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Damonte Ranch Wetlands Earthcache EarthCache

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Damonte Ranch Wetlands Earthcache

Wetlands are generally considered to be areas of land whose soils are saturated with moisture either permanently or seasonally. The official definition given by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are ”those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil” (COE 1987). Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas and can be created by fresh or salt water or any combination thereof. This discussion will mostly be limited to the freshwater type. Since the 18th century it is estimated that more than half of the original 220 million acres of wetlands in the US have been degraded or destroyed, for such purposes as conversion to agriculture, real estate development and flooding during reservoir construction (EPA 2004).


Geology and Wetland Landscapes
Wetlands can develop only in regions where water accumulates, meaning that the ground under the wetland must be impervious to water. Underlying geology provides the base on which wetlands can form. This includes the softer materials such as silt, clay, and charcoal that can be deposited over the parent rocks below. The form of the landscape also has an effect on wetland development. The illustration below shows how wetlands are most likely to be found in valleys or hollow spots in the general landscape.

The first kind (shown in the top illustration is called topogenous. This kind depends on the shape and form of the landscape. This is the most abundant type. Especially found where precipitation is low and water gathers from a wider source. Damonte Ranch Wetlands is this type of wetland.

The second type (shown in the middle) is called soligenous. It is close to the same type as the first, except that it is formed by ground water emerging from the ground through porous water-laden rocks till it meets impervious rocks below. The water then forms springs that feed the wetland. This type of wetland is only found where two very different types of rocks come together.

The third type (shown at the bottom) is a floodplain wetland. It is usually formed in the lower parts of river valleys where the river has often overflowed its banks. The waters from these floods spread out over the floodplain and form the wetlands. The sediments in the flood waters fertilize these regions and make them very fertile for farming. [citation: Science Online: Geology of Wetlands]

Wetlands have three critical criteria, hydrology, soils, and hydrophytic vegetation . Without these the entire wetland ecosystem would collapse. Hydric soils are the building blocks for wetlands and are present in the landscape primarily due to the geology and hydrogeology of the region.and plays a
critical role in wetland dynamics (Warner 2004). Furthermore, wetlands are closely connected to their individual basins and to their watersheds. Soils that are saturated due to surface or groundwater (flooding, ponding or shallow groundwater) during the growing season develop anaerobic conditions (lacking oxygen) in the upper layer and support hydrophytic vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Terrestrial plants, as opposed, to hydrophytic ones, require oxygen in the soil to grow

Geology of the Truckee Meadows effects distribution of precipitation, depth to groundwater and runoff patterns. And further, hydrology of a region is the most important factor in the development of hydric soils. Truckee Meadows, located in Reno, Nevada, like the majority basins in the Basin and Range Physiographic Province, is a depression bounded by fault-block mountains (Huntington USGS undated ) The Carson Range to the west is composed of metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks that are intruded by granite. These formations are overlaid by tertiary volcanic rocks of mostly rhyolite and andesite, The Virginia Range to the east is similar in geology except the granitic rock is overlain by extrusive rocks. Basin-fill deposits are generally divided into three geologic units, sedimentary rock of tertiary age, older alluvium of quaternary age and younger alluvium of quaternary age. The Carson Range to the west of the Basin is responsible for the development of an alluvial fan composed of silt, sand, gravel, and boulders. Alluvial deposits are also present along the major streams in the basin; Truckee River and Steamboat Creek, and along stream channels of tributary drainages. Recharge to the basin aquifer is thought to be from five major sources. The majority, about 64%, comes from mountain front recharge, primarily from the Carson Range.. Of secondary importance, about 26%, is derived from infiltration from streams, excess irrigation water, canal seepage, public supply lines and urban lawn watering (Huntington USGS undated ). Therefore, this pattern of recharge would suggest groundwater generally flows from the west and south toward the Truckee River and Steamboat Creek and discharge areas in the center and eastern parts of the valley. The Damonte Ranch development is located within the historic Truckee Meadows and the Damonte Ranch area is generally considered to be in a discharge area with shallow groundwater that historically supported wetlands prior to historic (pre-1900's) conversion of land for ranching and farming purposes.

Values and Functions of Wetlands

Wetlands are very valuable for the region and watershed in which they exist. A watershed is an area of land in which the surface water converges to a single point. The Truckee Meadows is in the Truckee River watershed which begins at Lake Tahoe and ends at Pyramid Lake. Within the Truckee River watershed there are many sub-watersheds such as the Steamboat Creek watershed.that begins at Washoe Lake and ends at the Truckee River near Vista and is the largest tributary to the River downstream from Reno. The Truckee River basin is quite unique in that it is considered endorheic, which means that it does not drain to an ocean. Instead, it drains to an inland basin, Pyramid Lake. Only 18% of all land drains to endorheic lakes or inland seas. Because these lakes have no outlet, evaporation is the primary means of water loss and they tend to become saline. The message here is that everything we do upstream effects everything downstream. In the past 150 years or so, man has made a huge impact (detrimental) on the Lake Tahoe-Truckee River-Pyramid Lake water quality and ecosystems.

Wetlands do more than provide habitat for plants and animals. The following describes the various
functions of a wetland:

  • Water Quality: As water flows through a wetland it flows more slowly and moves around and through the plants and has contact with the soil.. This has many benefits to the quality of the water. As the water slows sediment drops out and settles to the bottom. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, that cause algae to grow downstream, are removed with the sediment, or absorbed by the plants and microorganisms in the soil. Wetlands are so efficient at this function that some municipalities are constructing artificial wetlands to treat wastewater and stormwater. Another way wetlands filter water is their capability to remove harmful bacteria. Invertebrates that live in the wetland, such as aquatic insects, feed on bacteria. One study showed that up to 90% of the bacteria entering a wetland were removed by the time the water left the wetlands (EPA 2010). Other studies have found that the oils and
    heavy metals that drain off of streets with stormwater can also be treated by passing through a wetland. Steamboat Creek has been designated by the State as impaired, meaning that it is not meeting the water quality standards set to protect it's various uses. This water eventually makes it's way into the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake. Pyramid Lake has its own water quality standards. Pyramid Lake supports two fish that are threatened and endangered, the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) and Cui- ui (Chasmistes cujus), respectively. Secondly, Pyramid Lake has no outlet, so a contaminant that enters the Lake will never be flushed out. Restoration projects on Steamboat Creek, such as the DRW will improve water quality downstream within the watershed.
  • Water Storage: Wetlands act like natural sponges in that they absorb the water that enters and then gradually release it very slowly over an extended period of time. This process provides an important benefit during a flood, as the water is released from the wetland after the peak flood-flows have passed, thereby reducing the damaging effects of the flood . Flood control is a major issue in the Truckee Meadows at
    the present time and millions of dollars will soon be spent in order to lessen the impact of these events that have been regularly occurring about every 10 years. Related to this function is a reduction of erosion which damages stream channels and increases sediment load. It also increases groundwater recharge and contributes to base flows, which is especially important during dry years.
  • Habitat for fish and wildlife: Wetlands are considered to be one of the most biologically productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to tropical rainforests and coral reefs (EPA 2001).. They are home to one the largest collections of biodiversity to be found on the planet (www.articlemyriad.com), representing reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds and mammals. Large numbers of both terrestrial and aquatic organisms rely on wetlands for some phase of their life cycle. A large variety of migratory birds, breed, rest, and feed in these areas More than one-third of the threatened and endangered species in the US live only in wetlands, and nearly half use wetlands at some point in their lives (EPA 1995). Most commercial and gamefish breed and raise their young in coastal marshes and estuaries. Important species of fish you may have heard of that use wetlands include Menhaden, Flounder, Sea Trout, Spot, Croaker and Striped Bass. Likewise, shrimp, oysters, clams, and crab need these wetlands for food, shelter or breeding. Wetlands are so important that an international agreement was developed because some species of migratory birds are completely dependent on certain wetlands.
History and Description of Damonte Ranch Wetlands

In the United Sates wetlands are regulated under section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). In general terms, section 404 comes into play when there is going to be the placement of dredged or fill materials into waters of the United States (wetland) or filling of a wetland. The CWA states that any discharge of dredged or fill material into “waters of of the United States, including wetlands, is forbidden unless authorized by a permit issued by the COE persuant to section 404”.

In this case, DiLoreto Construction began work on Damonte Ranch in 2003, and is a 1,743 acre mixed use development in Southeast Reno approximately 6 miles from downtown Reno. Of the total acreage, 1,047 acres is residential, 37 acres of town center, 193 acres of office/industrial, 80 acres of public/semi-public facilities , 110 acres of park and recreation and 276 acres of open space and wetlands. A very popular trail system winds throughout the entire development.. It was determined that jurisdictional waters (wetlands) would be impacted by the development and would therefore require a 404 permit. 7Q10, a local environmental consulting firm, was hired to take responsibility for working with the regulatory agencies (federal, state and local) in developing and implementing all aspects of the 404 and 401 permits. In the process 7Q10 has collected hydrological data, defined soil characteristics, defined vegetation associations (including invasive species), and identified and enumerated avian use and diversity.

As part of the mitigation plan and to meet requirements of the 404 permit, 173 acres of wetlands
have been created, enhanced or both. The main wetland area was deepened to take advantage of shallow groundwater such that the wetlands are almost always permanently flooded. This is consistent with the hydrogeology of the area as described in an earlier section. Other sources of water include storm water runoff from adjacent streets and roadways. Agricultural runoff from fields to the south occasionally flow into a detention basin.

In conclusion, I would like to make the following observation. People either hate or applaud new developments and it is well known that they are good for the local economy. I live in Reno and grew up in Winnemucca and Fallon and have seen the results of developments done well and poorly. I hope that this earthcache draws more people to see the work accomplished at Damonte Ranch Wetlands and I think that you will agree the developer and their team produced something special, both in terms of economics, but also social and environmental.

To Log this Earthcache

Answer the following questions and email the answers to the developer of the site. Please remember basic visitor use and public safety Information for Public Lands in Nevada available at http://www.treadlightly.org or http://www.int.org

Remember to stay on the established pathways and out of the wetlands!

  • Question 1: Based on what you see from the posted coordinates, which of the three types of wetlands shown in the image in the text would you say this one is?
  • Question 2: From a geological perspective, what is the thing that you cannot see (at most locations) that is probably the most important component of this and all wetlands and why is it so important?
  • Question 3: For this question you will have to go to the parking waypoint #3. This is where Steamboat Creek enters the wetland and with the 5 storm drains are the major sources of pollution delivered to the wetland. Look around and identify the major land uses in the area. As water runs off these areas you have identified, it has the potential to carry pollutants into the wetland. Name 3 pollutants that can enter the wetland from these sources/areas.
References:

Huntington, J.M. (undated manuscript). Section 3. Conceptual understanding and groundwater quality of the basin-fill aquifer in Truckee Meadows, Nevada. in: Conceptual understanding and groundwater quality of selected basin fill aquifers in the southwestern United States. Professional Paper 1781. U.S. Dept. of Interior, U.S. Geological Survey

Moore, Peter D. "geology of wetlands." Wetlands, Biomes of the Earth. New York: Chelsea House Publishing, 2006. Science Online. Facts On File, Inc.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Wetland Delineation Manual. Wetland Research Program Technical Report Y-87-1 (on-line edition).

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1995. American Wetlands: Our vital link between land and Water. Office of Water, Oceans, and Watersheds. EPA 843-k-95-001.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2001. Function and values of wetlands. Office of Water, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. EPA 843-F-01-002.

U.S. Environmental Production Agency. 2004. Wetlands Overview. Office of Water. EPA 843-F-04-017a.

Warner, G.W. 2004. Geology of Canadian Wetlands. Geoscience Canada. Geological Association of Canada. June 2004. 13pp.

I would like to thank Lori Carpenter, hydrologist at 7Q10, who provided her groups data, reviewed and thoroughly marked up the draft and confirmed the accuracy of the paper.

Congratulations to randallh for being the First to Find.

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