Conceptual Plans and Cost Estimates
RCI was retained by the Incline Lake Corporation to provide professional assistance to Terra Firma and Associates for certain engineering and resource management work related to the potential land sale of a large parcel of land on the Lake Tahoe Basin between the Corporation and the USDA Forest Service. To assist in the development of an appraisal price for the property, RCI provided conceptual plans and cost estimates for access roads, domestic water system, and sanitary sewer system requirements for a theoretical highest and best use development on the property.
Site Restoration Plan
Two small dams impounding approximately 165 acre-feet of water existed on the site. RCI conducted a hydrologic analysis of the contributing watershed to the reservoir, and assisted in the assessment and proposal of improvements to the dam structures and reservoir to meet State of Nevada dam safety regulatory compliance, including the preparation of an Emergency Action Plan. As the land transaction moved forward, RCI developed a site restoration, road decommissioning and stream environment zone restoration plan and oversaw implementation of the restoration activities.
Hydraulic Analysis & Boundary Survey
Primary restoration activities focused on restoring over 4.7 acres of old unpaved roads that crossed the property. The road sections varied, from fairly flat roads with native vegetation growing between the tracks, to steeper road sections (approximately 14%) with no vegetation and evidence of rutting and minor erosion. The roads crossed through TRPA land capability districts 1b, 4 and 6 requiring varying revegetation treatments. The approach of the restoration plan was for minimal disturbance to the site outside of the existing roadways that were being restored. There was a deficit of material along most of the roadway sections, so restoration activities focused on the practice of terra-forming to reshape and blend the road segments to the surrounding topography.
Restored Roadways
The restoration activities included ripping the existing soil to reduce compaction, re-grading roadways to match adjacent topography, re-establishing natural drainages across old road sections, and removal of all culverts and drainage obstructions at the road crossings. Boulder cluster barriers were placed to prohibit future vehicular traffic in areas where the restored roadways intersected with maintained roadways.
Outbuilding Removal
Additionally, 13 structures (cabins, barns and other out-buildings) had to be removed. RCI prepared the site demolition and restoration/revegetation plan for these areas. All site restoration had to be completed without the import of soil. RCI prepared site grading plans to restore the site to contours that mimicked natural conditions. Native materials including boulders and logs were incorporated into the final finish grading. All disturbed areas were re-seeded with a native seed mix, mulch application and tackifier application.
Multiple Agency Involvement
RCI also provided assistance in assessing the various water resources associated with the property and assisted with various water rights issues. All survey needs in preparation of the land sale were also provided by RCI. RCI coordinated multiple tasks, including permitting requirements, with a suite of federal, state and local entities, including the USDA Forest Service, Incline Village G.I.D., Washoe County, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Army Corps of Engineers (404 Certification) Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (401 Certification), Nevada Department of Transportation, and the Nevada Division of Water Resources.