SHORELINE RESTORATION - RESTORATION PRESERVATION

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Hi all,

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 As you are undoubtedly aware, we have spent millions of dollars on Shoreline Restoration of the lakes, canals and lagoons of Century Village. Now, the primary goal is to maintain and preserve this work for as long as possible. Recently we had an Engineer brief the Operations Committee on a new look at how we should do business in this regard, it is important that we all read and understand this approach for a more Natural and enduring solution to this problem, in brief, less pruning and manicuring and more littoral (aquatic) plantings. Following is the Engineers report, graphics have been added by the Blogmeister.

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Re: Lake Bank Erosion and Control

Dear Mr. Israel:

It was great meeting with you on July 13th. On July 27th, Robert

Walker and I met with Jan Bockmeulen to select a location within the lake behind the clubhouse for installation of a staff gauge to monitor lake levels. Afterwards, Bob and I conducted a preliminary field review of lake banks/shoreline at Century Village of West Palm Beach where geo-filter tube erosion barrier was constructed by Anchor Marine Environmental Services.

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Following is a summary of our visual observations:
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• At the outfall structure, we observed water from the lake system
flowing over the weir indicating lake levels were at or above 14.2 Ft. NGVD. (National Geodetic Vertical Datum)
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• Although we did not review the entire shoreline, along the sections of shoreline we did review the top of the existing geo-filter tube (GFT) appeared to be at or just below the water, and the face of the GFT was mostly submerged and not exposed to direct sunlight.
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• It appears that a drop in lake levels (e.g., during dry conditions)
would leave the face of the GFT exposed to direct sunlight except where naturalized plants have been allowed to take priority.
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• Some of the lake banks are maintained/mowed right down to the
water's edge. This clean edge does not allow for any naturalized areas to develop along the lake banks. Based on these observations, our recommendations are:
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1) Routine inspections of GFT, especially during dry conditions, are necessary to identify any GFT exposed to direct sunlight. Those areas of the GFT not vegetated and exposed to direct sunlight will need to be sodded.
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2. To encourage natural plant growth along the shoreline: a.) no
mowing within 5 feet of the shoreline; b.) stop using weed eaters on the lake banks; and c.) instruct lawn services to comply with these guidelines.
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3) To control aquatic weeds without damaging shoreline plants and grasses, reduce the amount of herbicides in the lakes and discontinue applications of herbicides near the shoreline.
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Once a year, or when necessary, eliminate exotic/nuisance plants along the shoreline by hand. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.

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Very truly yours,
Cherie Sova, P.E.
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copy: Daniel Cruz, VP and Regional Facilities Manager
Cenvill Recreation, Inc.
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