In addition to meeting the applicable design and construction criteria in Env-Wt 300, boardwalks shall meet the following design and construction requirements:

1. (a) Boardwalks shall not be located in or through any PRA if the use associated with the boardwalk would jeopardize the continued existence of protected species or habitat;

2. (b) To allow for circulation of air and water and penetration of light, boardwalks shall be designed and constructed:

   1. (1) To be elevated not less than 4 feet for tidal wetlands and at least 2 feet for non-tidal wetlands above the ground surface or normal high water line, as applicable; and
   2. (2) With grating, or slatted decking with boards no wider than 8 to 10 inches, spaced no less than 0.75 inches apart, or if necessary to meet ADA requirements, no less than 0.5 inches apart;
3. (c) Boardwalks shall be at least 3 feet wide and no wider than 6 feet;

4. (d) Boardwalks crossing wetlands shall be designed and located to:

   1. (1) Allow for movement of wildlife and maintain density and vigor of vegetation; and
   2. (2) Minimize interference with the natural hydrology of the area;
5. (e) Boardwalks shall incorporate features designed to educate users about the importance of wetlands, transition areas, and public waters;
6. (f) Boardwalks shall be constructed using top-down construction methods, helical piles, and other methods to limit impacts to sensitive wetlands and surface waters;
7. (g) A boardwalk shall not be supported by horizontal support timbers, otherwise known as sleepers, on or in the soil, except that on hiking trails, a log foot bridge may have timber sleepers on the soils; and
8. (h) The root mat and soil under and around the boardwalk shall not be disturbed except to drive pilings.

Source. #12805, eff 12-15-19; amd by #13124, eff 10-23-20; ss by #13776, eff 10-13-23