Slippery Rock Vernal Pool Mitigation

Santa Rosa , CA

Rivendale Homes
Summer 2006

Hanford ARC contracted to build this vernal pool project between Fulton and Occidental Roads just West of the City of Santa Rosa.  This project was designed by Larry Stromberg as wetland mitigation site for the home builder, Rivendale Homes. The project addressed impacts to both vernal pool species and the federally listed California tiger salamander.

This project established 41 vernal pools and swales. Utilizing its GPS system with survey level accuracy, Hanford ARC imported the CAD plans and performed project layout based on eight control points across the 31 acre site. This allowed us to maintain a high level of accuracy, less than 0.1’, and the ability to achieve optimal pool depth and swale elevation efficiently.

A notable aspect of this project was that it is adjacent to the Wright Preservation Bank, a preserve established to protect the federally listed California tiger salamander. This project was designed to increase habitat for this species. Hanford ARC’s field team is well trained to spot sensitive species, and took additional steps to protect and enhance the habitat. The work area was surrounded by a salamander exclusion fence, and construction was performed during the salamander’s estivation period.

Topsoil was salvaged and replaced to create a seed bank for stabilization, and following earthwork operations, the site was hydromulched.