BEsT MANAGEMENT PRACTICEs HANDbooK - Tahoe BMP

8.8 SHOREZONE VEGETATION8.8.1 OVERVIEWThe vegetation of the shorezone provides important ecological, geomorphic,and aesthetic benefits. Shorezone vegetation provides sediment control byincreasing soil stability through root architecture (i.e., root area ratio),interception of precipitation and the contribution of organic matter tosurrounding soils. Healthy vegetation in the backshore contributes otherbenefits such as attenuating pollution by slowing runoff and increasing uplandinfiltration, providing enhanced wildlife and fish habitat, encouragingtemperature regulation through shade, and cycling nutrients and organicmaterial between the aquatic, riparian, and terrestrial systems.Protect shorezone vegetation from damage and injury during construction tothe maximum extent practical (MEP). If vegetation must be disturbed to allowconstruction of other BMPs, revegetate those disturbed areas with approvedspecies from the TRPA approved species list in Chapter 5 of this BMPHandbook. In addition, other shorezone BMPs must incorporate vegetationinto their construction to the MEP (e.g., revetments and bulkheads).Species selection, cultural practices, planting density, and design specificationsdepend on site conditions, including soil type, slope, aspect, microclimate, andpropensity for human disturbance.Overall, shorezone vegetation is a permanent BMP, which provides both asource control and hydrologic control for stormwater.8.8.2 SHOREZONE VEGETATION: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGESAs with all BMPs, shorezone vegetation has advantages and disadvantages wheninstalled as a shorezone protection BMP (Refer to Table 8-16). Certainconditions exist that may lead to failure of the BMP. One example occurs whenthe vegetation has no protection during planting and establishment stage.Further, improper plant selection, handling, planting technique, or positioningmay ultimately lead to failure of shorezone vegetation. Additionally, poorqualitysoil or substrate will provide inadequate support necessary to sustainplant growth. Regardless of existing conditions, a lack of regular monitoringand follow-up maintenance may lead to failure of shorezone vegetation.The protection of trees and other vegetation can be very effective inminimizing damage or injury during construction activities. The key to theeffectiveness depends on the skill and cooperation of the equipment operatorsand the location of the protective fencing and measures. Rope or flagging doesnot provide an obvious physical barrier to equipment operators and isprohibited for use in vegetation protection. Protection of trees and othervegetation can save the expense of replacement.TRPA BMP HandbookCHAPTER 8: Shorezone Protective Structures and BMPs2012 8.8 Shorezone VegetationPage 8-55