Markham Ravine Nature Area plan OK'd

Picnic areas, trails, information kiosks and even a nature area are some of the amenities proposed for Lincoln's Markham Ravine Nature Area.The Lincoln City Council took a major step toward developing the area within the city limits when it adopted the Markham Ravine Nature Area's master plan on Nov. 22. In addition, the council authorized city staff to proceed with the preparation of construction documents for two of the six segments of the project area."This is a vision of beauty, an oasis, a centerpiece, within the midst of an urbanized community," Bill Plumb told the council. Plumb is head of the Markham Ravine Committee, which helped develop the master plan.Carl Walker, senior civil engineer with the city of Lincoln, told council members the conceptual master site plan identifies specific trails and facilities through the Markham Ravine Nature Area. He noted there are five major components for proposed improvements:n Recreation: Passive recreational opportunities include trails, picnic facilities and nature viewing areas.n Habitat: Protection, improvement and restoration of riparian habitat to benefit wildlife habitat and water quality.n Flood management: Restoration and improvement of the open space.n Conversion to river parkway: Conversion of existing development, where feasible, to uses consistent with the ravine.n Conservation and interpretive enhancements: Provisions for facilities to support and interpret creek restoration and conservation activities to increase public awareness, understanding and enjoyment of the nature area.To help facilitate the phasing of the master site plan, the Markham Ravine Nature Area is divided into six segments.Three segments are located north of Nicolaus Road. They are the Foskett Ranch, Teal Hollow and Lincoln Airport Center segments.Three segments are located south of Nicolaus Road. They are the old wastewater treatment plant, the Brookview subdivision and Joiner Park.Kit Veerkamp of Foothill Associates, which helped draft the master plan, explained some of the amenities proposed for the nature area.The Foskett Ranch element spans the area from the Sierra Pacific Industries plant on the east to the Teal Hollow subdivision to the west.As part of the Foskett Ranch segment, it's been proposed to construct a trail from the elementary school and adjacent future regional park along the vernal pools into the ravine. Veerkamp said new wetlands, riparian habitat and oak woodlands would be created.It's proposed to use the regional park's parking lot as a staging area for people wishing to access the nature area, and add drinking fountains and picnic tables. An interpretive kiosk along the trail is planned to educate people about the value of the adjacent vernal pool habitat, and interpretive signage is proposed west of Joiner Parkway to provide information about a detention basis, created wetlands and restoration components.Since Joiner Parkway bisects the Markham Ravine corridor, it's proposed that a pedestrian crossing be used to allow people to cross the roadway safely, possibly utilizing a pedestrian signal.The Teal Hollow segment spans the area from the Foskett Ranch subdivision to Teal Hollow Drive. It includes the Markham Park neighborhood park.Veerkamp noted a kiosk is planned for Markham Park that will explain the ecosystem of the ravine and a detention pond in the area that is used for flood control. There is a levee along the detention pond and it's proposed to construct a bridge halfway between the levee and Teal Hollow Drive to cross the creek.Pedestrian crossings are planned on Lakeside and Teal Hollow drives.Veerkamp also discussed amenities planned for each of the other segments of the nature area.One of the major proposals is the construction of a pedestrian overcrossing above Nicolaus Road. A nature center, with a parking lot, has been proposed to be located just north of Nicolaus Road near the west end of the nature area. A wildlife pond is proposed where the old wastewater treatment is located.Council members enthusiastically endorsed the nature area's master plan."It's a very positive amenity for our community," Mayor Tom Cosgrove said. - Richard Myers can be reached at richardm@goldcountrymedia.com.