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Ames Creek restoration: silage tarps to be laid this fall, planting to follow next year
Summary
Staff reported the city has received silage tarps and plans to lay them over cleared areas in late September or early October; tarps will stay in place about a year and follow-up blackberry spraying and then replanting are planned.
City parks staff told the Park Entry Committee on Aug. 20 that Ames Creek restoration remains in a holding pattern while the city prepares to solarize invasive vegetation and plan replanting. "We ordered the silage tarps, which we have received, and they're at Public Works," a staff member said, and crews expect to mow once more and then lay the tarps across the cleared areas by late September or early October.
Staff said the tarps will remain in place for about one year to suppress reed canary grass and blackberries. They also said they have already sprayed in some areas and expect a second fall spraying to reduce briars before planting. The committee discussed using trimmed brush and logs to help secure the thin tarp sheets, and staff noted rocks or stakes would also be used.
Staff said the project partners include the South Santiam Watershed Council, which will advise on planting plans and maintenance when the city is ready to replant. Committee members asked about volunteer opportunities for planting; staff said the watershed council and partner organizations would likely coordinate community planting and long-term maintenance and that the restoration will be a multiyear effort.
No formal vote was taken; staff characterized the coming months as preparation and monitoring while the tarps remain in place.
