Tree Removals related to Ditch #2 Stream Restoration and Stabilization Project

[Bondurant, Iowa, March 10, 2022]  Starting Friday, March 11, 2022, the contractor that the City of Bondurant has hired will begin removing trees along the section of Ditch 2, on the West edge of Bondurant, in preparation for the Stream Restoration and Stabilization Project. This area was recently annexed into the city, and there is new residential development occurring along both sides of the stream area. As  part of the City’s Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan, this stream corridor needed improvement work to address flooding and water quality issues.

Recent storms (the 2019 Tornado, 2020 Derecho, and 2018 Flood) have left many trees down in the channel and eroded vertical banks. The previously straightened and entrenched track cannot convey even small flood events without overtopping and eroding banks due to the excessive debris deposition in the upper reach. The project will remove the debris and stabilize the banks by creating a multi-staged floodplain cross-section and restoring a natural "riffle-pool-run" stream profile with six rock riffles. "Planform" sinuosity will be improved as much as possible within the available, tight project corridor. The project intends to create a restored natural neighborhood amenity by improving this reach of Ditch 2 concerning floodplain connectivity and flood conveyance and reducing stream bank erosion by establishing floodplain benches, stable slopes, and native vegetation.

It is also the Intent to Construct nearly 2,800 feet of 10-foot-wide trail that will run from Second Street NW down to the Chichaqua Valley Trail connecting to the southern section. There will be trail nodes along this stretch that allow access down to the stream for recreational activities.

Please reference the map for the specific location of the work being done and the attached graphic depicting the concept after construction is complete.

Any questions about this can be directed to Bondurant Public Works Department at (515) 967-2418.