PROJECT INFO:
OWNER:
DAL Properties
PROJECT CONTRACTOR:
L&D Construction
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT:
Live Oak & Associates
PROJECT GOALS:
Create a self-sustaining CDFG riparian woodland habitat on site; Maintain the character of the existing natural topography; Placement of the mitigation site be in areas least likely to be subject to disturbance in the future
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Nestled in the foothills above San Jose, San Felipe Heritage Estates was developed next to the seasonal riparian corridor Desolation Creek. A plan was developed to provide open space for the new community and offset the habitat lose from the development. A section of the creek was cleared of invasives and planted with several large Sycamore trees. As a buffer to the native open space, native plants were installed along a walking path inside the new community of homes. During the planning process, ECI recognized a potential savings to the builder and redesigned the irrigation system. The new design ended up saving the developer $83,000 from the initial cost analysis. The installation of the habitat was completed in March 2013 and maintenance will continue through 2016.
