ENCINO, Calif.--The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District will resume limited vegetation management operations in the 48-acre area south of Burbank Boulevard at Sepulveda Dam Flood Control Basin Feb. 19.
Corps work crews temporarily halted operations in late December 2012 on the three-phase, five year vegetation management project that will convert the area to a more valuable and sustainable habitat that will improve flood risk management operations and enhance public safety.
The interim work will include chipping felled trees and limbs and spreading the mulch in the upland area. A backhoe and an excavator will be used to minimize further impacts to disturbed areas. The length and scope of work will be dependent on the onset of the nesting season, which is estimated to begin by mid-March. A Corps biologist will conduct preconstruction surveys and modify the work plan, as needed.
Additionally, erosion control measures will be implemented on the banks of Haskell Creek where vegetation was removed. Crews will install jute netting and straw wattles along both banks of the creek near the confluence with the Los Angeles River.
Media is invited to observe the activities Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Interested media should contact Jay Field at 213-479-4368 and plan to meet on site at the southwest corner of Burbank Boulevard and the Interstate 405, located at 15758 Burbank Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 91406.
The vegetation management project calls for the removal of dead and non-native trees and non-native vegetation, selective treatment to prevent their re-emergence, and the planting of native vegetation ideally suited for operations and maintenance of flood risk management infrastructure.
The plan is compatible with America's Great Outdoors Initiative and complements revitalization efforts along the Los Angeles River, balancing the objectives of flood risk management, habitat restoration, passive recreation and public safety.
Release no. 13-004