Memorial Park Demonstration Project

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workgroup process

Existing Conditions Synopsis

The Vegetation Advisory Workgroup worked together to gather data to provide a comprehensive synopsis of the existing hydrologic, geomorphic, and vegetation conditions throughout the proposed project area.

Revegetation Plan

The Harris County Flood Control District's objective is to minimize the impacts to existing desirable vegetation and to promote the establishment of healthy native vegetation where none currently exists in the proposed Memorial Park Demonstration Project area. The proposed project will involve the loss of trees, shrubs, vines and herbaceous vegetation in some areas in order to create a stable dimension, pattern and profile to the bayou's streambed, and construction equipment activity may impact vegetation in other areas. The Flood Control District is sensitive to the public's concern regarding these potential impacts.

The Flood Control District is developing a robust revegetation plan that proposes to plant more than 8,000 plants, trees, and shrubs post-construction. It will take time for the new vegetation to take hold and grow, but it is expected that there will be a diverse closed-canopy forest approximately 9-10 years after the project's completion and it will become even more beautiful with each passing year.

Existing Conditions

View the comprehensive synopsis of the existing conditions

Riparian Revegetation

Presentation, November 17, 2015

Riparian Revegetation Notes

November 17, 2015

Expert Input

In an effort to strengthen the project's revegetation plan, the Flood Control District engaged a group of individuals with knowledge of local vegetation communities, ecology, revegetation methods, monitoring practices, and long-term vegetation maintenance within riparian areas to serve on the Memorial Park Demonstration Project Vegetation Advisory Workgroup. Participants include individuals who are habitat specialists, vegetation managers, and ecological restoration specialists from the following organizations:

• Texas Forest Service

• Memorial Park Conservancy

• River Oaks Country Club

• Houston Parks and Recreation Department

• Bayou Preservation Association

• Native Plant Society of Texas

• Local universities

Participation on the Workgroup does not signify an individual's or organization's support for or against the Memorial Park Demonstration Project.

Workgroup Objectives

The Workgroup's objectives are to characterize and communicate the project’s existing conditions, develop input to specify revegetation plans, and enhance the long-term maintenance and monitoring efforts to maximize project success. Specifically, they are providing input on the project's:

• Final Planting Plan, including Implementation Strategies

• Long-Term Monitoring Plan

• Operations and Maintenance Plan

• Options for project partnering and communications

Workgroup Schedule

Meeting 1 - January 27, 2015

Meeting 1 Notes

Define Goals and Ground Rules
Review Proposed Goals and Deliverables
Review Project Schedule and Proposed Workgroup Schedule
Review Reference Materials and US Army Corps of Engineers Permit Application/Obligations
Preview Field Conditions & Site Visit

Meeting 2 - February 18, 2015

Meeting 2 Notes

Site Visit - Memorial Park Demonstration Project area

Meeting 3 - March 10, 2015

Meeting 3 Notes

Define Revegetation Succession and Existing Conditions
Characterize Reference Communities
Present/Compile Survey Baseline Data

Meeting 4 - March 31, 2015

Meeting 4 Notes

Develop Planting Plan Inputs

Meeting 5 - April 21, 2015

Meeting 5 Notes

Outline Implementation Strategy Options
Refine Planting Plan Inputs (iterative step)

Meeting 6 - May 12, 2015

Meeting 6 Notes

Review Draft Planting Plan
Develop Long-Term Monitoring Plan Recommendations – enhance specific methods and locations for long-term monitoring of project success

Meeting 7 - June 2, 2015

Meeting 7 Notes

Develop Operations & Maintenance Manual Recommendations – minimum requirements to meet success criteria, using adaptive management principles; consider partnering options and develop site-specific guidelines for shared long-term responsibilities
Develop Communications Recommendations – Signage, written and digital publications to communicate existing conditions and anticipated long-term vegetation recovery

Meeting 8 - June 30, 2015

Meeting 8 Notes

Review Planting Plan and Implementation Strategies
Review Long-Term Monitoring Plan
Review Operations & Maintenance Manual
Review Communications Options

Seed Mix Focus Group

Meeting 1 Notes