Presentation by the Four Mile Run Joint Task Force regarding the restoration project.

1. Four Mile Run
Restoration Project
Joint Task Force Meeting
March 10, 2016

2. Significant Milestones:
2000: City, Arlington & NRVC began to
explore the stream’s water quality and
recreation potentials; USACE partnered
with team to conduct a feasibility study on
a restoration plan.
2001: US Congressman Moran sought
allocation through EPA of $1M for
development of the Four Mile Run Master
Plan.
2006: The City and County adopt the
Master Plan.
2008: STAG grants appropriated for
demonstration project & design begins.
2009: The City and County adopt the
Design Guidelines.
10th Anniversary of the adoption
of the Four Mile Run Master Plan
2009: The City and County hold a
competition for design of a pedestrian/cyclist
bridge.
2011: Conservatory Building opens and
adjacent area renovated; Four Mile Run Park
Farmer’s and Artisans Market opens.
2012: Buro Happold begins bridge design.
2012: Design scope for the demonstration
project changes based on new USACE
requirements.
2015: Construction begins to restore
Alexandria’s wetlands.
2016: Alexandria wetlands project complete
& Arlington shoreline restoration begins.

3. Wetlands and Streambank
Project Overview
3
• Naturalize the banks along the corridor and improve access to the stream
through overlooks and terracing
• Replace rip-rap with vegetation and create Living Shorelines on Arlington
side
• Establish historical tidal wetland condition in Four Mile Run Park in
Alexandria

4. ∗ Wetland restoration
∗ Soil grading
∗ Invasive plant removal
∗ Native plantings
∗ New pervious surface trail
Wetland Project
4

5. Wetland Project
5
Yellow pond-lily
Nuphar advena
Arrow arum
Peltandra virginica
Annual wildrice
Zizania aquatica
Low Marsh Plantings

6. Wetland Project
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Square stemmed
monkey flower
Mimulus ringens
Broadleaf arrowhead
Sagittaria latifolia
Softstem
Bulrush
Schoenoplectus
tabernaemontani
Halberd-left rose mallow
Hibiscus laevis
Southern blue flag
Iris virginica
High Marsh Plantings

7. ∗ Majority of Construction
completed in November
2015
∗ Additional work to be
done in spring:
− Parking lot renovation
− Trail drainage work
− Bridge from wetlands to
ball field
Status of Wetlands Project
7
Start of construction in May 2015

8. 8
Mid-construction in June 2015

9. 9
Mid-construction in August 2015
Mid-construction in October 2015

10. 10
End of construction in November 2015

11. Living Shorelines Project
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∗ Remove rip rap
∗ Create living shoreline
∗ Remove invasive plants
∗ Replant with natives
∗ Add viewing platform
∗ Trail improvements

12. Site 2 Design Section
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13. ∗ Living shoreline: Arrow Arum, pickerelweed, broadleaf
arrowhead, river bulrush, common three-square
Pickerelweed Arrow Arum Three-square
∗ Upland meadow: Eastern smooth beardtongue, common
milkweed, bee balm, grass leaved goldenrod, black eyed
susan
Site 2 Plantings
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Bee balm Beardtongue Black eyed susan

14. ∗ Initial bid June, 2015 (only one bid received)
∗ Project plans had to be revised for improved site access
and will be re-bid, spring 2016
∗ Construction start estimated July-September 2016
∗ Bike trial on Arlington side will be closed for construction
(approximately 1 year)
∗ Detour on Alexandria trail
Schedule Site 2
14

15. 15

16. Watermarks
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The symbolism of water and the
application of the color blue is
essential to the Watermark design.
All Watermarks will be cast-in-place
concrete integrated with a blue
pigment.
23 Watermarks are proposed, 17 in
Arlington and 6 in Alexandria
1 Watermark will be installed with the
construction of Plan B.

17. WPCP Fence Enhancement
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Add image of
award

18. Pedestrian Bridge
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19. ∗ Upcoming Alexandria park improvements
∗ Berkeley Site plan
∗ Dominion Power 230 Kv Line
∗ Potomac Yard North
∗ Four Mile Run Valley process - Shirlington/Nauck
town square/Jennie Dean Park Planning
Related Updates
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20. Discussion on the next phase of the Four Mile Run
Restoration Project
Next Steps
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21. Questions?