Ordinance No. 20513 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Downtown Riverfront Specific Area Plan oi l HABITAT ZONES `+ - Wparim"�Flwv{iin: 15,8U0 sy1t 1.@Sx . i Pogmawr Prehiu: 6l,DQh avfE'9.56 ec �lj�i� rl IIIIIIIIII� Iprypecan[wmunr<Hnrwsx. n1,.ma egiPt.na - urwn„wnae� ses:nwsnrtaas.e ' FIGURE 4 -24: DESIGN GUIDELINES -HABITAT ZONES HABITAT ZONES The Downtown Riverfront includes five proposed habitat zones: wetland, riparian floodplain, midbank /upper bank, prairie and urban habitat. Each zone has its own set of environmental condi- tions such as access to water, sun exposure, and soil type that de- termine the community of plants that will grow. Together, these zones are designed to contribute naturalized habitat on site, and to integrate and connect larger areas of habitat and nearby open space. The proposed Habitat Zones were developed based on information from restoration professionals, the design team, and the Riverfront Ecological Analysis and Design Report (see Master Plan Appendix). All zones would consist primarily of native species and non- invasive introduced species that require minimal supplemental water, fertilization or pest or disease control. To function as en- visioned, these zones will need to be designed and maintained. The intent is to encourage biodiversity across the riverfront site, to support natural systems and processes with appropriate plant- ings and maintenance, and to create a managed, naturalized, educational landscape. FIGURE 4 -25: DESIGN GUIDELINES - NATIVE PLANTS NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES The Downtown Riverfront vision includes the use of native plant communities and non - invasive introduced species in the design the riverfront open space. A plant community is an assemblage of different species of plants growing together in a particular habitat. On the EWEB site, there are five plant communities that relate to the proposed habitat zones. For a list of allowable plants, see Appendix B: Habitat Zones + Native Plant Communities. In the riparian floodplain, the steep bank, variable water level, and large existing trees dictate smaller trees and shrubs that can withstand the shade and high water flows. Farther up the bank, there is bank - stabilizing riprap, less frequent high -water events, and tall existing trees. These challenging conditions call for a hardy suite of plants of mostly small trees, shrubs, and herbs that can provide valuable habitat for birds and pollinators. The condi- tions become much more variable in the upper bank zone with areas of sun and shade, and wet and dry. This variety translates into an assortment of plants each with its favored conditions, color, and texture. Lastly, the pollinator prairie is a mosaic of flow- ering herbs and small trees —all intended to attract pollinators and songbirds, and to provide habitat that is both functioning and educational. Rowell Brokaw Architects ■ 49