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Mar 18 2011 mitigation plans.pdfI>andscape .l rchiteture .V K U: c. FOR TREE CUTTING ACTIVITY AT 7316 164 th Street SW Prepared by Burrus Design Group March 18, 2011 RECEIVED MUMM M3 11 DEVELOPMENT SERVICES COUNTER Subject site is an engineered slope constructed in 2000. Site currently is covered with rip rap type stone with native plants erupting through the stone periodically. The owners of the property at 7316 164"' Street SW cut down twenty (20) existing trees as part of their maintenance of the site. This activity was reported to the City of Edmonds and it was established that permits were required for this work that had not been obtained. As a result of this the City has required a replanting plan and mitigation plan be created. The goal of these documents is to establish criteria whereby the vegetation that was cut down is removed, trees cut down are replaced and methods proposed to keep this slope and the wildlife habitat on and around it maintained. Included in the report are a Tree Replacement Plan prepared by Burrus Design Group which specifies the type of trees to be installed and their size and locations. The Mitigation Plan addresses the various factors used to determine how best to plant and maintain the slope including timing, special considerations for planting, a schedule for maintenance of vegetation on the slope and a monitoring program. Impacts: 1. Trees cut were left in place on the slope. This additional weight is a potential problem for the stability of the slope. 2. Wildlife habitat has been minimally effected by the removal of these twenty trees. 6431. NE 153rd St. 425.7.50, 581.3 Kenmore, WA 9802€1 burr usdesignCa7frontier. com Clay/Kerr Mitigation Plan March 18, 2011 Page 2 3. Erosion possibilities are minimal where trees were removed since it has exposed no bare earth. Mitigating Actions: 1. Removal of Felled Trees: Remove branches from felled trees. Branches under 2" diameter may be left on the slope to decompose. Branches shall be removed from the site if they are too numerous. Geotechnical Engineer shall make this determination at time of removal. Because the upper part of the slope is the most highly stabilized, felled tree trunks and large branches shall be removed via the drive above the slope. If the material were to be removed downslope as suggested by the City there is a stronger possibility of compromising the slope, especially the toe of the slope where it is in a native state. If materials were taken off site in this direction gouges could be made to the slope that would concentrate water flow in the future and thus encourage erosion. Repair of such soil disruption would further impact existing native vegetation. The upper slope area is largely covered in Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus discolor) so would not be negatively impacted from this activity. Removal of tree trunks using a choker set up at the end of the drive has been approved by Robinson Noble, the Geotechnical Engineers who designed the slope. However, the City of Edmonds engineering department would prefer another method of removal. Because the slope is covered with Blackberries as noted above, it is my opinion that removing the tree trunks using the choker method would benefit the site by knocking back some of the blackberries. Therefore, it is proposed that the tree trunks be cut into lengths no longer than 10', attached to the choker and dragged up hill. The route used to move the tree trunks off the hill shall be established at the pre -construction meeting. It is my opinion that carrying the debris off the slope by manpower would endanger both those doing the work (steep slope and large rock provide ample opportunity for injury) and the existing vegetation. The latter damage would occur if pieces of trunk were dropped in transport and went crashing through existing underbrush. Further intrusion into the vegetation would be needed to remove those pieces that had been dropped. Clay/Kerr Mitigation Plan March 18, 2011 Page 3 Areas that have been disturbed by removal activities shall be seeded with a native grass seed mix and covered with clean straw as mulch. 2. Tree Selection for Revegetation: Slope shall be replanted at a ratio of 2:1 for trees felled. This is a total of 40 proposed trees. Trees cut down were Alder and Big Leaf Maple. These are both short lived trees with negative impact on steep slopes. Alders tend to grow vertically for many years but with time start to lean away from the slope. Eventually they topple over, undermining that portion of the slope where their rootball was. Big Leaf Maples on the other hand grow to maturity but in senescence lose large branches or whole trunks. The impact of either of these situations would have dire consequences to this slope. Robinson Noble has noted that cutting the trees down was a benefit to the slope rather than having them blow over in a wind storm as is their nature. Trees proposed for revegetation are native to the vicinity, have wildlife habitat value, need minimal maintenance (human intrusion and safety factors) and will help to stabilize the slope. Vine Maples (Acer circinatum) and Western Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) are the trees of choice for this site. They are small, multi -stemmed trees. Their shrubby growth habit diversifies the predominant habitat provided by Alders and Himalayan Blackberries present on the site. Habitat on surrounding slopes is mainly composed of mature forests of Alder, Big Leaf Maple and Western Red Cedar. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS: 1. An as -constructed plan showing location of newly planted trees shall be prepared following planting and sent to the Owners, City of Edmonds and monitoring company. 2. Success of this planting shall be met if 85% of the trees installed survive. Survival shall be defined as active growth taking place on a minimum of 60% of the tree. 3. If any tree fails to meet this requirement in any of the monitoring years it shall be replaced the following October at the size originally specified. Clay/Kerr Mitigation Plan March 18, 2011 Page 4 CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS: 1. A preconstruction meeting shall be held on site with the following persons present: City of Edmonds, Landscape Architect, Owners or their representative and persons who will be performing the removal, mulching and planting work. Location and Planting of Replacement Trees: a mix of Vine Maples and Western Hazelnuts, 40 total, 4-5' ht with a minimum of 2 stems shall be installed in any areas on site where there is exposed ground. Areas covered with stone shall not be disturbed in order to plant. First preference shall be to plant on those areas that have the least slope to promote successful establishment of new trees. In areas where degree of slope would expose the rootball, branches from the felled trees shall be used to create a dam on the downhill side of the planting area. (See attached Tree Replacement Plan and Slope Planting Detail) Vegetation within 4' of newly planted trees shall be cut to the ground. Mulch newly planted trees with 3" of clean straw in 4' radius circle from trunk. Keep straw 6" away from trunk. Tie a 12" length of biodegradable material such as sisal, hemp or other spray painted orange loosely around a branch of each tree at approximately waist height. 2. Timing for mitigation work: Removal of felled trees and branches shall occur in mid to late Spring. This will allow native vegetation that was disturbed by the process to re-establish in the growing season. Installation of trees for revegetation shall occur in October. Exact time of installation shall be determined by onset of seasonal rains. Install trees after first good rain of the season so ground is moist but not saturated. Following the proposed schedule will maximize success of both recovery of any existing plants impacted by the work and establishment of new trees. Estimated duration for removal work is 7 days with 3 men. Estimated time of installation as described above is 2 days with 3 men. 3. No grading is proposed for this site. Any bare ground shall be mulched with clean straw 3" deep. Clay/Kerr Mitigation Plan March 18, 2011 Page 5 4. Maintenance of Site: New saplings and sprouts off existing stumps shall be cut to within 3" of the ground before they reach 3" in diameter. These trimmings may be left on site to decompose. Vegetation within 4' of newly installed trees shall be cut to the ground each year in early summer for the first 3 growing seasons. Monitoring report in the third year shall advise if this activity needs to continue and for how long. MONITORING PROGRAM: 1. A monitoring program shall begin upon completion of installation of new trees. Because there are only forty trees being installed all trees shall be evaluated at each monitoring session. Trees shall be numbered on prepared as -constructed drawing. This numbering shall be used throughout the monitoring period. 2. Reports shall include an evaluation of each tree including approximate height and percent of active growth. Photos shall be taken of ten representative trees and shall be included in each report. Photos shall include the most and least healthy trees evaluated. Schedule: Monitoring shall last for three years. First monitoring report will be prepared one month after installation Thereafter reports shall be generated at the beginning and end of the first and second growing seasons and at the end of the third growing season. 4. Copies of all reports shall be provided to City and to Owners. 5. Monitoring reports shall be prepared by the same person each year. That person shall demonstrate a thorough understanding of the goals and objectives of this monitoring plan. 6. In the event of catastrophic failure of mitigation plantings (death of more than 50% of trees) monitoring period will restart at installation of replacement trees. CONTINGENCY PLAN: 1. In the event that success standards for mitigation plantings are not met corrective measure will be taken. They shall include substitution of tree type, changes to installation techniques, maintenance measures or other actions as are warranted. 2. Landscape Architect shall determine corrective measures to be taken. Clay/Kerr Mitigation Plan March 18, 2011 Page 6 3. In the event that success standards for mitigation plantings are not met corrective measure will be taken. They shall include substitution of another type of tree, changes to installation techniques, maintenance measures or other actions as are warranted. FINANCIAL GUARANTEES: 1. In the event bonds are needed for this project, the following is a breakdown of costs for implementation of the mitigation plan: Removal of branches from felled trees using chainsaw $350.00 Removal of cleaned trunks from site 2,500.00 Installation of straw mulch in disturbed areas 200.00 Clearing of brush for installation of replacement trees 400.00 Installation of 40 replacement trees 29400.00 Monitoring for three years (six reports) 2,400.00 Total price: $8,250.00 Prices include labor, materials and equipment 77- :z (00 • 00 0 Olt; oli 00 1:0 t CO. 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LD -1 OF 1 W LLJ CL U O W (f) O N I— O Z � Ow 0 ry 3 z_ m �V) W `° z O Q O --J \ t� W n Q I W U W ry DATE 3/18/11 SCALE: NTS SH T. LD -1 OF 1 BURRUS DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architeture REPORT. EROSION HAZARD . 7316 164"' Street SW Prepared by Burrus Design Group March 18, 2011 Contact Information: Proposed Action for Site: f� ti a � r n ��� � }q rliIk g+Jx„�m�Yew«��" ticnr, Warrtumti�;: MAR 12,011 9,XV 1,OPW'pal"i" Diana Clay, Clay Enterprises 425-776-1234 Request is made for a permit to install 40 4-5' ht multi -stemmed native trees to mitigate for the cutting down of 20 alders on this site. The stumps and roots of the alders remain in place. Trunks and large branches resultant from the felling operation are to be removed from the site per Mitigation Plan attached. Subject Property: Site includes a flat area on the east side with a residence and paved driveway. To the west of this lies a steep slope (40% or greater) falling away from the home and drive. This site lies within the North Edmonds Earth Subsidence and Landslide Hazard Area as defined by the City of Edmonds. Slope has been stabilized since 1999 when it was modified according to a plan by Robinson Noble Geotechnical Engineers. Slope continues to be successful. Critical Areas on and around Site: In addition to the steep slopes noted above this site located is located in a mapped fish and wildlife habitat conservation area. There is evidence of year round seeps but no stream was observed. Impact of Proposal on Site: There is no increased erosion hazard on this site caused by the felling of the trees, the removal of the resultant debris (see Mitigation Plan for techniques of removal and protection procedures), or the installation of the trees proposed as mitigation for those felled. 6431 NE 153rd St. 425-750,5813 1ac:mnore, WA 98028 btirrtisdesign((�fi�ontier.coi-x Clay/Kerr Critical Areas Report Erosion Hazards March 18, 2011 Page 2 Because the trees were simply felled and their stumps and roots remain in place no soil was exposed by this action. Additionally, no increase in erosion due to raindrop impact is likely because the slope is heavily armored with rip rap along its entire face. Water will not be affected by any proposed operations since there will not be exposed soil. Dewatering of the site will continue through existing pipes across the engineered slope. Trees are to be installed in areas that have as little slope as possible with the downhill side of the planting areas reinforced with tree branches from felling operation. All installed plant material shall be mulched with 3" of clean straw covering any soil exposed by planting operation. Proposed trees shall eventually replace canopy lost due to felling operation. These new trees are of smaller stature than those removed and will diversify habitat by adding another layer of vegetation and establishing a canopy of leaves that offer not only protection to wildlife but reduction to raindrop velocity prior to their hitting the slope. Sequencing: As spelled out in the Mitigation Report attached, debris removal work is proposed to occur in late spring or early summer to allow for any vegetation damaged by the removal process to recover during the growing season. Installation of the proposed trees shall be done in mid to late October, after the seasonal rains begin. This will allow the trees to get established with the minimum amount of stress and demand on their roots as would be present during active growth. Report was written and research done by Ruth Burrus of Burrus Design Group, Registered Landscape Architect. Landscape Architeture REPORT LANDSLIDE HAZARD. 6' 1h StreetSW Prepared by Burrus Design Group March 18, 2011 Contact Information: Proposed Action for Site: Diana Clay, Clay Enterprises 425-776-1234 Request is made for a permit to install 40 4-5' ht multi -stemmed native trees to mitigate for the cutting down of 20 alders on this site. The stumps and roots of the alders remain in place. Trunks and large branches resultant from the felling operation are to be removed from the site per Mitigation Plan attached. Subject Property: Site includes a flat area on the east side with a residence and paved driveway. To the west of this lies a steep slope (40% or greater) falling away from the home and drive. This site lies within the North Edmonds Earth Subsidence and Landslide Hazard Area as defined by the City of Edmonds. Slope has been stabilized since 1999 when it was modified according to a plan by Robinson Noble Geotechnical Engineers. Slope continues to be successful. Critical Areas on and around Site: In addition to the steep slopes noted above this site located is located in a mapped fish and wildlife habitat conservation area. There is evidence of year round seeps but no stream was observed. Impact of Proposal on Site: There is no increased landslide hazard on this site caused by the felling of the trees, the removal of the resultant debris (see Mitigation Plan for techniques of removal and protection procedures), or the installation of the trees proposed as mitigation for those felled. 6431 NE, 1 ,53rd St, 425,750,5813 Keninore, WF'a 98028 burrs.isde!;ignC(�)ft-ontier.c(.)rii Clay/Kerr Critical Areas Report Landslide Hazards March 18, 2011 Page 2 Because the trees were simply felled and their stumps and roots remain in place no soil was exposed by this action. No increase in landslide hazard due to raindrop impact is likely because the slope is heavily armored with rip rap along its entire face. This is a slope that has been stable for over ten years (see letter from Geotechnical Engineers Robinson Noble dated March 21, 2011). Debris removal shall be done by hand and at the top of the slope where it is most secure. No work is proposed at the toe of the slope where it is weakest. Because all work will occur in areas that are heavily armored no changes will be made to the existing water flow patterns. This slope is dewatered by many pipes lying beneath it. These pipes will not be impacted by this work. Water quality in the area will not be affected by any proposed operations since there will not be exposed soil. Trees shall be installed in areas with as little slope as possible and shall have the downhill side of the planting areas reinforced with tree branches from felling operation. All installed plant material shall be mulched with 3" of clean straw covering any soil exposed by planting operation. Proposed trees shall be of smaller stature than the alders that were removed. The natural life cycle of an alder (Alnus rubra) is to grow vertically to a height of 40-60' and then begin to lean over the slope. Eventually the weight of the tree pulls the rootball out of the slope, thus exposing it to danger of erosion and landslide. The proposed trees do not follow that pattern. They are small trees (Vine Maple/Acer circinatum and Western Hazelnut/Corylus cornuta) that regenerate by means of sprouting new trunks from the base rather than growing taller. Their eventual height is between 20 and 30'. Their roots will provide shallow stabilization of the slope. Sequencing: As spelled out in the Mitigation Report attached, debris removal work is proposed to occur in late spring or early summer to allow for any vegetation damaged by the removal process to recover during the growing season. Installation of the proposed trees shall be done in mid to late October, after the seasonal rains begin. This will allow the trees to get established with the minimum amount of stress and demand on their roots as would be present during active growth. Report was written and research done by Ruth Burrus of Burrus Design Group, Registered Landscape Architect. See attached field notes and photos. BURRUS DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architeture March 18, 2011 Ms. Diana Clay Clay Enterprises 2002 196"' Street SW Lynnwood, WA 98036 Re: Supplemental Information in Response to Review Comments Edmonds, WA File # 2592-OOIA Dear Ms. Clay, RECEIVED SERViCES ��t11i��G"1"l lI I am hereby providing additional information as requested by comments in a letter from the City of Edmonds dated December 21, 2010. This is in addition to the letter you have received from Robinson Noble dated March 1, 2011 providing additional information about these topics. Clarification is provided for the following sections of ECDC 24.40.240C as follows: Code reads: C. Minimum Performance Standards for Restoration 1. For alterations to frequently flooded areas, wetlands and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, the following minimum performance standards shall be met for the restoration of a critical area; provided, that if the violator can demonstrate that greater functional and habitat values can be obtained, these standards may be modified: a. The historic structural and functional values shall be restored, including water quality and habitat functions; b. The historic soil types and configuration shall be replicated; c. The critical area and buffers shall be replanted with native vegetation that replicates the vegetation historically found on the site in species types, sizes and densities. The historic functions and values should be replicated at the location of the alteration; and d. Information demonstrating compliance with the requirements in ECDC 23.40.130, Mitigation plan requirements, shall be submitted to the city planning division. 6431 NE 153rd fit. 425,750 5 31.3 KCDIDOre, WA 98028 t»arrLisdesibiiC�)? i-oiitle r,coi.yi Supplemental Information Letter March 18, 2011 Page 2 Responses: 1. a. and c. Existing trees on site are predominantly Red Alder (Alnus rubra). These trees have a relatively short lifespan. They tend to grow vertically for several years and then start to lean and finally fall over. This disrupts the rootball and can compromise the slope. Big Leaf Maples (Acer macrophyllum) are also in the area. Their growth habit is as multi -trunked trees with a lifespan of approximately 40 years. During their decline (senescence) they break apart and large portions of the tree can break off and fall onto the slope. Depending on the size of the segment that falls and the manner in which it lands, this activity can be detrimental to the slope. The trees specified for replacement are native to the area but do not follow either of the above outlined growth patterns. Vine Maples (Acer circinatum) and Western Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta) remain small in stature and are multi -stemmed. This means that none of the trunks gets large enough to cause damage should it break off or die. Because they stay small they will not need any human intrusion onto the site to maintain them. Additionally they provide a more diversified habitat for small birds and herbivores. Water quality will not be affected since no grading will be taking place, no bare soil was exposed by the felling of the trees and proposed plantings shall be mulched with 3" of clean straw. c. See letter from Robinson Noble d. See Mitigation Plan by Burrus Design Group dated March 18, 2011 Code reads: 2. For alterations to flood and geological hazards, the following minimum performance standards shall be met for the restoration of a critical area' provided that if the violator can demonstrate that greater safety can be obtained, these standards may be modified: a. The hazard shall be reduced to a level equal to or less than the predevelopment hazard; Responses: Supplemental Information Letter March 18, 2011 Page 3 b. Any risk of personal injury resulting from the alteration shall be eliminated or minimized; and c. The hazard area and buffers shall be replanted with native vegetation sufficient to minimize the hazard. 2.a.Hazard to the slope has been and will be diminished by cutting of hazardous species of trees and replacement with trees that will not pose a hazard in the future. b. Risk of personal injury is diminished by selection of trees that do not need maintenance following establishment period of 3 years. c. Species selected to replant area are natives and are being replanted at a 2:1 ratio. Please contact me if you need additional information about any of these items. Sincerely, Ruth Burrus Landscape Architect r U em. DESIGN .F^ ..A°Wim/ Landscape Architeture STREAMREPORT FOR 7316164 th Street SW Prepared by Burrus Resign Group March 18, 2011 Contact Information: Proposed Action for Site: Diana Clay, Clay Enterprises 425-776-1234 Request is made for a permit to install 40 4-5' ht multi -stemmed native trees to mitigate for the cutting down of 20 alders on this site. The stumps and roots of the alders remain in place. Trunks and large branches resultant from the felling operation are to be removed from the site per Mitigation Plan attached. Subject Property: Site includes a flat area on the east side with a residence and paved driveway. To the west of this lies a steep slope (40% or greater) falling away from the home and drive. This site lies within the North Edmonds Earth Subsidence and Landslide Hazard Area as defined by the City of Edmonds. Slope has been stabilized since 1999 when it was modified according to a plan by Robinson Noble Geotechnical Engineers. Slope continues to be successful. Critical Areas on and around Site: In addition to the steep slopes noted above this site located is located in a mapped fish and wildlife habitat conservation area. There is evidence of year round seeps but no stream was observed nor was one found on the Edmonds Critical Areas Inventory Map. Impact of Proposal on Site: Because no stream was found no impact to a stream is predicted by this action. Report was written and research done by Ruth Burrus of Burrus Design Group, Registered Landscape Architect. See attached field notes and photos. 5431 NE J.5 3rd St. 425,750.5513 Kenmore, WA 98028 bi,irriisdesigzi(�frar�rti(-,r,cot-ii BURRU'S DESIGN GROUP Landscape Architeture "_"LAY/KERR CRITICAL ARE REPORT O ., WILDLIFE, .. 7316164 th Street SW I Prepared by Burrus Design Group March 18, 2011 Contact Information: Diana Clay, Clay Enterprises 425-776-1234 Proposed Action for Site: Request is made for a permit to install 40 4-5' ht multi -stemmed native trees to mitigate for the cutting down of 20 alders on this site. The stumps and roots of the alders remain in place. Trunks and large branches resultant from the felling operation are to be removed from the site per Mitigation Plan attached. Subject Property: Site includes a flat area on the east side with a residence and paved driveway. To the west of this lies a steep slope (40% or greater) falling away from the home and drive. This site lies within the North Edmonds Earth Subsidence and Landslide Hazard Area as defined by the City of Edmonds. Slope has been stabilized since 1999 when it was modified according to a plan by Robinson Noble Geotechnical Engineers. Slope continues to be successful. Critical Areas on and around Site: In addition to the steep slopes noted above this site located is located in a mapped fish and wildlife habitat conservation area. There are no specific high value animals or fish noted on the Edmonds Critical Areas Inventory Map. There is evidence of year round seeps but no stream was observed. Impact of Proposal on Site: The area surrounding this site is largely covered with mature forests of native vegetation. Predominant to the south is Red Alder (Alnus rubra). To the north Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) and Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) are also present. 64:31 NE 153rd St:. 425,7 X0,581.3 Kenmore, WA 98028 bi.xrrusdesigii(cx?I'roiitier.coitx Clay/Kerr Critical Areas Report Wildlife Habitat March 18, 2011 Page 2 Because this site was largely disturbed in 1999 when the dewatering work was done the habitat on adjacent sites is much more diverse than on subject site.. The predominant plant material on site at this time is Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus discolor) and Red Alder (Alnus rubra). The trees that were cut down were Red Alder. These plants tend to grow as monocultures, providing habitat of limited importance or diversity on the site. The proposed trees trees (Vine Maple/Acer circinatum and Western Hazelnut/Corylus cornuta), though not native to the specific site are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest and will diversify the habitat provided in this area, especially for small birds and herbivores. Proposed trees are smaller in stature than the alders that were removed. The natural life cycle of an alder (Alnus rubra) is to grow vertically to a height of 40-60' and then begin to lean over the slope. Eventually the weight of the tree pulls the rootball out of the slope, thus exposing it to danger of erosion and landslide. The proposed trees do not follow that pattern. They are small trees that regenerate by means of sprouting new trunks from the base rather than growing taller. Their eventual height is between 20 and 30'. In addition to habitat, their roots will provide shallow stabilization of the slope. A further advantage of planting these smaller trees is that they will not need any maintenance once they are established. The steepness of the slopes in this area keeps human intrusion to a minimum (other than when needed for maintenance). Further, the slopes are of significant width on this site (over 100') that any animals resident to the area or traversing through it would not be effected by the cutting of these trees or by the installation of new trees. Trees shall be installed in areas with as little slope as possible and shall have the downhill side of the planting areas reinforced with tree branches from felling operation. All installed plant material shall be mulched with 3" of clean straw covering any soil exposed by planting operation. Wire cages will also be installed around the trunks of newly planted trees to minimize damage to cambium from rodents. Sequencing: As spelled out in the Mitigation Report attached, debris removal work is proposed to occur in late spring or early summer to allow for any vegetation damaged by the removal process to recover during the growing season. Clay/Kerr Critical Areas Report Wildlife Habitat March 18, 2011 Page 3 Installation of the proposed trees shall be done in mid to late October, after the seasonal rains begin. This will allow the trees to get established with the minimum amount of stress and demand on their roots as would be present during active growth. Report was written and research done by Ruth Burrus of Burrus Design Group, Registered Landscape Architect. See attached field notes and photos. Clay/Kerr Critical Areas Report Wildlife Habitat March 18, 2011 Page 3 Installation of the proposed trees shall be done in mid to late October, after the seasonal rains begin. This will allow the trees to get established with the minimum amount of stress and demand on their roots as would be present during active growth. Report was written and research done by Ruth Burrus of Burrus Design Group, Registered Landscape Architect. See attached field notes and photos. 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