Appendix L
Maintenance Level Guidelines
Maintenance Level Guidelines 13.1 Management of Shoreline and Aquatic Vegetation
At all locations, shorelines will be managed as “natural areas” to provide a greater variety of habitat for wildlife, and provide the best protection against shoreline erosion and degradation. The Park District will monitor the water quality of ponds, and make adjustments as needed to maintain all aquatic areas in line with their primary function, in a cost efficient manner. Shoreline Aquatic Vegetation – at all locations a minimum 10 foot shoreline margin will be maintained as a natural area. Management will include establishment of appropriate edge vegetation on a project basis. The 10 foot buffer around the pond will either be burned or mowed down on an annual basis. This allows for a healthier stand of natural plants to bloom while still maintaining a high level of erosion control. After mowing or burning, a mixture of low growing Prairie and Wildflower mix will be planted in designated areas around the pond on an annual basis. Weed control will be done by both manual and chemical applications during the months of April through September, with a focus on noxious weeds; i.e., thistle, garlic mustard and willows. No more than 30% of the shoreline will be made up of desirable tree species. Cattails – It is the goal of the Park District to keep the presence of Cattails at approximately 25 percent of the total shoreline. If there are small clumps around the pond in various locations. That is a standard we would like to maintain. Cattails in front of the outlets will be encouraged. The cattails act as a natural filter reducing the amount of debris collecting on the drainage grates. 13.2 Shoreline Erosion The Park District will evaluate shoreline erosion on a yearly basis and will determine when corrective action is needed and what type of shoreline stabilization method best meets our needs. See Appendix B – Natural Area Management Guide for the appropriate plantings for Lower Shoreline zone, Upper Shoreline and Upland Slope Buffers. 13.3 Debris Removal Debris removal along shorelines and above/below normal water levels will be done monthly April through October. Debris which impedes free flowing water will be removed as soon as it is observed. 13.4 Algae Control Algae will be managed by chemical means as necessary throughout the year. Treatment should begin when 10% of the surface has visible algae infestation or as early as it is identified. If it is determined that additional control is needed, the installation of an aerator will be considered. In those areas requiring an aerator, it will be installed in April and removed in November. Aerators are checked weekly for proper operation while the proper time setting is checked monthly. 13.5 Inspections
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402 Naperville Park District | 2023 MASTER PLAN
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