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Project History

• In September of 2005, the Board of Directors sent out a Request For Proposal seeking bids from qualified contractors for a shoreline restoration / stabilization project on two of the ponds in Valley Lakes.

• The proposal included bidder qualification requirements as well as environmental and procedural requirements

• A copy of the RFP is available here

• The proposal was sent to 8 possible bidders

• 4 Bidders returned proposals

• 2 Bidders were interviewed on-site

• Tallgrass Restoration, LLC was the winner of the contract

  Company overview  and website
   

Project Timeline

• Work is expected to begin in mid-April, 2006

• Initial work will be done around the pond at Valley Lakes Blvd and Nippersink Road as well as the pond south of Spring Valley Way and east of Wilson Road

• The initial work is expected to be completed by May

• Follow up and site review will continue throughout the first three years

• Fencing and other temporary structures will be removed in the spring of 2007

• Photos of plants to be used is available here

Project Overview

Step #1 - Herbicide the turf grass. It is the primary reason that pond shorelines fail.

The area surrounding the application will be marked with informational signs indicating the application of an herbicide as well as a warning to stay off the marked area.

After approximately 2 weeks - Dead turf grass as a result of Step #1 - Note the curvilinear line used to give the project a natural look. The size of the buffer varies from 10 to 25 feet in width.

Step #2 - Coir log provides a natural fiber barrier against erosion as the native plants get established.

Step #2, continued -  Solid oak stakes and cord is used to hold the coir log in place.

Step # 3 -  
Top Photo - behind the coir log native seed is sown, erosion control matting is installed and stapled into place.
Bottom photo - seedlings appear within a few weeks.

Step 3, continued - Live plant plugs are installed at the shoreline and into the water.

Waterfowl exclusion fencing is installed for the first 12 months to project the plants from predators and erosion.

Step 4 - The restored shoreline after completing a few years of successful stewardship.