CITY OF DES MOINES SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM

Des Moines Shoreline Inventory and Characterization
Segment E - Woodmont / Redondo North
Table 13 below summarizes the shoreline characterization for Segment E.
Table 13. Shoreline Segment “E” Summary
Land Use /
Transportation
Stream
Discharges
Stream:
Woodmont
Creek
Public Shoreline
Access
Hazard Areas
Habitat / Habitat
Potential
Single-Family Res.:
87%, Multi-Family:
6%;
Local streets
None
Landslide,
Erosion
Wetlands, Streams,
Banks/Bluffs, Fish &
Wildlife Areas
(Forage Fish,
Salmonids, seabird
nesting, shorebirds
and piscivorous birds,
shellfish, eelgrass)
Segment E provides few opportunities for restoration/enhancement of shoreline functions. Much
of the shoreline in Segment E is privately owned with a majority being developed single-family
residential areas and local streets. However, public education to promote the installation of
native vegetation plantings versus manicured lawns along the shoreline portion of the private
properties would be of value in restoring some shoreline function. Similarly, education or
incentive for shoreline bulkhead removal in Segment E would help restore natural shoreline
processes for significant lengths of the City shore in this formerly important reach of feeder bluff
(CGS, in prep.)
Several failed bulkheads are present approximately 2,000 feet south of the southern boundary of
Saltwater Stare Park. These include a cluster of three wooden soldier pile walls in the intertidal
beach (CGS, in prep.) that are no longer protecting the bluff from erosion. Simple pile removal
would help restore natural beach conditions and bluff processes. Some of these may be
creosoted piles, so additional water quality benefits could be reaped.
The Woodmont Creek subestuary and delta have been severely impaired by shoreline armoring
and shoreline development. Woodmont Creek is culverted beneath residential areas and
roadways for a distance of approximately 500 feet from the mouth. This is likely a fish passage
barrier to anadromous salmonids. Removal of the culverts and other barriers could be a good
longer-term goal for restoration of the creek, but access to houses is a significant problem to
overcome for this type of project.
March 2005 Page 49