Data Collection Report - Flood Control District of Maricopa County

Scenic QualityScenic quality of the Desert Scrub Character Unit is rated as medium tolow. Natural landform and indigenous materials do not reflect a highdegree of variety, color, or texture interest.Visual IntegrityVisual integrity of the Desert Scrub Character Unit is rated as medium.Visual elements are relatively harmonious and consistent.River Landscape Character UnitThe major natural features which influence the Durango Study Area arethe rivers. The river areas offer the greatest opportunities to restore /create distinctive natural environments and desirable animal habitat ashas been done in the Tres Rios Constructed Wetland DemonstrationArea. Because of modifications made by man such as channelization,levees, introduction of water sources, constructed wetlands, etc. visualconditions and the character of the river areas varies. The RiverCharacter Unit is therefore divided into two sub-units - the Salt/GilaRiver Character Unit and the Agua Fria Character Unit.Salt / Gila River Character UnitDescriptionWith the regular source of water from the 91st Avenue WWTP, the Salt/ Gila River area is heavily vegetated. Salt cedar has become establishedand has become dominant in most areas. The native Cottonwood andWillow plant association can be seen in pockets primarily at theconfluence of the rivers. As evidenced by the Tres Rios ConstructedWetland Demonstration Area, a desire for this corridor is to clear theSalt Cedar and reestablish the native plant varieties associated with theWillow and Cottonwood association.Scenic QualitySalt RiverTres Rios ConstructedWetland Demonstration AreaScenic quality for the Salt / Gila River Character Unit is rated mediumto high. With the presence of water and opportunity to feature river /riparian habitat this represents a natural feature unique to the SonoranDesert environment. These areas have the greatest potential for highvisual quality if modified to open up views and restore natural vegetationand animal habitat.Visual IntegrityVisual integrity for the Salt / Gila River Character Unit is rated medium.Existing debris, the Holly Acres levee, and the dominance of the singlespecies of vegetation (Salt Cedar) represent discordant visual elements.Agua Fria Character UnitDescriptionWith no regular source of water, and the effects and form of the FCDriver channelization and levee, the existing vegetation along the AguaFria is sparse and consists of Desert Scrub plant varieties and grasses.The engineered rip rap levee, maintenance access road, and concretebank stabilization although functional have significantly altered thenatural appearance of the river. There does not appear to have been anylandscape mitigation done in conjuction with these manmade facilities.As a planned regional trail corridor, visual enhancement of the Agua Friacorridor should be a priority.(Note: See photo of typical Agua Fria character unit in evaluation ofexisting Flood Control Facilities)Scenic QualityScenic quality of the Agua Fria Character Unit is rated low to medium.Existing visual conditions do not reflect a high degree of variety, color,or texture interest.Visual IntegrityVisual integrity of the Agua Fria Character Unit is rated low to medium.The river channelization and levee are discordant visual elements.DIBBLE & ASSOCIATES 27 DURANGO ADMPDATA COLLECTION REPORT