In order to effectively remediate a piece of property back to its full environmental potential, a concise plan must be developed and implemented. This plan must define the goals of the project, devise a way to measure the progress towards these ends, develop a series of actions that bring results, and finally monitor any successes or failures along the way (so that they may either be corrected or act as a lesson for the future). Duquesne University has taken the intitative to draw up a proposal for one such plan. This plan has taken to account comments and suggestions from all stakeholders of the project and will continue to make use of their input.

• Maximize biodiversity at the Murphy’s Bottom site
• Preserve and enhance habitat for species of special concern
• Particular focus on enhancing aquatic habitat
• Manage/extirpate invasive species
• Removal of debris and structures from past mining/processing activity
• Reflect the input of a wide array of stakeholders
• Serve as a model for future habitat enhancement projects
• Facilitate further study at the site

In June 2011, an official baseline report and master plan document were released by the university. Links to these (.pdf) can be found below:

Existing Conditions Report - June 2011
Master Plan Report - June 2011

 

In order to further these goals, the actions below have been proposed (2/18/2009):

Maintain Early Successional Shrub Land Upland Scrub / Shrub, Old Field / Scrub Some Transitional Forest along lake trail Add Bluebird nest boxes Control Invasive Plant Species Allow Some Transitional Forest to Mature South side of lake and annex peninsula American Chestnut Propagation Area Replace some Old Field and Scrub / Shrub Wood Duck Nest Boxes Osprey Nesting Platforms Bat Boxes Maintain Existing Walking Trails Observation Platforms Connect River to Lake Improve diversity of fish/provide spawning habitat Specific method for this connection still under evaluation Ancillary Activities Grading/Demoliton Site access RR crossing Relocate switch point Barge removal from basin Boat ramp/dock Utilities General purpose building Parking Amenities LEED certified