Summer 2004 - Green Ash Planting
Riparian restoration is
occurring in several Grand Forks areas of the Greenway. Riparian
restoration can best be defined as using native plants to preserve and
stabilize riverbanks as well as provide a semi-natural state that will be
also be used for Flood Protection.
Project Benefits
Restoration projects like these provide many
benefits, including:
·
Bank Stabilization. Roots
prevent erosion and the undercutting of the riverbanks.
·
Wildlife Habitat. Trees and
tall grasses provide habitat to birds and many varieties of small mammals.
· Filter pollution from runoff
into the Red River. Decaying leaves and low growing vegetation slow runoff,
which increase absorption of toxic chemicals.
· Reduce maintenance costs.
Over time the natural area will require little to no maintenance therefore
reducing maintenance costs.
Native Species Provide Stability
Native plants are
tolerant of local drought and extreme temperatures, and are naturally
resistant to pests and diseases. The 2004 plantings consist of a variety of
species native to our area including willow, cottonwood, false indigo, green
ash, and dogwood.
The Restoration Begins
Plantings began the summer of 2004 in
several areas along the banks of the Red River in the Grand Forks Greenway.
Approximately 20 acres have been restored to date.
Although restoration areas are a part of the
Greenway and open to the public, visitors are advised that the plantings are fragile for the first
years of growth. Please use caution when near these areas.
Partners
Funding for this project has been provided
by these generous partners:
· City of Grand Forks
· Red River Regional Council/Red
River Basin Riparian Project
· North Dakota Forest Service
· Red River Water Management
Consortium/Energy & Environmental Research Center
· North Dakota Game & Fish
Department
