06-27-00 PTRC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Concept: The general idea of the project that I plan to undertake is the construction of a semi -permeable dam on a Omall creek in Crepeau Nature Preserve, Arden Hills. The purpose of the dam is not to completely stop water flow or to redirect it, but to back it up and create, upstream, a wetlands meadow. The increased water buildup that results from the dam will allow some of the grassy area upstream to flood and establish some open water. Benefit: This project will benefit the community of Arden Hills by expanding the variety of environments and wildlife species that can be seen while strolling through the park. By creating more, diverse environments, a wider ranging population of wildlife species, both plants and animals, can thrive, therefore increasing the likelihood of anyone of these species being seen. Present Condition / Method / Materials / Safety / Helpers/ Time Line: 0 Currently, the area upstream from the projected dam site is mostly tall grass with a very small creek, or stream, slicing through the middle. Because of this grass, any water that is flowing in the stream is essentially unseen. By backing the water up with a semi -permeable dam, water will still move through the area, but a majority of the water will fill the grassy area and change the vegetation pattern (reduce the amount grass and allow open water). The project will begin with the hauling of natural granite rocks (also known as `rip -rap'), provided and delivered by the City of Arden Hills. Wheelbarrows will be used to carry the rocks, on approximately an eighth of a mile of dirt trails, from a dumpsite on the edge of the park to the site where the construction will take place. The site will need to be prepared by clearing debris from the stream and surrounding banks, and digging a very shallow trench (less than six inches deep and twelve inches across) as a guide for the base rocks of the dam. More rocks will be stacked and fitted, as well as possible, on top of the base rocks until a height in the range of Oghteen to twenty-four inches, and a width of ten to twelve feet across, is reached.