adaptive management in the urban environment

Adaptive Management in the Urban Environment

Maintenance of Portland’s Green StreetsCity of Portland, OregonBureau of Environmental Services

Denis O’BrienNatural Resource Ecologist

Watershed Revegetation Program

Natural Area Restoration and Management Urban Tree Canopy Project (Grey-2-Green) Stormwater Management Facilities


Stormwater Management Facilities Parcel-Based Facilities

Right-of-Way-Based Facilities (Green Streets)


Parcel-Based Facilities Ponds, wetlands and swales with very large

catchment areas. Adjacent to natural areas or on the suburban

fringe. Managed as natural systems – allowing nature to

do the work. Typically requires pipe infrastructure to deliver

stormwater.


Green Street Facilities Swales, planters and curb extensions built in the

public right-of-way. Located in urban core and suburban

neighborhoods. Smaller catchment areas close to source of

pollution. Sediment removal, groundwater recharge,

stormwater detention. Adapting natural process to confined spaces.

Adaptive Management

“An inductive approach that relies on comparative studies that blend ecological theories with observation and with the design of planned interventions in nature, and with the understanding of human responseprocesses.” (Gunderson,Holling, and Light, 1995, pg 491 in Barriers and Bridges.)

Adaptive Management

Specific field observations inform on-going management practices.

Allows for flexibility in scheduling costly maintenance work.

Provides feedback loop for improved engineering and design.

Implementation

Implementation

Levels of Service (adapted from Seattle Public Utilities)

Defined by funding limitations and volume of work. Goal is Level ‘B’

Facility is functional year-round. More than 75% of the vegetation is desirable and

healthy. Facility is not allowed to degrade to Level ‘C’

Implementation

Performance Criteria Inlets open Weed coverage tolerable Leaf litter and debris not compromising function Healthy Plants Excess sediment removed

Implementation

Inlets Open

Implementation

Weed coverage tolerable

Implementation

Leaf litter and debris not compromising facility function

Implementation

Plants healthy

Implementation

Excess sediment removed

Implementation

City Staff 3 Full-time staff

One staff devoted to project management, planting design, and plan review.

Two staff devoted to field operations and contract management. Site assessment, prescribing maintenance treatments,

inspecting contractor work.

Rely on other Bureau groups for construction inspection and community outreach.

Implementation

Contractors Private landscape and

reforestation companies under Annual Supply contracts.

Hourly labor Lump sum Contract length is

typically 3-5 yrs.

Implementation

Contractors Specially trained by WRP staff to work in Green

Streets Knowledge of the plant palette. Work in small area without damaging plants. Correct techniques for removal of weeds, leaf litter and

sediment. New contract allows for contractor management of

large projects with limited City oversight. Contractor is accountable for deficiencies.

Implementation

Scheduling of Treatments Treatments by Seasons

Spring Planting (March-May) Weeding (March-Sept.) Irrigation (June-Sept., as needed) Fall Planting (Oct.-Nov.) Leaf Litter Removal (Nov.-Dec.) Sediment Removal (Nov.-March) Post-Storm Event Monitoring (Nov.-March)

Implementation

Scheduling of Treatments Forecast one year in advance

Work within established budgets Prioritize work based on site assessments

Insure Level ‘B’ Service year-round Quarterly budget analysis Quarterly site monitoring and assessments

Implementation

Implementation

Scheduling of Treatments Adaptation

React to budget limits or surplus Opportunity to revise treatment schedules

Cost Efficiency Batching work by location Reducing site visits

Implementation

Costs 2-year Establishment Period

+/- $3.00 per SF facility area Does not include initial planting

After 2 years… +/- $1.55 per SF facility area No irrigation after 2 years

Implementation

Green Street Stewards Volunteer program for interested citizens to support Green

Street maintenance work. Low-intensity, high-value work

Trash removal Light weeding Supplemental summer irrigation Clearing inlets

Helps to achieve higher Level of Service More information at:

http://www.portlandonline.com/bes/index.cfm?c=52501

Lessons Learned

Design Considerations Structural and

Hardscape Features Inlet design Forebays and splash pads Check dams and weirs

Living Landscape Imported soil specifications Mulch Plants

Lessons Learned

Design Considerations Monitoring of plant material informs future design

needs Drought-tolerant, low-stature plants Plants that can adapt to seasonal conditions Plant spacing and layout

Lessons Learned

Communication Internal – staff from multiple Bureaus

Construction Operations and Maintenance Transportation Public Outreach

External – public and adjacent property owners Doorhangers One-on-one conversations on site

“Change is the Only Constant”Heraclitus, Greek philosopher, 535 BC - 475 BC

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:WillametteRvrPano_edit.jpg

adaptive management in the urban environment

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