OPEN SPACE AND CLEAN WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE …

4:30 p.m.

OPEN SPACE AND CLEAN WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE

REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

4:00 P.M.

Location:

Hybrid Public Meeting

Boise Depot Meeting Station

2603 W Eastover Terrace, Boise, ID 83706

Virtual attendance is strongly encouraged.

Please visit: Zoom Webinar Registration

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. ATTENDANCE

*A. Roll Call 4:00 p.m.

III. NEW BUSINESS

*A. Minutes – May 5, 2021 4:00 p.m.

*B. Improvement Project Application – Golden Eagle Audubon Society 4:00 p.m.

*C. Ridge to Rivers Pilot Program Update 4:15 p.m.

*D. Committee Updates 4:25 p.m.

*E. Executive Session: Pursuant to Idaho Code §74-206(1)(c) to

acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a

public agency, and Idaho Code §74-206(1)(f) to communicate

with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal

ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or

controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be

litigated.

IV. ADJOURNMENT

Pursuant to Idaho Code Section 74-204(4), all items on the Agenda marked with an asterisk * are action items that require a vote. Identifying an item

as an action item on the Agenda does not require that a vote be taken. All Consent Agenda items will be enacted by one motion, unless a

Committee Member or citizen requests the item be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in the normal sequence of business.

https://cityofboise.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tvtQ2czwRh6_Ir4-Rr0lZw

TO: Chair Stacey Donohue and Open Space and Clean Water Advisory Committee Members

FROM: Doug Holloway, Director

Sara Arkle, Foothills and Open Space Superintendent

DATE: 7/1/2021

RE: July 7, 2021 Open Space and Clean Water Advisory Committee Meeting

OPEN SPACE AND CLEAN WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE SUMMARY REPORT

Please find enclosed the descriptive information supporting your agenda topics for this meeting.

The meeting is anticipated to last one hour and will take place as a hybrid meeting from the Boise

Depot Meeting Station.

Members of the public are strongly encouraged to attend virtually: Zoom Webinar Registration.

NEW BUSINESS AGENDA ITEMS

A. MINUTES – MAY 5, 2021 – Requested by Doug Holloway, Director (Item III. A.

on the agenda)

RECOMMENDATION: The Department requests that the Committee recommend approval of the

May 5, 2021 Open Space and Clean Water Advisory Committee Minutes (Exhibit A) to Boise City

Council.

B. IMPROVEMENT PROJECT APPLICATION – GOLDEN EAGLE AUDUBON SOCIETY

– Requested by Sara Arkle, Foothills and Open Space Superintendent (Item

III. B. on the agenda)

The committee reviewed the Open Space and Clean Water Improvement Project application

from the Golden Eagle Audubon Society at its May 5th meeting. The application proposes to

conduct habitat restoration, create focused river access points, and provide educational

opportunities throughout 1,028 acres of the Boise River riparian area extending the Boise River

Diversion Dam to the East Parkcenter Bridge.

Golden Eagle Audubon Society application materials (Exhibit B):

• Improvement Project Application

• Project Area Map

• Proposed Budget

Kristin Gnojewski, the department’s community volunteer specialist, provided the staff review and

recommendation (Exhibit C).

https://cityofboise.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tvtQ2czwRh6_Ir4-Rr0lZw

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RECOMMENDATION: The Department requests that the Committee make a recommendation on

the Golden Eagle Audubon Society improvement project application to Boise City Council.

C. RIDGE TO RIVERS PILOT PROGRAM UPDATE – Requested by Sara Arkle,

Foothills and Open Space Superintendent (Item III. C. on the agenda)

Superintendent Sara Arkle will present an update on the Ridge to Rivers pilot program, which has

now been in effect for two months.

RECOMMENDATION: No motion necessary. This is an information item only.

D. COMMITTEE UPDATES – Requested by Sara Arkle, Foothills and Open Space

Superintendent (Item III. D. on the agenda)

Department staff will update the committee on necessary topics.

RECOMMENDATION: No motion necessary. This is an information item only.

https://www.ridgetorivers.org/2021pilotprogram/

Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2021

EXHIBIT A

6/2/2021 Agenda Packet Page 3 of 21

BOISE CITY OPEN SPACE AND CLEAN WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING· HYBRID MEETING

WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2021 4:00 P.M.

The Boise City Open Space and Clean Water Advisory Committee met via hybrid conference call on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. City of Boise Staff Members Present: Doug Holloway, Sara Arkle and Kristin Gnojewski (Boise Parks and Recreation); Rob Lockward (Boise City Legal); Chloe Sallabanks (Clerk). Others present: Sean Finn (Golden Eagle Audubon Society).

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Committee Chair Stacey Donohue called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m.

II. ATTENDANCE:

A. Roll Call

Present: Matt Cryer, Stacey Donohue, Bix Firer, Michelle Meyers and Scott Raeber

Absent: Kathryn Elliott, Brooke Green and Peter Pengilly

Committee Member Meyers was present in-person at the Parks and RecreationAdministration Office.

III. IN THE MATTER OF NEW BUSINESS

A. Minutes – March 3, 2021

MOTION: Committee moved to recommend approval of the March 3, 2021 Open Space and Clean Water Advisory Committee Minutes to Boise City Council.

RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: M. MeyersSECOND: B. FirerAYES: UnanimousABSENT: P. Pengilly, B. Green and K. Elliott

B. Improvement Project Application – Golden Eagle Audubon Society

The Parks and Recreation Department had received an Open Space and CleanWater Improvement Project application from the Golden Eagle Audubon Societyin March. The improvement project would conduct habitat restoration, createfocused river access points, and provide educational opportunities throughout1,028 acres of the Boise River riparian area extending from the Boise River DiversionDam to the East Parkcenter Bridge.


Sean Finn (Golden Eagle Audubon Society) joined the meeting and answered some general questions about the project application. The committee would likely make a recommendation at its next meeting.

There was no motion, as this agenda item was information only.

C. Little Properties – Naming New Reserve The committee was tasked with recommending a name for the 325-acres purchased in the northwest Boise Foothills from Highland Livestock and Land Company. The group discussed the vegetation, wildlife, and landscape of the reserve. After staff shared some suggestions, the committee landed on ‘Antelope Bitterbrush Reserve.’ The recommendation would now go before the Boise Parks and Recreation Commission and Boise City Council. MOTION: Committee moved to recommend “Antelope Bitterbrush

Reserve” as the name of the 325-acre reserve to the Boise Parks and Recreation Commission.

RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: S. Raeber SECOND: M. Meyers AYES: Unanimous ABSENT: P. Pengilly, B. Green and K. Elliott

D. Ridge to Rivers Pilot Program

Superintendent Arkle gave an update on the Ridge to Rivers pilot program, which started April 28 and would run through November 1. The pilot management strategies focused on directional and separation of use along four trails: Lower Hulls Gulch Trail #29, Polecat Loop Trail #81, Around the Mountain Trail #98, and Bucktail Trail #20A. Signage had been installed throughout the trail system. Trail managers would use the information collected to determine if these strategies would be made permanent on any existing or future trails. There was no motion, as this agenda item was information only.

E. Committee Updates

As of June 1, the City of Boise was moving toward a more hybrid approach for public meetings of boards, commissions, and committees. The Open Space and Clean Water Advisory Committee would meet at the Dick Eardley Senior Center for its June 2 meeting, allowing in-person and virtual attendance options. There was no motion, as this agenda item was information only.

IV. IN THE MATTER OF ADJOURNMENT:


There being no further business before the committee, the committee motioned to adjourn the meeting at 4:44 p.m.

RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: M. Cryer SECOND: S. Raeber AYES: Unanimous ABSENT: P. Pengilly, B. Green and K. Elliott __________________________________________________

Stacey Donohue, Chair


Improvement Project Application -

Golden Eagle Audubon Society

EXHIBIT B


Boise City Open Space and Clean Water Advisory Committee Golden Eagle Audubon Society 2021 Application Detail Section 1: Name of Organization: Golden Eagle Audubon Society Name of Project Contact: Liz Littman, Executive Director Street Address: PO Box 8261, Boise ID 83707 (can use Sean’s ‘Street Address’ if needed) Phone: 208-841-4708 Email Address: [email protected] Section 2: Check: Critical Open Space; Connectivity; Clean Water; Habitat Restoration; Community Engagement/Partnerships Section 3. Project Description: Using the Conservation Criteria Guide, please provide a clear and concise overview of the proposed project. The Golden Eagle Audubon Society (GEAS) will work with a variety of partners and specialists (e.g., Boise City Parks and Recreation Department (BPR), Ada County Parks and Waterways (ACPW), Boise River Enhancement Network (BREN), Intermountain Bird Observatory (IBO), Land Trust of the Treasure Valley (LTTV), Idaho Master Naturalists) to restore and enhance critical riparian habitat along the Boise River between Diversion Dam and the East Parkcenter Bridge (the East Boise Riparian Corridor). Riparian areas provide critical habitat for 80% of wildlife species in southwest Idaho, however much of this area is now choked with invasive weeds that provide little habitat value. The following actions implement priorities of the Boise River Resource Management Plan (2014). The project will consist of five main actions consistent with all four primary conservation criteria and two secondary criteria listed in the Application Packet:

1. Invasive Species Removal 2. Native Plant Restoration 3. Shoreline Protection & Access Management 4. Litter Clean Up 5. Visitor Education

Planning: A team of 10+ conservation scientists and managers (including the city-assigned project manager) will lead the project. These local experts collectively bring hundreds of years of experience to this proposal. This Planning Team will volunteer and/or leverage professional positions to provide guidance and evaluation, leaving the majority of funds for deliverable actions. The project will use a spatially explicit, strategic approach, considering fiscal and ecological cost-benefits, safety and community access.


Implementation: Work will be carried out by contractors, partners, and volunteers from all segments of the community. Paid contractors or trained agency staff will conduct tasks requiring certification, advanced training, and heavy machinery. Ultimately, however, hundreds of volunteers will be involved in many aspects of the project. GEAS is a co-leader of the Sagebrush Steppe Idaho Master Naturalists program. These volunteers train and commit to fulfill community service hours and will assume field lead tasks. The BPR Weed Warrior Program trains and certifies dozens of volunteers with a passion for weed management. GEAS, LTTV, IBO, BREN, BPR and Great Old Broads for Wilderness (GOBW) each have active volunteer corps (n > 200). At least four K-12 schools will be closely engaged with the project. Their roles include native plant propagation and restoration, plot maintenance, restoration and water quality monitoring, litter management and art for signs. Participation will be linked with appropriate curricula and students will engage their families. This model has succeeded for GEAS’ Native Plant Network (NPN), IBO, College of Western Idaho and BPR.

1. Invasive Species Removal: Noxious and invasive species (e.g., Russian olive, callery pear, puncture vine, hemlock, spotted knapweed, cheatgrass, medusahead) that degrade habitat quality and compete with desirable native vegetation are common throughout the 1,028-acre area. These species would be controlled and reduced on approximately 40 acres using a variety of Integrated Pest Management control methods (e.g., mechanical, chemical). Certified, bonded professionals (tree felling, herbicide application), partner organization staff (mowing, brush control) and volunteers (hand pruning and pulling, restoration site preparation) will conduct invasive plant management. Three sawyers, at least 15 agency staff and scores of volunteers will participate. Project volunteers will also participate in broader invasive species management programs like Weed Warriors and Boise Goathead Fest.

2. Native Plant Restoration: Restoration plots would be restored with 25+ species of locally sourced native plants (e.g., black cottonwood, willow, red-osier dogwood, Wood’s rose, showy milkweed, globemallow). NPN will lead native plant propagation and planting involving at least four K-12 schools (300 students) along with multiple community partners (HOA, neighborhood associations, etc.). Approximately one hundred, ~1/2 acre plots will be planted with 11,000 native seedlings. NPN has grown and planted more than 20,000 native seedlings (average cost 25¢ per plant) over the last four years. We will also wrap trees vulnerable to beaver and use other techniques that protect existing plants and enhance survival (and thus increase cost efficiency) learned through field experiments on 75 existing test plots in the Boise River corridor.

3. Shoreline Protection & Access Management: The Advisory Team, in collaboration with all partners, will select and block several inappropriate, poorly located river access points, restoring them in concert with NPN plantings. Temporary access management structures will be paired with site appropriate, resilient species that discourage access and provide habitat. Where necessary, more permanent fencing will include education and habitat management signage. Installation personnel will vary as


landowner/managers actively engage and co-fund these activities. NPN will coordinate planting and monitoring. Stormwater management will be evaluated in the project area.

4. Litter Clean Up: Trash removal will be led by a collaboration of leading organizations, and conducted in concert with broader river clean ups. Students, master naturalists and homeowners will be engaged. Events will co-occur with riparian and river stewardship education (item 5).

5. Visitor Education: GEAS and partners will employ a broad range of education-focused outreach strategies including in-person COVID-safe events, webinars, social and public media, printed materials, and presentations in schools and at community events. Education will occur as part of volunteer events, as stand-alone events, virtual events, and online at a dedicated website that will communicate about the project. Education goals will focus on place-based environmental education that directly relate to the Boise River, riparian habitat, water quality, and engagement in hands-on conservation action. The project will include intentional outreach efforts to incorporate under-served populations in our offerings.

Section 4. Meeting the City’s Goals Critical Open Space: The Boise River and Barber Pool areas provide critical habitat for bald eagle, waterfowl, songbirds, and a variety of mammals. Many sites around the pool provide public access to the river and adjacent riparian habitat. Restored habitat will improve Wellness, Ecosystem Health, Economic Vibrancy, Culture, Sense of Place, and Social Connections values. Connectivity for Recreation and Wildlife: Restored habitat will enhance connectivity for wildlife along the Boise River and with the adjacent Boise River Wildlife Management Area and Oregon Trail. The area provides important habitat for a diversity of birds during spring and fall migration, as well as mule deer movement corridors. Additionally, the project will provide a mechanism to engage a diverse set of recreation users in the restoration process, creating stakeholders in the process and future stewards of the River. Clean Water: The Boise River provides approximately 30% of Boise’s drinking water. Removing noxious weeds and planting native perennial species in their place will improve riparian habitats and water quality by increasing streambank shading and reducing erosion and sediment input from adjacent upland areas. Habitat Restoration: The project focuses on reducing and removing noxious and invasive non-native species and restoring riparian habitat structure and function with native trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses. An integrated pest management plan will ensure non-target species are protected and water quality is maintained. Native species will provide dependable, quality food and cover for wildlife.


Community Engagement: GEAS will safely engage volunteers from a variety of local groups, schools, and neighborhoods. Public participation in restoration work will increase public awareness of riparian habitat issues and values and improve community connections to this important resource. Formal and informal environmental education efforts will occur concurrently and will further complement the goal of creating a culture of stewardship in our community. Additionally, the community will be encouraged to participate in data collection for existing and new community science projects to help assess the impact of this project. A website will be launched to effectively communicate to the community the goals of the project, provide detailed information, and encourage engagement. Partnerships: We will engage new and existing partners across the area, including non-profit organizations (9+), government agencies (5), neighborhood groups and associations (2+), nearby schools (4+), a major Boise-based corporation and one or more consultants to complete the proposed work. GEAS’s Native Plant Network demonstrates the highly collaborative and effective approach that would be employed, and broadened, during this project. These groups have committed $70,300 in materials, labor, and services. We have letters of support from: Boise Parks and Recreation Department, Boise Public Works Department; Ada County Parks and Waterways; Idaho Department of Fish and Game (Master Naturalists Program); US Fish and Wildlife Service; Intermountain Bird Observatory; Boise River Enhancement Network; Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands; Treasure Valley Canopy Network; Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Association; Liberty Elementary School and Riverstone International School. This project completely aligns with recommendations in the 2014 Boise River Resource Management and Master Plan and will “provide natural resource management that protects the river corridor, without diminishing recreational experiences.” Section 5. Project Readiness: Please answer the following three (3) questions regarding project readiness. 1) Has any work been done to prepare this project for implementation? 2) How would you like the City to spend levy funds to enhance the proposed project? 3) Is the proposed project part of an ongoing or phased improvement to the Boise River or open spaces? 1) Much work is underway that prepares this project for successful implementation. Invasive weed management and native plant introductions began in 2018 and will continue in 2021 at the Diane Moore Nature Center (IBO), Barber Park (ACPW) and the Bethine Church Trail (BPR). Existing experimental plots at IBO provide useful data that will enhance this project’s success. In sum, more than $15,000 cash and hundreds of volunteer hours have already been applied toward this project’s goals, including $6,000 invested by GEAS. Much coordination is in progress along this stretch of the Boise River including public-private resource planning. Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands is completing a site evaluation for the Barber Pool Conservation Area, and those outcomes will complement this project. GEAS has met with the partners mentioned in Section 4 to secure their commitments. We have worked cooperatively with Boise Parks and Recreation, Ada County Parks and Waterways, and Intermountain Bird


Observatory on riparian habitat restoration projects along the Bethine Church River Trail and Barber Pool area and have discussed this proposal with them. The five affected public land management entities (BPR, ACPW, Idaho Department of Education (BSU), Idaho Department of Transportation and Bureau of Land Management) support this project. Additional partners who manage publicly accessible easements (LTTV, Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Association) are also willing partners. The Treasure Valley Native Plant Network currently has >350 seed trays sown with the expectation of producing >10,000 native seedlings in spring 2021. NPN is also growing >500 shrubs and will again partner with BREN, IBO, LTTV and other to grow cottonwoods from seedlings. Most profoundly, all of this effort involves >200 active volunteers and >15 school groups around the Valley. GEAS is committed to purchasing a shade structure to house plants; IBO will host the structure and plants in 2021. Furthermore, CWI Horticulture and Foothills Learning Center will host and nurture plants until planting in the Fall. 2) Requested levy funds would be used for materials and supplies (used to prepare sites, grow seedlings and install restoration plots, protect sensitive areas), contracts, planning and oversight, student transportation, educational signs and other materials for public outreach. Although specific decisions would be made by the city project manager with support of the Advisory Team, we have attached a draft budget for consideration. 3) The goal of this project is to bring communities together to act as stewards of the Boise River. Additionally, this project substantially expands upon existing work to improve wildlife habitat, water quality and sustainable recreation use along this important stretch of riparian corridor. The proposed work is complementary with ongoing or phased improvements to the Boise River. Removing weeds and restoring habitat will implement recommendations 2, 6, 14, and 17 of the Boise River Resource and Management Master Plan (pp. 42-43). More than $70,000 of partner commitments is dedicated to enhancing riparian habitat in the project area, in addition to more than $15,000 of prior investments. One critical element this project adds is coordinating action among the many ongoing projects that are not currently connected. In addition to greatly expanding improved wildlife habitat, water quality and recreational use for the riparian corridor, our goals include bringing communities together as active stewards of the Boise River. GEAS, partners and stakeholders will use this project as a model that could be replicated in the future for additional sections of the Boise River. For the purposes of this proposal, we have intentionally kept the scope of work within the proposed project area even though there are eager partners focused on other stretches of the river. Section 6. Budget We are requesting $48,000 for the following items: materials and supplies ($26,700); weed treatment and sign-making contracts ($11,000); student transportation ($1,800); miscellaneous expenses ($8,500). Although some of the materials and supplies are necessary pieces, the budget as currently drafted allows for expert guidance from the Planning Team. Please see the attached (GEAS_OSCW_2021_budget.pdf).


This request would be matched by approximately $85,000 in planning, coordination and monitoring services, and materials and supplies pledged by 17 entities. GEAS has committed $3,000 explicitly to support a project coordinator in 2021 and is prepared to support a coordinator in 2022 if additional resources are required. GEAS's 2021 Idaho Gives campaign will focus exclusively on Native Plant Network, the outcomes of which will greatly benefit this project (i.e., shade house, see Section 5). GEAS has raised $5,000-6,000 annually through Idaho Gives. Furthermore, GEAS is committed to seeking funds through at least 2 additional granting sources in 2021. Again, the most profound 'in-kind' match leading to success is the many thousands of volunteer hours that will be deployed. Thousands of volunteer hours have already been expressed and our volunteers are inspired by our successes. Others will be recruited through NGO, community and school groups. Section 7. Reporting Requirements Planting and land management work are expected to occur between April 2021 and November 2022. Evaluation and reporting will be done through May 2023. Volunteer hours will be tracked by GEAS’ Volunteer Coordinator. Trained volunteers will monitor up to 100 sites using standardized techniques to determine invasives management and planting treatment efficacy. Standard photo plots will be used to visually evaluate plant community change. GEAS will re-start standard bird abundance and diversity surveys in the project area to evaluate changes in bird use. Bird surveys were initiated by IDFG approximately 10 yrs ago; ongoing bird surveys will inform on project success. Annual reports summarizing work completed and volunteer hours contributed will be provided in January of each year. A final report summarizing work completed, monitoring results, expenditures, volunteer and partner contributions, and recommendations for future work will be provided in writing within three months of completion of efficacy monitoring. Draft Timeline: March 2021:

● GEAS submits Levy fund Application ● Advisory Team nominees identified ● 350 native plant seed trays sown

April 2021:

● Advisory Team identified and convenes ● Levy application approved(?) ● Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant request submitted ● Participate in Boise River Clean Up ● Engage schools/educators/students (already underway)

May 2021:

● Public outreach begins with webinars


● Seedling re-potting begins ● Initiate community monitoring efforts to capture pre- and post-treatment species richness ● Idaho Gives Fundraiser ● Design temporary education signs

July 2021:

● Advisory Team completes draft workplan and draft work sites ● Initiate material purchases ● Initiate invasive weed management on 50+ plots ● Initiate seed collection for 2022 ● Site visits to evaluate access management actions

August 2021:

● Participate in Goathead Fest September 2021:

● Site preparation for planting events ● Initiate sawyer contracting ● Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation grant request submitted ● Participate in Boise River Sweep

October 2021:

● Planting events on 50+ restoration plots ● Install temporary education signs

November 2021:

● Invasive tree removal begins ● Plot curation & monitoring begins ● Begin design of permanent signs ● Initiate shoreline access management

December 2021:

● Sow seeds for 2022 plantings January 2022:

● Annual Report Submitted ● Bird and plot monitoring continues

February 2022:

● Advisory Team reviews 2021 outcomes; plans 2022 activities ● Invasive tree removal efforts completed for season

April 2022

● Spring planting events


● Temporary signs installed ● Participate in Boise River Clean Up ● Inspect/enhance shoreline access efforts

May 2022

● Repot seedlings ● Events to promote & expand project ● Idaho Gives Fundraiser

June 2022

● Permanent sign design completed ● Sign contracting begins

August 2022:

● Participate in Goathead Fest September 2022:

● Site preparation for planting events ● Complete any necessary sawyer contracting ● Participate in Boise River Sweep

October 2022:

● Planting events on 50+ restoration plots ● Install permanent education signs ● Complete shoreline access efforts

November 2022:

● Complete invasive tree removal ● Plot curation & monitoring begins

January 2023:

● Submit annual report May 2023:

● Submit final report ● Project celebration events!

Partners: Intermountain Bird Observatory – Boise State University Ada County Parks and Waterways Boise City Parks and Recreation Department Boise City Public Works Department College of Western Idaho


Boise River Enhancement Network Land Trust of the Treasure Valley US Fish and Wildlife Service Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands Idaho Master Naturalists Program – Sagebrush-Steppe Chapter Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Association Ecosystem Sciences Foundation Birds of Prey NCA Partnership Liberty Elementary School Riverstone International School East Junior High School Trailwinds Elementary


Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, Intermap, INCREMENT P, NRCan, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China(Hong Kong), Esri Korea, Esri (Thailand), NGCC, (c) OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS UserCommunity, Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA,USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6

Miles

²

E. ParkcenterBridge

Diversion Dam

Barber Park

Barber PoolCons Area

East JuniorHigh

Bethine ChurchTrail

IBO

S. HowellPark

Alta HarrisPark

M. Williams Park

Potential Project Area

Conservation OpportunityAda County

Boise Parks and Recreation

Boise State University

Idaho State Parks

Idaho Power

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

Idaho Water/SUEZ

Riverstone School

Ada County

Boise

US (BLM)

Barber Pool Reserve (Private)


Item Units Unit cost TotalWeed block (12.5 acres) 68,000 sq ft $0.208 $14,180.00Staples 1000 staples $0.05 $50.00Shovels, trowels, rakes 100 tools $12.50 $1,250.00Backpack watering cans 25 backpacks $160.00 $4,000.00Herbicide 10 gallons $20.00 $200.00Fencing, rock, lumber misc $3,300.00protection tubes/stakes 8000 tubes $0.25 $2,000.00Shipping $1,000.00

Seed Trays/pots misc $600.00Soil 2 yards $60.00 $120.00

Signs & Sign Bases 15 signs $300.00 $4,500.00Education and Outreach materials misc $3,000.00Busses 15 trips $1,800.00Work day supplies misc $1,000.00

ContractsSawyers 5 days $1,600.00 $8,000.00Herbicide Treatment 4 days $500.00 $2,000.00Sign Design 1 design $1,000.00 $1,000.00

Total $48,000.00

GEAS OSCW Levy proposal 2021 Budget


Improvement Project Application -

Staff Review & Recommendation

EXHIBIT C


TO: Open Space and Clean Water Advisory Committee Members

FROM: Kristin Gnojewski, Community Volunteer Specialist

CC: Doug Holloway, Director

Sara Arkle, Foothills and Open Space Superintendent

DATE: 4/27/2021

RE: Golden Eagle Audubon Society Improvement Project Application - Staff Review

and Recommendation

OVERVIEW OF PROJECT

The Golden Eagle Audubon Society proposes to conduct habitat restoration, create

focused river access points, and provide educational opportunities throughout 1,028

acres of the Boise River riparian area extending the Boise River Diversion Dam to the

East Parkcenter Bridge. The proposed project includes habitat enhancement, invasive

species management, shoreline protection, volunteer engagement, and visitor

education. The proposal includes letters of support from a broad coalition of

stakeholders, including the five public land management agencies impacted.

FUNDING CONSIDERATIONS

Levy funds will be applied to the purchase of materials to grow native plants,

equipment rental, and expertise contracting. Much of the work will be conducted by

volunteers and professionals who can leverage their roles to provide support and

guidance. Matching funds include approximately $85,000 in planning, coordination,

monitoring, materials, and supplies committed by over a dozen different entities. The

project scope outlined in the proposal’s budget is appropriate for the project needs.

CONSERVATION CONSIDERATIONS

All four Primary Conservation Criteria are explicitly addressed in this proposal. The

project links critical habitat upstream of the Boise River Diversion Dam to that further

down the watershed. Additionally, the project provides enhanced recreational and

educational opportunities for visitors. The riparian habitat targeted in the proposal

represents some of the last remaining undeveloped Boise River riparian areas.

Enhancing this critical habitat through targeted native plantings and invasive species

mitigation will contribute to enhanced water quality. This project addresses many of

the recommendations in the Boise River Resource Management and Master Plan

including invasive species management, Black cottonwood protection and

enhancement, beaver management, riverbank stabilization, and targeted river access

and education. The proposed project aligns with Boise’s commitment to the


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Campaign for Nature: 30 x 30 Initiative which aims to conserve at least 30% of the

globe’s land and water by 2030. Habitat restoration will be achieved by utilizing

approximately two dozen species of locally grown native shrubs, grasses, and forbs to

enhance existing habitat. Additionally, noxious species will be addressed using species

specific and site appropriate best practices. Secondary Conservation Criteria are

addressed by enhancing native fire-resistant vegetation, community engagement

through broad-based volunteer efforts, and engaging a diverse range of community

partners.

PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

This project dovetails well with habitat enhancement efforts currently underway along

the Bethine Church Trail and in Marianne Williams Park. Additionally, the proposed work

builds upon native plant restoration conducted by the Golden Eagle Audubon Society

in partnership with the Intermountain Bird Observatory at the Diane Moore Nature

Center. In all, the project area encompasses approximately 130 acres of Boise Parks.

Thousands of native seedlings are currently being sown by Treasure Valley Native Plant

Network volunteers and will be ready for out planting in the fall.

MAINTENANCE/MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Boise City staff will be asked to provide expertise and guidance regarding native

species and noxious weed abatement. City departments such as Community Forestry

may be asked to assist with projects such as Russian olive removal on City managed

properties. In addition, Boise Parks and Recreation’s Volunteer Program will coordinate

volunteer efforts with the Golden Eagle Audubon Society and other partners via service

projects and leverage existing programs such as Adopt-a-Habitat, Adopt the

Greenbelt, Idaho Master Naturalists, and the Pollinator Posse. Ongoing management

will follow practices already utilized by Parks and Recreation staff.

STAFF RECOMENTATION

I recommend funding the project in full. The proposal addresses all the Conservation

Criteria, creates a broad range of engagement opportunities for community members

of all ages, supports the Boise River Resource Management and Master Plan, and aligns

with the Campaign for Nature, 30 x 30 Initiative. Although the City is working diligently

on protecting and restoring habitat areas addressed in the proposal, these efforts are

confined to City managed properties and are limited in scope. Having access to

additional resources such as locally sown native species for restoration efforts will help

bolster our efforts to improve Boise River riparian habitat and water quality.


Documents

OPEN SPACE AND CLEAN WATER ADVISORY COMMITTEE …