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F:\\SC81\\SC81-17 LUS\\Riparian Setbacks Piece\\10 tips for creeks-041408. doc Page 1 February 2008 The scenic creeks that meander through the Santa Clara Valley can be harmed by development - unless we take precautions. If loose soil is allowed to wash into creeks, it can result in sedimentation that harms migratory fish. Development in or near "riparian corridors" can result in excessive erosion, increased pollution, and loss of wildlife habitat. (A "riparian corridor" is the strip of land, centered on a stream, characterized by vegetation that grows adjacent to freshwater watercourses.) The local municipality may require permanent stormwater treatment measures to reduce impacts. Following these "top ten" tips will help protect local creeks for our own enjoyment, native fish and wildlife, and future generations. In the Site Layout? 1. Maintain setbacks. Keep buildings, decks and other structures and impervious surfaces at least 100 feet away from the edge of riparian corridors (clustering development away from streams minimizes impact on stream habitat areas.) 2. Preserve native trees and protect the riparian habitat through creative site plan design (the urban forest provides shade, improved air quality, site aesthetics, and reduces noise). 3. Avoid intrusive activities. Balance the need to protect riparian habitat from intrusive activities with creek-friendly recreation. (Although human activities can adversely impact habitat areas, spending time along creeks can enhance residents' appreciation of the natural environment). In the Project Design? 4. Avoid night lighting, bright colors, reflective surfaces and noise near the riparian corridor (riparian and wildlife habitat protection.) Do: Creek Don't: Top Ten Development Tips to Protect Creeks Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program ---PAGE BREAK--- F:\\SC81\\SC81-17 LUS\\Riparian Setbacks Piece\\10 tips for creeks-041408. doc Page 2 February 2008 In the Project Design? 5. Control pollutant sources on the site (cover debris and material storage, specify roofed trash enclosures, and implement an effective trash removal program.) In Landscaping? 6. Use suitable California native plants and avoid the use of invasive species (for example, English Ivy suffocates other plants and trees, and attracts snails and pests). 7. Use Integrated Pest Management techniques in design and maintenance (sustainable landscaping practices promote healthy soils, conserve water, and help avoid the use of harmful pesticides and quick-release fertilizers). 8. Preserve, maintain, and restore native vegetation within the riparian setback area to buffer the creek from development (protects habitat and reduces erosion, sedimentation, and excessive runoff during storms). During Environmental Review? 9. Determine and mitigate all impacts of the project on the creek (site design, impervious surfaces, activity areas, site grading, filling in floodplain areas, pollution, and landscaping all affect habitat). 10. Understand that every section of a stream contributes to the water quality and habitat value of the entire stream (even channelized sections can serve to connect better habitat areas). Do: Don't: To protect and enhance the watershed, creating a sustainable future for the community and the environment?