What is involved in scoping out a restoration project?
Part of our ongoing work is to develop restoration project ideas and seek out funding and/or partnerships that could support the projects. Hillary and I have been working on a potential project at a place we call Hidden Lake (nee the "Kim Property"). Natural Systems Design is our key partner in the exploration and design phase. While we can develop big concepts and also planting and stewardship plans, NSD brings the design, engineering and construction expertise for the wetland and riparian restoration elements (I'm simplifying all the things they do, but you get the basic picture).
Earlier this week, Hillary and I, along with NSD's Mike Hrachovec (AKA Rocky) visited Hidden Lake along with William Appleton, the city of Federal Way's Surface Water Manager.
The Friends partnered with the city to acquire the site 2 years ago. The city owns it and is another key partner for us. Not to be too simplistic, but if they don't like our restoration ideas, we can't do it. So, early on in the process we are talking with Will and getting his feedback and ideas. That's what this visit is about.
Here is Hillary, Rocky and Will talking about restoration ideas alongside Hidden Lake. You can see black landscaping fabric to the left, from a past invasive removal event.
Here, the group is looking at the outlet control structure for Hidden Lake. The structure looks to be in solid condition, however, the control boards in the next photo, are bowed and probably need to be replaced as part of whatever we do.
This meeting is just the start of the long process to develop a workable project. In addition to the projects that actually happen during the year, we engage in lots of meetings like this, teasing out possible future projects.
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