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Catfish Cr Watershed Pro Ltr of Support DU~~E ~ck~ MEMORANDUM February 28, 2006 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Letter of Support for Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is recommending providing a letter of support for the Dubuque County Soil and Water Conservation District grant application to fund the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. f\{ (~1 l\tL "MiChael C. Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager , ,-" , DU~~E ~<-k~ MEMORANDUM February 24, 2006 FROM: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager ~ TO: SUBJECT: Letter of Support for Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project The Dubuque County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has requested a letter of support from the City of Dubuque for a grant application to fund the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project. A description of the project is provided in the enclosed pre-proposal. The watershed is south of U.S. 20 and west of Swiss Valley Road, as shown on the enclosed map. Swiss Valley Park and the Swiss Valley Nature Preserves are located within the watershed. A draft letter of support is enclosed as well. Planning Services staff has participated on the project planning committee. This committee includes officials of Dubuque County (Board of Supervisors, Health Department, Zoning, Engineering, Conservation Board), local organizations (East Central Intergovernmental Agency, Catfish Creek Coalition, Sierra Club), the Dubuque SWCD Commissioners, and watershed landowners. If funded, the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project will provide a model for watershed management that can be replicated in other areas of the County and in the City of Dubuque. I recommend the City Council provide a letter of support for this project. Enclosures cc Deren Muehring, Civil Engineer Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist Upper Catfish Creek Project Pre-Proposal Dubuque Soil & Water Conservation District Upper Catfish Creek is located in a 9,300-acre watershed consisting of cropland, steep bluffs, sedimentary rock outcrops, and dense forests. The creek meanders through the two significant natural resources within the watershed, Swiss Valley Park and the Swiss Valley Nature Preserves, one of the largest nature preserves in the Midwest. Both areas are managed by the Dubuque County Conservation Board and attract over 150,000 users per year. According to DNR's 2002 305(d) report, that portion of the creek within the park and preserve is classified as a Class B(CW) stream. Portions of the stream further upstream have recorded naturally reproducing trout (one of only 30 streams in Iowa with this capability). Over the past few years, local officials have noted increased flash flooding and one tributary to the steam, which once supported brook trout, has degraded to the point where it no longer can sustain a population. DNR Fisheries has determined that the stream is close to exceeding the maximum temperature considered acceptable for maintaining trout populations. As a result, many local officials are concerned not only with the degrading water quality of stream, but the negative impacts this will have on one of the areas most significant recreational resources. As a result, the Dubuque SWCD secured a DSC Development Grant in 2006 to develop a watershed management plan for this watershed. Dubuque has grown rapidly over the past few decades, and city leaders have worked diligently with developers and others during this period of expansion to encourage compliance with NPDES and other state and local regulations. However, many of these regulations are designed to reduce excess runoff and sedimentation, and are not necessarily designed to address water quality. With the completion of two major four-lane highways adjacent to the watershed, Dubuque will continue to grow, especially within the Upper Catfish Creek watershed since the lower portion of the watershed is already classified for residential and commercial development (see Appendix I). At present, residential areas make up only 10% of the entire watershed, however if developed according to current zoning, the amount of residential areas may increase to 27% of the watershed. A key component of the watershed management plan was an in-depth assessment of all current and future threats to water quality in this watershed. One threat, excessive sediment loading, could be addressed through additional upland treatment and stream corridor practices. However, the other threat involves the urbanization of the watershed, especially in the area immediately adjacent to the stocked portion of the stream within the park and preserve areas. If unchecked, the continued development of residential and commercial areas will undoubtedly increase thermal pollution, while the increased flows will destroy in-stream habitat that trout use for cover, and the food chain they rely upon. Compounding the potential water quality problems even further, many of the areas being developed are beyond the city limits, thus shifting development jurisdiction from the city to the county which currently has different criteria and regulations regarding development, which even further entices developers to build in outlying areas. County leaders admit more has to be done, and one goal is the work with the city to develop one set of criteria regulating development. A second is to develop a mechanism within the city and county that will provide in the field inspections to ensure compliance with agreed-to development plans. Support for and interest in the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed project is outstanding. Members of the Watershed Council include officials of the city of Dubuque (Planning), Dubuque County (Board of Supervisors, Health Dept., Zoning, Engineering, Conservation Board), local organizations (East Central Intergovernmental Agency, Catfish Creek Coalition, SIERRA Club), the Dubuque SWCD Commissioners, and watershed landowners. The landowners in the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed serving on the Watershed Council represent over 40% of the land owned in the watershed. The Stakeholder Survey indicated that landowners strongly agreed that furmers and watershed residents could work together to protect the watershed and that they were concerned about commercial/urban development. PROJECT OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVE 1 - Reduce sediment loadin!! bv 30%. and nrotect the coldwater characteristics of the stream bv reducin!! thermal imnacts due to the anticinated urban develonment within the watershed The District, in cooperation with the Watershed Council and the University of Dubuque students, have completed a GIS- based land cover assessment and stream corridor assessment (SV AP) along the entire length ofthe stream. Combining these results with those of our stakeholder survey and input from our Watershed Council indicates the need to implement the following nractices in identified critical rural areas: terraces, strip cropping, buffer strips, grade stabilization structures, grassed waterways, water sediment control basins, diversions or buffers around our many sinkholes. Along the riparian areas, we hope to offer filter strips, livestock exclusion fencing, pasture management, streambank stabilization and in- stream habitat practices. In areas being developed, we hope to offer grade stabilization structures, native landscaping, permeable paving, infiltration trenches or' basins, rain gardens, and septic system controls. In order to maintain and increase the value of our existing timbered areas within identified critical areas, both rural and urban, we intend to promote Forest Stewardship Planning. High value timber increases land cost, making the area less likely to be developed. OBJECTIVE 2 - Facilitate an inter-iurisdictional assessment and plannin!! effort to develop a shared vision for citv and county leadership that enables local decision-makers to more effectivelv address future zonin!! and urban development issues Local government and officials have identified a need to come together and reach common ground on what uniform criteria should be utilized when undertaking land use decisions. Local decision-makers, with the assistance of DNR and NRCS, will develop a comprehensive GIS database for the Upper Catfish Creek that will be used by City and County officials as a model. Beyond water quality, the database will include data on social, engineering, cultural aspects as well. Once completed, such a database will be replicated on a watershed basis throughout the county. OBJECTIVE 3 - Develop an intensive information and education pro!!ram desi!!ned to address water aualitv issues resultin!! from urban development for watershed stakeholders and community leaders When the Watershed Council formed and listed their top concerns, education came in as the number one solution to natural resource protection. The Watershed Council intends to develop a three-pronged I & E campaign that I) educates local officials regarding natural resources protection and ways to reduce sediment loading, 2) educates landowners on BMPs that could be implemented, and 3) educates technical providers (i.e. engineers, developers, landscapers) about the most recent BMP measures available. Education measures would involve credentialed workshops, public meetings, and field site demonstrations. BUDGET 319IWSPF Fundina Other Fundinn T alai Cost Coordinator Salarv, Benefits, Indrect Costs $213,175 $213,175 BMP's' $157,035 $102,065 $259,100 Infonnation/Education Proorams $12,000 $12,000 Urban BMP Demonstration Sites" $35,250 $11,750 $47,000 Tolal $417,460 $113,815 $531,275 'We will seek to leverage cost-share dollars, when available, and combine with 319IWSPF dollars to reach a 75% rate. "Local sponsors are considering applying for WIRB funding for this line item. SCHEDULE Year 1 · Hire Coordinator & mobilize Watershed Council to evaluate current criteria used in city and county areas. . Work with DNR and NRCS to develop land characteristic layers to be put into a central GIS database. . Develop three-year educational and marketing campaign. . Identify/Evaluate proposed structure and model sites, and complete survey and designs . Hold a public meeting to explain residentiaVagricultural cost-share opportunities. Year 2 . Work with County GIS staff to integrate GIS software and information in the county database. . Implement informationaVeducational activities. . Install BMPs. . Develop a residential model development site. Year 3 . Seek to pass uniform laws and criteria in county areas. . Determine how watershed GIS model could be used on a county level. . Implement informationaVeducational activities. . Draft an example GIS layered document of the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed. . Conduct development site follow-up visits. Upper Catfish Creek Watershed ~ Legend - RIVERS31 - DESIGNATED_RIVERS - Dubuque Co - Roads o Dubuque Co - Section Lines Catfish Image: Dubuque Co - 2002 Orthophotos 2,400 o o 2400 4 800 7.200 9.600 .Feet N A Office of the Mayor and City Council City Hall 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864 DUB~E ~cI4-~ March 6, 2006 Sandi Helgerson Dubuque Soil & Water Conservation District 210 Bierman Road Epworth, IA 52045 SUBJECT: Support for Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project Dear Ms. Helgerson: The City of Dubuque has experienced significant growth since 1990, and the City Council has consistently made planned and managed growth a high priority since then. The City's 1995 Comprehensive Plan, updated in 2000, has included policy statements, goals and objectives that support the objectives of the Upper Catfish Creek watershed Project as described below. The City of Dubuque's policy is that Land Use and Urban Design goals must address interrelated factors affecting the physical development of a city, including the satisfaction of human needs, the vitality of the local economy, the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment and the efficiency of public infrastructure and service provision. Relevant Land Use and Urban Design goals and objectives include: . To balance open space and environmental preservation with the community's development needs. . Protect and enhance riverfront and related wetlands, waterway corridors and other sensitive land areas. . To plan for the city's future and orderly development within a regional context. . Minimize the negative impact of urban fringe development on regional watersheds, ecosystems and rural infrastructure. The City of Dubuque's policy is that Environmental Quality goals must address the balance between responsible stewardship and protection of our environment and the impacts of urban living. Relevant Environmental Quality goals and objectives include: Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project Page . To create a sustainable environment that successfully balances urban growth and development with ecological constraints. . To protect and preserve existing water supplies and ensure that future water is safeguarded. . Identify and develop potential controlling measures to safeguard water quality. . Ensure all new development meets the applicable standards for water quality controls. . Assure ground water protection and adequate water quality of our streams and rivers. . To assure appropriate control, collection and disposal of stormwater. . Provide a sanitary environment through the implementation of best management practices in the collection and disposal of stormwater. The City of Dubuque is prepared at this time to offer in-kind support services to the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project from the City's Planning Services Department, Engineering Services department, and Health Services Department, and from the City's Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission. The duties of the Environmental Stewardship Advisory Commission include: . To advise and inform the City Council on environmental stewardship issues, including the implementation of and compliance with, legislation, regulations and policies. . To hold public forums on specific issues at the direction of the City Council. . To provide, upon request, to other boards, commissions and City departments information for environmental educational programs, educational materials, and environmental volunteer opportunities. The City of Dubuque's in-kind support services will include: . Facilitating/Hosting Educational Workshops, . Soliciting Volunteers for Habitat Improvements, and . Continuing to participate on the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Council. As the grant project proceeds, we are also committed to developing a plan that will designate what is needed to continue these efforts after grant funding is discontinued. Please accept this letter as evidence of the City of Dubuque's support for the Upper Catfish Creek Watershed Project. Sincerely, Roy D. Buol Mayor