HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - February 20, 2008 K-01AGENDA ITEM Kw I
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AGENDA TITLE: Receive Report Regarding Status of Mokelumne River Bank in the General Vicinity
of Pigs Lakewithin Lodi Lake NatureArea
MEETING DATE: February20,2008
PREPARED B Y Interim Park and Recreation Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive report regarding status of Mokelumne River bank in the
general vicinity of Pigs Lake within Lodi Lake NatureArea.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Lodi Lake Park comprises 114 acres. Lodi Lake NatureArea is a
58 -acre long, irregularly shaped rectanglethat consists of a unique
natural riparian setting with six miles of trails. It serves as a local
recreation area and an outdoor classroom primarily for grades K-6.
The Nature Area is known throughout the state as a native area for
many migratory and local bird species, and the area has an abundance of native tree species and
adequate amount of under -story vegetation where it is commonplace to see wildlife such as deer,
squirrels and beaver.
One of the many uniquefeatures within the NatureArea is a naturalwetland pond known as Pigs Lake.
In 1994, the Parks Division, with the cooperation of other agencies, repaired riverbank erosion adjacent
to Pigs Lake. Scope of work included clearing of debris, fine grading, tilling, revegetation and associated
work, as requiredto restore approximately 105 lineal feet of riverfrontalong the Mokelumne Riverand
Pigs Lake at a cost of $35,800. The State Wildlife Conservation Fund was the source of funding for the
1994 project.
The Parks Division is once again concerned about the same site. During the winter of 2005, Park staff
observed rapid bank erosion due mainly to the high releases from Camanche Dam. On August 30, 2007,
City staff accompanied engineers Bill Darsie and Stephen Sinnock of Kjeldsen, Sinnock and Neudeck
Inc., on a tour and inspection of the Lodi Lake NatureArea erosion site. The primary purpose of the
inspectionwas to look at the erosion site that is threatening a thin strip of land separating the Mokelumne
River and Pigs Lake. An additional inspectionwas performed on October 13, 2007, after Lodi Lake had
been drained for the season. The current area of concern is approximately 300 lineal feet and growing.
It is estimated that approximately 4 to 10 feet of embankment crest has eroded away. I n some places,
less than 15 feet of riverbank separate the riverfrom Pigs Lake. Some of this erosion is naturally
occurring; however, much is man induced. Staff fears that if the continuing erosion is not halted, there is
a potentialfor a breach of the embankmentthat separates Pigs Lake and the NatureArea from the
Mokelumne River. The degree of flooding in the NatureArea from a breach is unknown at this time.
APPROVED:
1 ' King, City Manager
Receive staff report regardingcurrent status ofMokelumne Riverbankin the generahAdnityof Pigs Lake within Lodi Lake NatureArea
February 20, 2008
Page 2
Staff is in the process of retaining the services of Kjeldsen, Sinnock & Neudeck, Inc. to develop plans and
specifications for the repair work (proposed scope of work attached). No funding has been identified.
The estimated costs are unknown. These Lodi Lake repairs have not been prioritized against any other
maintenance needs within the Lodi parks system.
FISCAL IMPACT: With continued erosion, our engineering consultants and City staff
anticipate some form of breach in the nearfuture. When this happens, staff
is certain the existing environmental conditions will change and impact the
flora and fauna. The fiscal impacts are unknown at this time. No current
funding is available.
Steve Dutra
Interim Parks and Recreation Director
SDJ1
Attachments
cc: City Attorney
Park Project Coordinator