tree canopy is comprised of black and .
arroyo willows, Salix gooddingii and S. lasiolepis. (See
Existing Vegetation Exhibit. ) Monterey pines (Pinus
radiata) form a dense canopy over the northwest section.
White alders (Alnus rhombifolia) line the southeastern
perimeter of the nature center and are accompanied by
California sycamores (Platanus racemosa) near the entrance
and the southwestern corner. A linear planting of coast
redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) borders the alders on the
southeastern boundary. Several plantings of relatively
immature coast live oak (Ouercus agrifolia) with spreads of
approximately fifteen to twenty feet, form a stand just east
of the interpretive center. With the exception of the
willows, these woodlands are generally characterized by a
lack of complimentary understory vegetation with little or
no structural stratification other than that provided by
weedy exotic species.
In addition to the willow woodlands, wetland vegetation is
represented by emergent species such as cattail (Typha sp. )
and California bulrush (Scirpus californicus) , as well as
shoreline species such as water smartweed (Polygonum
punctatum) and marsh fleabane (Pluchea purpurascens) .
Current city vector control practices discourage natural
stands of the emergent plants, which in the Shipley Nature
Center, have been reduced by city maintenance crews to a few
isolated patches through manual clearing and herbicide
applications. During site visits made in mid-August, 1990,
virtually no viable tule habitat existed. Small patches of
mulefat (Baccharis glutinosa) occur in isolated areas, but
3
lack the density needed to provide good cover for wildlife.
Several portions of the wetlands are being colonized by the
invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) . As well as being a
tenacious competitor with native wetland vegetation, this
species offers little in terms of habitat for avian and
other native faunal species.
Among the other invasive exotic species castor bean (Ricinus
communis) , salt cedar (Tamarisk) species and passion flower
(Passiflora caerulea) comprise the greatest threat to the
integrity of the nature center habitats. The castor bean
has begun to overtake the open grassland areas in the
southeastern portion of the site. Mature castor bean plants
at the north eastern corner of the site include some
specimens with trunk diameters of eight inches or more.
Salt cedar, an Asian species that is an invasive weed in
many desert riparian systems, has become established in
several locations around the center. This species competes
heavily with adjacent plants for available water, typically
resulting in dense monocultural stands over time.
The passion vine is responsible for attracting a multitude
of gulf fritillary butterflies (Agraulis vanilli) to the
site, whose larvae feed on the plant. While these bright
orange winged creatures are a striking feature of the nature
center, they are not a native species and their weedy host
plant tends to dominate the landscape to the detriment of
less aggressive native species. The particular species of
passion flower at the center is not the one grown
commercially for fruit, but does bear fruit which are eaten
by certain birds, facilitating the dispersal of seeds.
However, these fruit are not particularly favored, as
evidenced by the large numbers of fruits left untouched on
the vines. In addition to its alteration of wildlife
habitat structure and function, the passion vine is observed
to be competing vigorously for light with any plant it can
climb over. It has formed a blanket over some of the coast
live oaks, as well as spreading out over portions of the
grassland and twining through the willows. If left
unchecked, this encroachment may seriously weaken many
desired species, most notably, the oaks.
Hydrology
The nature center wetlands are reputed to be fed primarily
by ground water, augmented by urban runoff and localized
irrigation. Fluctuations in the level of the aquifer over
the last fifteen years have resulted in a shifting mosaic of
wetland habitat types surrounding the pond. It is believed
that these shifts have resulted from yearly fluctuations in
the rainfall feeding the aquifer. However, increased draw-
4
down of the aquifer and alterations of the hydrology of
adjacent areas may be factors, as well. This summer, Park
Ranger Dave Winkler has reported that the pond would have
gone completely dry except for the addition of runoff from a
broken water main in early August. In late August, it was
necessary to hose feed water into the -pond to keep the
mosquito fish alive. Current low-water conditions support
willows at -2 feet and below, wetland forbs at elevation -4
feet and the emergent bulrush and cattails at -6 feet.
Topography
The existing topography shown in the exhibits is based on a
map provided by the City of Huntington Beach which
illustrates the design concept for the nature center. It is
assumed that the contour line labeled as "O" indicates mean
sea level. No as-built drawings of the center were
prepared. Visual inspection of the site indicates the map
to be reasonably accurate.
Generally, the site slopes gradually downward toward the
pond area, where an ultimate depth of -7 feet below sea
level is reached. The highest elevations occur on the
southeast portion of the site, corresponding to the
elevation of Golden West Avenue and reaching a maximum of 6
feet above sea level.
soils
A mixture of soils occurs on the site as a result of
miscellaneous landfilling activities of the past. The most
obviously distinguishable soil is a rich dark peat which
occurs over most of the wetland areas. As a result of the
decreasing ground water level, the shrunken peat has formed
fissures which reveal the depth of the material to be at
least one foot or greater. As the water has receded, the
peat has served to hold water for the remaining wetland
forbs.
The fill areas, including much of the area managed as
grassland appear to be poor in organic matter and nutrients
as evidenced by their heavy colonization by opportunistic
weedy species. These opportunists readily invade poor soils
that will not support more sensitive native species.
5
III. HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AND CREATION ISSUES
Habitat Structure and Exotic Vegetation
While the nature center currently provides a variety of tree
canopies as wildlife habitat, it lacks most of the
understory species which would be present in the
corresponding native plant communities. Stratification of
the vegetation into vertical layers is weak in many areas
and virtually absent in some. In many cases, these niches
are currently filled by non-native invasive species which
have low or limited value as habitat for native and
migratory fauna. Shrub massings are conspicuously absent
for such an area in Southern California where scrub
communities play such an important role in the natural
landscape.
De Graaf (1986 a and b) and De Graaf and Chadwick (1984)
have reported on the natural association of avian (bird)
species in groups termed guilds, based on the vertical and
horizontal structure of their natural habitat. One of the
implications of their work is that in landscapes where one
or more vertical levels of vegetation are missing from the
habitat, the avian guilds which would normally occupy those
levels will be absent, resulting in an overall decrease in
potential biodiversity. Applying that concept to the
Shipley Nature Center, it follows that developing habitat
structure more representative of undisturbed native plant
communities will increase the biodiversity the landscape can
` support. Habitat enhancement plans should consider local
native plant communities as models for enhancement goals.
In addition to their alteration of habitat structure, many
weedy exotic plants serve as food sources for relatively few
urban-adapted wildlife species. These urban wildlife
species can likely find suitable food sources in many areas
of the urban landscape. The nature center can be a refuge
for species less suited to urban situations, if appropriate
food and adequate cover are maintained. Such enhancement
would strengthen Shipley's role as an educational center by
exposing visitors to species they may not see elsewhere in
the urban environment.
Soils
It is suspected the area south of the pond may have
historically been a landfill. The appearance of asphalt
remnants on site also suggest that a paved roadway may once
have traversed the area. Soils testing should be conducted
to determine whether or not the ground can support riparian
vegetation such as willows and sycamores.
6
Water Sources
The healthy appearance of the existing willows and other
wetland vegetation suggests that sufficient water exists on
the site for the creation of additional wetlands. Further
hydrologic studies may be conducted as determined necessary
for the final plan.
Aesthetics
The ambiance of the nature center is seriously affected by
traffic noise from Golden West Avenue. The proposed
widening of the road will intensify the problem. Inasmuch
as solid barriers are known to be the only effective means
of noise attenuation, the possibility of creating such
barriers deserves consideration as a part of the overall
enhancement of the nature center.
Access
Access to the Huntington Central Park is provided by Slater
and Golden West Avenues (see Vicinity map) . Golden West
Avenue is adjacent to the Shipley Nature along its eastern
edge. City of Huntington Beach transportation improvements
include realignment and expansion of Golden West. The
extent of the road improvements needs to be determined,
particularly in respect to potential impacts to the Shipley
Nature Center.
6 Within Shipley Nature Center, access is provided by dirt
paths. The dirt paths become muddy during the rainy season,
discouraging use by some park visitors. Alternative path
materials should be identified that are relatively .
inexpensive, easy to maintain, able to provide year-round
service to park visitors, and be consistent with the tone of
the Shipley Nature Center.
Vector Control
Due to conflicts with the current implementation of
community vector control objectives, the areas around the
pond which would normally support emergent species such as
bulrushes have been cleared of their valuable habitat.
While enhancement and expansion of the wetland areas
surrounding the pond will be biologically beneficial, it
must be accomplished in such a manner that mosquito growth
would not be encouraged. Wetlands expansion and on-going
maintenance procedures must include features that will avoid
future conflicts with vector control requirements.
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Development of the enhancement plan will include the
evaluation of alternative strategies which would allow for
the co-existence of emergent vegetation with mosquito fish
(Gambusia affinis) .
Encroachment by Domestic Pets
Situated as it is in close proximity to residential
development, domestic pets constitute a serious threat to
nature center wildlife. Cats pose the biggest threat
inasmuch as they can easily circumvent the fences to gain
access to the grounds. Currently, there are virtually no
areas of the center which cannot be penetrated by feline
carnivores. Development of a sanctuary from domestic pets
is a worthwhile goal for enhancement activities.
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IV. ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
Enhancement of Existing Habitats
A plan for the enhancement of existing habitat in the entire
nature center will be developed, focusing on the eradication
of exotic invasive species and the development of native
habitat structure. Understory plant palettes and planting
concepts will be developed for each of the woodland areas,
with native ecosystems as design models. A management
strategy for stabilizing grassland areas will be included.
The wetland creation program will focus on the areas south
of the existing wetland.
Concept
The concept of the enhancement program will be to enhance
the existing habitats based on the goal of mimicking native
California environments and improve the aesthetic experience
for visitors by creating the illusion of being removed from
the surrounding urban landscape. A sound berm using
material from the wetland creation could be created along
Golden West Avenue, where existing vegetative constraints
allow.
Eradication Program
1. Targeted Species
The primary species targeted for eradication are the
following: giant reed (Arundo donax) ; brazilian pepper
(Schinus terebinthefolius) ; salt cedar (tamarisk sp. ) ;
castor bean (Ricinus communis) and passion flower
(Passiflora caerulea) .
Through in-field analysis, invasive species will either
be thinned or eradicated. Plants will be thinned if
they provide certain wildlife benefits.
2 . Methods
Removal methods will initially involve application of a
systemic herbicide such as Round-up or Rodeo. Removal
of Arundo donax will be phased in order to allow
desired species to take over the functions it currently
serves in defining space and as a visual screen.
Plant removal within the marsh or immediate vicinity of
the pond will rely upon primarily mechanical methods
with the use of herbicides being minimized.
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Trails
Trails throughout the Shipley Nature Center currently are
primarily marked through vegetation clearance and compacted
soil. In order to improve the permanence of the trails and
to avoid muddy trails, decomposed granite or other
appropriate material will be applied to the trails.
A potential alternative to decomposed granite is the
chipped/shredded trimmings from park landscape maintenance.
Reapplications of such material would yield a soft (mulch-
like) surface which is comfortable to walk on. Certain
trimmings, such as those from Eucalyptus sp. have
allelopathic properties which could help reduce weed
encroachment upon the trails.
Vegetation along trails will be trimmed and decomposed
granite or other material restocked annually, and as needed
following heavy rainfall.
Replanting
Replanting of the sound berm will be implemented using a
combination of seed and container grown material and
revegetation techniques. Some willows will be propagated by
cuttings.. Native grassland and coastal sage scrub species
will be used. The feasibility of using seed drilling
techniques will be compared with the expediency of
hydroseeding for effectiveness of establishing slope
vegetation.
Maintenance
Alternative maintenance programs for each habitat type will
be developed based on the nature of the labor force to be
employed (i.e. volunteer, court referral or municipal
employees) .
Educational Center Services
Under the direction of the Park Ranger, additional
educational materials will be developed (e.g. , signage,
posters, educational materials for distribution) .
Funding Mechanisms
The City of Huntington Beach will retain responsibility for
the overall maintenance of the Shipley Nature Center. Due
to the workload of the Huntington Central Park maintenance
crew, the ideal enhancement and maintenance solution would
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be an additional person to assist the Park Ranger. This
solution would require additional funding from the City of
Huntington Beach to create such a position.
Since such funding from the City of Huntington Beach may not
be readily available, alternative funding sources must be
considered. For example, additional funds can be generated
through collection of recyclable materials within the
Huntington Central Park (e.g. , aluminum cans, plastic
bottles, or glass bottles) . The collection of aluminum can
be augmented by requesting schools to bring one aluminum can
for every child visiting the Shipley Nature Center during a
field trip. Additional funds can also be generated by
placing a display requesting donations from people visiting
the Center.
In addition to funding sources, the Shipley Nature Center
should also explore potential sources of free, volunteer, or
inexpensive labor.
One option for free labor would be the use of temporary
manpower supplied through individuals required to provide
community service. To implement this option, the Shipley
Nature Center would apply to participate in the court
referrals program. Individuals directed to fulfill their
community service commitment at the Shipley Nature Center
could be utilized by the Park Ranger to complete weed
removal and other labor intensive maintenance projects.
Another alternative source for manpower would be through
community service organizations volunteering their time to
the Shipley Nature Center (e.g. , Boy Scouts or Rotary) .
Inexpensive labor could be secured through contacts with the
local community colleges and universities for student
interns interested in plant ecology or landscape
architecture.
The above options for labor would require close supervision,
reaffirming the need for an assistant to the Park Ranger.
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V. WETLANDS CREATION PLAN AND SPECIFICATIONS
Mitigation Opportunities
The proposed wetlands creation is a public/private joint
venture to mitigate for 0.8 acre of wetland lost to
development on land owned by the City of Huntington Beach
Redevelopment Agency.
Location
Creation of new wetland habitat will occur to the south of
the existing wetland.
Habitat Concept
The wetland is conceptually designed to provide a diversity
of micro-environments including upland riparian tree and
shrub cover, shoreline, marsh and open water habitats,
hydrologic and soil conditions permitting.
Wetlands Creation Plan Methods
Development of a successful enhancement program requires a
carefully executed step-wise methodology to maximize the
probability of successful wetlands creation. Since many
wetlands restoration programs have failed due to inadequate
methodology, strict adherence to the steps delineated below
is critical. Additional baseline information will be
collected. Soils testing will be conducted within the
vicinity of the pond for those areas being considered for
wetlands creation to determine soil's ability to support
wetlands vegetation. In order to assure coordination
between on-going wetlands habitat maintenance and Orange
County vector control requirements, mosquito abatement and
maintenance procedures will be developed which are able to
fulfill the objectives of both endeavors. Current and
historical hydrologic patterns surrounding the pond will
also be evaluated to verify the ability of the area to
support expanded wetlands habitat without permanent
irrigation and minimal artificial management involvement.
Grading will be designed to provided for a diversity of
microhabitats as well as aesthetic function. All earth
manipulations will be designed in accordance with local,
state and federal agency requirements.
In order to assure successful implementation, short and
long-term maintenance procedures will be included. Several
recommendations for financing and/or community support are
provided to assist the City of Huntington Beach in
developing the means to augment current management programs.
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Funding for grading and replanting activities to create
wetlands, short and long-term maintenance procedures during
the five year monitoring period, and supplemental plantings
required during the five year establishment period will be
funded by The Robert Mayer Corporation.
Grading Plan
Based on the results of soil and hydrologic evaluations, as
well as an accurate topographic survey of the areas involved
in the wetland creation, a detailed grading plan will be
developed which allows for appropriate drainage as water
levels fluctuate in the pond. An island will be created by
excavation of channels. The Wetland Grading Concept Exhibit
depicts a conceptual study of the grading design.
Planting Plan
Specifications for the planting plan will be developed based
upon the final grading plan. Tree species for the- upland
areas will include fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) ,
Mexican elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) , and black, red and
arroyo willows (Salix gooddingii, S. laevigata and S.
lasiolenis) . Riparian shrub masses will be dominated by
mulefat (Baccharis glutinosa) .
Shoreline areas will be revegetated with a range of
shoreline to emergent species to accommodate fluctuating
water levels. Species will include water smartweed
(Polygonum punctatum) ; marsh fleabane (Pluchea
purourascens) ; monkey flower (Mimulus guttatus) ; watergrass
(Echinochoa crusgalli) . If soil conditions are appropriate,
saltgrass (Distichlis spicata var. stolonifera) and yerba
mansa (Anemopsis californica) will be planted on the upper
margins of the marsh.
Emergent areas will be planted with a combination of seeds
and liners consisting of bulrushes such as Olney's (Scirous
olneyi) , alkali bulrush (S. robusta) and California bulrush
(S. californicus) .
Water Supply
The newly created wetland will be fed by the groundwater
that currently supports the existing wetland. The elevation
of all new wetlands will be at or below the elevation of the
upper limits of the existing wetland vegetation, from four
to six feet below sea level or lower. Inasmuch as this
baseline observation is made on conditions imposed by
several years of drought, the proposed concept is highly
likely to be successful through wet and dry years.
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Soil Treatment
Valuable wetland soil will be conserved for use in the newly
created wetland. Organic amendments will be added to
existing soils where necessary to produce the desired
wetland soil type. Leaf litter from existing willow
woodlands will be distributed over the surface of newly
created riparian areas to encourage the development of
mycorrhizae and other soil organisms important to the
functioning of riparian ecosystems.
Vector Control
The agency responsible for overseeing vector problems for
the City of Huntington Beach is Orange County Vector Control
District. According to Dr. James Webb of that organization,
the agency's preferred methods for mosquito abatement are,
in order of preference: 1. Source reduction.; 2. Biological
control (mosquito fish) ; and 3. Pesticide.
Source reduction can be accomplished by eliminating pools of
stagnant water in which biological controls such as mosquito
fish are not functioning. Pools which would otherwise
accommodate mosquito fish can lose this function when
vegetation becomes too dense to allow access for the fish.
Larry Shaw of the Vector. Control District has further
elaborated that, in addition to congestion caused by the
increase of live vegetation, considerable vector problems
result from the accumulation of dead vegetation,
particularly cattails.
The wetland concept addresses the source reduction and
biological control by design and proposed management. One
strategy which will be evaluated for maintaining tule
vegetation in the existing and created wetlands while
providing vector control would be the maintenance, through
hand-clearing, of channels surrounding small stands of
bulrush and cattails. These channels would allow the
mosquito fish to circulate through a greater portion of the
wetland, thereby keeping mosquito larvae in check. Dead
vegetation would also be removed by hand-clearing.
In the newly created wetlands, one possible technique for
limiting bulrush and cattail stand density would be the
placement of impervious barrier materials (broken concrete
rubble or small boulders) on the soil surface at intervals
which would allow the growth of bulrushes between. While
this may not be the normal strata underlying a marsh, such a
technique may represent a viable compromise which would
allow a greater area of emergent vegetation than is
currently allowed to exist on the site. This approach would
also include periodic hand-clearing of dead vegetation.
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These measures will allow for the continuous flow of water
through the bulrushes, thereby allowing passage for the
mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) which controls the mosquito
population.
If necessary, pesticide may be employed. However, the
recommended pesticide for this purpose, BTI, is actually a
form of biological control. BTI is an acronym for the
bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis israelenis which feeds on
the mosquito larvae and is innocuous with respect to other
organisms in the wetlands. This approach is preferable to
the practice imposed by the city's current maintenance
practice of applying herbicide to the tules. The primary
drawback to using BTI is that it requires the monitoring of
the mosquito population. This would be an appropriate task
for the Orange County Vector Control District.
Performance Standards/Replacement
After the first year, coverage by woody and herbaceous
species should be at least 50%. As a guideline, survival of
at least 80% of the original container plantings will be
required one year after planting. Three years after
planting the tree-sized willows should be a minimum of 9 to
12 feet tall, sycamores should be 5 to 10 feet tall
(depending on container size) , and cottonwoods should be 7
to 13 feet tall. After five years, willows should be 15 to
18 feet tall, sycamores should be 9 to 18 feet tall, and
cottonwoods should be 12 to 20 feet tall.
If these performance standards are not achieved after five
years, replanting or other corrective measures will occur,
if necessary, and monitoring will continue until the
performance standards are attained. These standards may be
waived by the California Department of Fish and Game if
field inspection shows good growth and functional habitat.
The wetlands creation design will minimize potential vector
(e.g. mosquito) problems that may require control measures
which would result in disruption of the riparian vegetation.
Schedule
Planting should take place during the rainy season of 1991,
(between November, 1991 to March, 1992 at the latest) .
Irrigation
A drip irrigation system will be provided for a minimum of
two years to ensure establishment of the planted vegetation.
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Maintenance and Monitoring
1. Maintenance: Short-term
Prior to planting, all invasive weeds will be removed
employing mechanical methods and/or EPA-labeled
herbicides. If deemed necessary by the implementing
contractor or site monitor, supplemental planting
and/or seeding during appropriate planting periods may
be necessary due to environmental factors such as
insufficient precipitation or frost. Short-term
maintenance will be provided by The Robert Mayer
Corporation.
2. Maintenance: Long-term
The maintenance of revegetated areas will be the
responsibility of the Huntington Central Park
Maintenance Crew. Long-term maintenance will be
provided by the park maintenance crew under the
direction of the assistant to the Park Ranger.
3. Monitoring
The site will be monitored by the Park Ranger, or a
qualified designee. The monitor shall be present at
all pre-grading meetings and during grading activities.
The monitor shall concur that all appropriate remedial
protective measures have been taken, prior to grading
of any areas in the Shipley Nature Center.
Monitoring of plantings will occur at 30 days and 90
days after initial planting to determine success of
establishment. Monitoring of survival will continue
every six months for two years after planting.
Corrective actions will include monitoring for growth
and coverage for the next three years, replacement of
dead container plantings and/or reseeding in areas as
necessary to meet the performance standards. If
replacement is necessary, The Robert Mayer Corporation
will be responsible for replanting.
Semiannual reports for the first year and annual
thereafter, which include evaluation of survivorship,
development of the habitat and actions taken, will be
prepared by the site monitor, and will be submitted to
the City of Huntington Beach and California Department
of Fish and Game. Corrective actions will be taken
within 14 days upon identification of any problems by
The Robert Mayer Corporation.
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The monitor shall have authority to temporarily direct,
divert or halt grading to allow sufficient time to
install protective devices, transplant vegetative
resources to safe zones, or modify grading to
protect/preserve the resources in place.
Responsible Parties
In connection with The Waterfront project, The Robert Mayer
Corporation will be responsible for the grading and
replanting activities associated with wetlands creation.
The Robert Mayer Corporation will also be required to
implement any replantings or reseeding deemed to be
necessary by the on-site monitor during the five year
monitoring period.
Funding
Funding for grading and replanting activities to create
wetlands, short and long-term maintenance procedures during
the two year monitoring period, and supplemental plantings
required during the five year monitoring period will be
funded by The Robert Mayer Corporation.
17
r
REFERENCES
De Graaf, Richard M. and Nan L. Chadwick, 1984 . "Habitat
Classification: a Comparison Using Avian Species and
Guilds. " Environmental Management Vol. 81 No. 6, pp.
511-518.
De Graaf, Richard M. , 1986a. "Urban Bird Habitat
Relationships: Application to Landscape Design. "
Transactions of the North American Wildlife and Natural
Resource Conference Vol. 51 pp. 232-248.
De Graaf, Richard M. , 1986b. "Urban Wildlife Habitat
Research - Application to Landscape Design" in Adams, Lowell
W. and Daniel L. Leedy, Editors: Integrating Man and Nature
in The Metropolitan Environment; National Institute for
Urban Wildlife; Columbia, Maryland.
tebO48
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