EPG was selected by the Flood Control District of Maricopa County as part of the consultant team to develop alternatives for the overall rehabilitation or replacement of the Buckeye FRS No. 1. EPG was responsible for the scenery resource assessment, the incorporation of multi-use recreation and environmental opportunities, and assisting in the public and stakeholder involvement activities of the project.

As part of the scenery resource assessment, EPG assessed the existing, planned future, and historic landscape character, scenic quality, scenic integrity, existing visibility, and visual resource sensitivity for the project area. As part of the multi-use recreation assessment, EPG identified multi-use recreation management zones, and developed a multi-use/recreation plan for the project area that responds to the Town of Buckeye’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan and incorporates the Maricopa trail. Additionally, EPG is leading the project efforts to develop a wildlife linkage between the White Tank Mountains and the Hassayampa River.

The scenery resource and multi-use recreation assessments are being used to incorporate landscape aesthetics into the project alternatives development. Project alternatives are being evaluated based on how well they perform the critical flood protection requirements of the project, as well as meet the project’s aesthetic, recreation, and multi-use goals and objectives. The project team, including EPG, is assisting in development of the Environmental Assessment prepared by the NRCS for the project.