Figure 70 Long Description

Figure 70 is a drawing of a conceptual design of a riparian ecosystem of tree canopies, roads, open areas and a river. The text accompanying the drawing, describes the management of such an ecosystem. The text reads as follows:

Conceptual Design

This is a sample conceptual design illustrating some of the information covered in this publication. Before work begins, understand the affects of grading on existing vegetation, drainage patterns, and streambank stability. Disturb as little of the land as possible; grading for buildings, roads, spurs, and paths is minimal. Allow natural cycles to occur unimpeded. For example, don't alter a stable bank and don't build on the flood plain.

Restoration and Recreation Planning Objectives

The campground is large enough to be economically feasible without destroying the riparian ecosystem. Visual quality and natural features, such as rock outcrops and vistas are inherent in the restoration of new design.

Campground is sited above the flood plain on a plateau.

All visitor-use areas and amenities are designed away from known wildlife-use areas.

Accessible paths lead to the restrooms and to the sandbars so all visitors can experience the site amenities.

Site Design

Campground loop roads are designed/laid out perpendicular to the stream, which is the attraction. Loops perpendicular to the attraction encourage visitors to walk down the roads to get to the stream instead of walking cross country.

An information kiosk and a pay station are located by the restroom at the bottom of the loop. These common interest areas to most visitors are placed here to encourage people to use the road rather than to trample vegetation.

Paths lead to two sandbars. A low fence runs along the streamside of each path to protect the riparian ecosystem by preventing visitors from trampling the vegetation between the path and the stream.

A bridge is used to cross the stream. The abutments are set into the bank so wildlife can cross under the road and fish and other aquatic species can move upstream and downstream unencumbered. The bridge is wide enough to accommodate two-way traffic and a sidewalk, for pedestrian safety. The sidewalk encourages visitors to cross the stream over the bridge instead of trampling the streambanks.

Visitors are directed though a network of hardened paths to access the water via the sandbars.

Sandbars can be used as beaches and offer open spaces and shade. They are also renewable. Sandbars significantly reduce the impact to vegetation, soil, and wildlife because access to the water is controlled and not occurring indiscriminately along the streambank.

Recreation Management

Trail signs lead visitors to the water and other site amenities, and additional signs explain why it is important to stay on paths.

All roads, spurs, and paths are surfaced with 4 to 6 inches of aggregate or paved. Paths can be surfaced with wood chips to reduce erosion and delineate use areas.

A fence runs along the east boundary of the campground to discourage visitors from going beyond the area. The riparian ecosystem is maintained intact by preventing trampling and compaction and by not disturbing wildlife.

Soil Protection

Construction (restoration or new installation) can cause streambanks to be compacted and left bare. This could lead to destabilization. Soil bioengineering is used to restore vegetation (structure and function) to banks. Hardscape materials such as steel and riprap won't grow and they shift over time. They don't support the riparian ecosystem.