Stream Mitigation & Monitoring
Not only do we get to plan and design cool built environments like streetscapes, trails, and recreational fields, but also natural environments such as wetlands, prairies and streams. Each year from spring to fall you are apt to find us out in the field inspecting sites, delineating natural environments for upcoming projects, as well as monitoring compensatory mitigation areas.
The photo to the left is a stream mitigation site located in DeWitt, Iowa, that we designed to compensate for impact to an existing waterway for a separated recreational trail. We just completed the final yearly monitoring of the stream in 2023 as there was a 5-year environmental monitoring requirement by permitting agencies. In year 1 we were already seeing natural pools, and stream braiding developing as well as the establishment of pioneer native species which included those that were seeded as well as some that were volunteer. This naturalized trail corridor will continue to provide an enhanced experience for it's users as well as a place for wildlife. Elkem Site Industrial Park - Keokuk, Iowa |
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FLAC was part of the project team selected to work on the Elkem Industrial brownfield site. FLAC was charged with the responsibility of developing a concept plan to transform the brownfield site into a regional industrial park. The concept plan prepared by FLAC met the goals of the Client for the industrial park which included: providing both commercial/warehouse parcels and parcels for businesses, inclusion of a public space/gathering area and recreational trail, incorporation of green infrastructure, LID and complete street concepts, and naturalizing and protecting brown field and environmentally sensitive areas. The plan layout also maximized the use of the existing railroad siding locations and existing buildings that were to remain for optimal use.
Platt Street Streetscape - Maquoketa, Iowa
Flenker Land Architecture Consultants, LLC was part of the design and team for the 2-mile Platt Street streetscape during 2019-2020 which included reconstruction of Platt St., following a complete streets approach. The improvements include gateways, decorative pavement accents, accent plantings, sidewalks that are ADA compliant and a bike path. FLAC continued on as part of the construction engineering inspection team, being responsible for visiting the site each week to perform the weekly Storm Water and Erosion Control Inspections and complete the required reporting. The project construction was completed in the fall of 2023.
2024 Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning
FLAC is excited to be working this year with the Iowa communities of Donnelson and Keokuk as one of the private sector Landscape Architects for the award winning Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning Program.
This program is funded by the Iowa Department of Transportation and the program partners include the Iowa Department of Transportation, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development Program, and Trees Forever.
To find out more about this unique collaborative program that is making a profound impact in improving Iowa's rural communities please visit the ILR website at: www.communityvisioning.org
This program is funded by the Iowa Department of Transportation and the program partners include the Iowa Department of Transportation, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development Program, and Trees Forever.
To find out more about this unique collaborative program that is making a profound impact in improving Iowa's rural communities please visit the ILR website at: www.communityvisioning.org
Adapting during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic
Like for everyone, the Covid-19 Pandemic created some hurdles for conducting business the "traditional" way. Flenker Land Architecture Consultants, LLC rose to this challenge by adjusting our business model. FLAC invested in additional technology and the software necessary to allow our staff to safely work remotely while still being able to communicate and collaborate easily with each other and our clients. Zoom and Microsoft Teams became the platform of choice for our meetings, and while there was a learning curve at the start it soon became as second nature as attending a regular meeting in person.
Today, with the pandemic behind us, we find that many clients like having the ability to conduct meetings and collaborate remotely for at least part of the project communication process since it allows greater flexibility for scheduling.
Today, with the pandemic behind us, we find that many clients like having the ability to conduct meetings and collaborate remotely for at least part of the project communication process since it allows greater flexibility for scheduling.
Community Visioning Plan 2023 - Vinton, Iowa
In 2023, FLAC had the opportunity to work with Vinton, Iowa in developing their vision for transportation related improvements throughout their community. Some of the goals identified by the citizens included: extending their recreational trail system, improving pedestrian connectivity, safety and accessibility, attracting more businesses and visitors to the downtown, and calming traffic. Below are a few of the concept boards developed.
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Construction Inspection - Lee and Wapello Counties, Iowa
Flenker Land Architecture Consultants, LLC has been busy performing construction inspections for several highway planting projects along Highway US 218 south of Mt. Pleasant in Lee County and Highways US 34/US 63 in Ottumwa in Wapello County. Together, these planting projects have included the removal and replacement of 395 Trees and 3,626 shrubs, as well as the associated seeding, mowing, and roadside spraying and maintenance activities..
I-80 Corridor Tree Tagging and Design Plans
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FLAC served as the project landscape architect responsible for field evaluation of all the trees and shrubs along the approximately 14-mile segment of the I-80 corridor and the associated interchanges and south rest area from the NW Blvd. /Hwy. 130 interchange in Davenport, Iowa to the I-80 bridge in LeClaire, Iowa. Work included evaluation, identification, field tagging, measuring and recording each size of tree and shrub that was to be removed and the size of limbs to be pruned as well as the limbs and trunks to be removed
After field work was complete, FLAC prepared the construction plans which identified the fieldwork to be completed by the contractors along with the size and location of work to be done. FLAC's design work also entailed the design of a gateway landscape plan for the I-80 entrance to Iowa which utilized a native plant palate that provides year round interest and is tolerant of the poor soil and harsh interstate environmental conditions. The project plans and specifications, as well as field data recording were done in accordance with procedures set forth by the Iowa DOT. The submittals followed the IDOT project schedule and it was let through the IDOT state bid letting. The Iowa Department of Transportation was FLAC's client. |
Erosion and Storm Water Pollution Inspections & Reporting - Dubuque, Iowa
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Flenker Land Architecture Consultants, LLC was part of the engineering inspection team for the new John Deere Road project which included road reconstruction, new roundabout, and a separated bike path. FLAC was responsible for providing the weekly Storm Water and Erosion Control Inspections and completing the required reporting throughout the construction period. The project was completed the fall of 2023.
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