Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Plan
Purpose
The purpose of the City of Madison's Stormwater Vegetation Management Plan (SVMP) is to create a framework for vegetation management practices and goals. It identifies systemwide goals and strategies within existing resources to provide a vegetation management framework. This plan also identifies future opportunities to ensure a resilient stormwater system responsive to increasing environmental pressures. The SWU maintains approximately 1,500 acres of stormwater utility dedicated property.
The City of Madison Stormwater Utility (SWU), a part of the Engineering Division, includes approximately 1,500 acres of land dedicated for stormwater management. The SWU is responsible for managing the vegetation on this land as part of the City's connected stormwater infrastructure. This infrastructure is crucial to reducing flooding, ensuring public safety, improving water quality and recharging groundwater. It also supports multiple ecosystem services that provide the foundation for a green and resilient city.
Plan Development
Phase I: Public Engagement
Phase I included hosting three public engagement listening sessions, staffing information booths at community events, and an online survey.
This phase also included evaluating citywide land management strategies using the City of Madison’s Racial Equity and Social Justice (RESJ) Comprehensive Toolkit and with assistance from City of Madison and Dane County staff involved in land management policies. Participants in the RESJ Toolkit analysis also comprised members of an internal Advisory Group. The Advisory Group reviewed the public engagement processes and outcomes and included staff from Madison Parks, Forestry, Engineering, Dane County, and faculty emeritus from the University of Wisconsin. The public engagement summary report is available upon request.
Phase II: Technical Experts
Phase II included obtaining input from a wide range of technical experts through a technical questionnaire, focus group workshop, and consultant recommendations for specific stormwater issues. The technical expert response summary is available upon request.
Phase III: Plan Development, Review and Approval
The final draft plan was posted online for public comment and presentation and acceptance by the Board of Public Works at for their review.
| Managed Meadows | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Maintenance Visit (weeding, spot mowing) | 2x year | 1x per year | As time allows |
| Burn Frequency | 1x, every 5-7 years | 1x, every 5-7 years (only sites not annually mowed) | None |
| Invasive Brush Removal | 1x, every 3 years | 1x, every 3 years | None |
| Planting | Supplemental native trees, shrubs, plugs or seed | Supplemental native trees, shrubs, plugs or seed | Supplemental native trees, shrubs, plugs or seed |
| Floral Survey Frequency | 1x, every 3-5 years | 1x, every 5-10 years | None |
| Annual Mow | None | Yes - Accessible areas only (for sites that are not on prescribed burn schedule) | Yes (Accessible areas only) |
| Urban Woodlands | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Maintenance Visit (weeding, spot mowing) | 2x year | 1x per year | As time allows |
| Burn Frequency | As possible | May be burned if close to being upgraded to a tier 1 | None |
| Invasive Brush Removal | 1x, every 3 years | 1x, every 3 years | None |
| Planting | Supplemental native trees, shrubs, plugs or seed | Supplemental native trees, shrubs, plugs or seed | Supplemental native shrubs or seed |
| Floral Survey Frequency | 1x, every 3-5 years | 1x, every 5-10 years | None |
| Annual Mow | None | Yes - Accessible areas only (for sites that are not on prescribed burn schedule) | Yes (Accessible areas only) |
| Mixed Meadows and Woodland | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation Maintenance Visit (weeding, spot mowing) | 2x year | 1x per year | As time allows |
| Burn Frequency | Currently piloting 3-year burn cycle on select sites | Currently piloting 3-year burn cycle on select sites | None |
| Invasive Brush Removal | 1x, every 3 years | 1x, every 3 years | None |
| Planting | Supplemental native trees, shrubs, plugs or seed | Supplemental native trees, shrubs, plugs or seed | Supplemental native trees, shrubs, plugs or seed |
| Floral Survey Frequency | 1x, every 3-5 years | 1x, every 5-10 years | None |
| Annual Mow | None | Yes - Accessible areas only (for sites that are not on prescribed burn schedule) | Yes (Accessible areas only) |
| Turf | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mow | Turf is only considered Tier 3 because of the lack of biodiversity. | Mow four times per year |
Native Communities
Identification of specific, sensitive native communities is ongoing. Management strategies will likely mirror Tier levels but may include additional resources to protect and enhance the community. A goal of the SWU is to map and identify these communities and determine additional resources required for long term management (e.g., treating increasing non-climate and climate impacts on oak woodlands).