Photos courtesy Boulder County Open Space
Without intervention, some newly created conditions would negatively impact the function and overall sustainability of rivers and streams.
Completed channel
Bielins-Hock soil lifts were constructed using approved on-site material for the base layer, imported topsoil as the top layer and planting medium, biodegradable coconut fabric and coir mat. Seed mixes, containerized plants and stakes were incorporated as the lifts were constructed.
and progressed in a linear manner down the channel. A few of the challenges that crews overcame during this sequence of earthwork activities included using coffer dams and pumps for dewatering and working around nesting birds and established habitats.
Site prep for soil lifts
Communication as a success factor
Before installation of the soil lifts, crews placed buried rip rap protection set back from the channel, performed general site grading as well as channel re-alignment. There were times when channel re-alignment and the construction of soil lifts occurred simultaneously
To accomplish the task and goals of Bielins-Hock project, WSRI worked closely with the project engineer and plant ecologist throughout the construction process. As with any creek project, teaming and constant communication were an important component.
Many field decisions and adjustments had to be evaluated and executed on a daily basis.
Continuing maintenance
By fall 2017, seeding, planting and woody debris placement were completed. At that time, WSRI began a one-year maintenance period along the stream corridor, which included weed management and general plant care. In fall 2018, WSRI turned it over to Boulder County Open Space who will continue the maintenance and monitoring of the site. |CG —Joe Schneider is an estimator and senior project manager at Western States Reclamation, Inc. March/April 2019 Colorado Green
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