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Clive council approves $1.795 million contract to remove woody vegetation along Little Walnut Creek; mitigation‑bank credits could offset costs
Summary
Council approved a $1,795,497.25 contract with HDS LLC to remove large woody vegetation on about 84 acres for creek stabilization and future trail work; staff rephased work to avoid unapproved mitigation bank areas and promised public outreach and a Jan. 21 community meeting.
The Clive City Council voted 5–0 on Jan. 8 to award a $1,795,497.25 contract to HDS LLC to begin large woody vegetation removal on roughly 84 acres of the Little Walnut Creek corridor as the next phase of creek stabilization and future trail construction.
Staff described the work as removal of trees and dense understory (e.g., honeysuckle) in order to stabilize the creek and prepare for later eco‑restoration and trail installation. Because a mitigation bank that could generate environmental‑credit revenue for the city has not yet been approved, staff recommended starting in the non‑bank areas now and switching phases if the bank is approved; the mitigation bank could ultimately yield phased credits staff estimated in the $3.6–$3.7 million range over time.
Richard, the project presenter, said the contract will allow the city to start work immediately in areas outside the banking footprint while staff seeks bank approval; the bank approval timeline was described as probably in May. He acknowledged the work would involve removing many trees that are invasive or low quality (Siberian elm, tree‑of‑heaven, mulberry, some ash) and outlined a communications plan: postcards to adjacent residents, a project website with a GIS map to let homeowners see which trees are proposed for removal and a public meeting scheduled for Jan. 21.
Council members asked about tree marking, use of removed material for stream stabilization, and maintenance obligations tied to mitigation‑bank credits. Staff said the contractor will cut and stage logs to be used in stream restoration where appropriate and that the city will preserve and protect trees deemed important. The council approved the contract following standard bidding and resolution votes.
A public hearing on the Little Walnut Creek item was opened and closed at the meeting with no comment; staff emphasized ongoing public outreach and a forthcoming public meeting to answer neighborhood questions.
