Mecklenburg County was looking for a boardwalk solution for Flat Branch Nature Preserve, one of the largest upland depression swamp forests remaining in the county. As these delicate wetlands are critical for the local ecosystem- namely, amphibian breeding, the boardwalk needed to sit above the ground and not penetrate it while also preserving tree root systems.
Installing the boardwalk in such a sensitive environment was also a point of concern for Mecklenburg County’s project managers.
After analyzing the long-term cost savings of a concrete product, Mecklenburg County decided on a PermaTrak boardwalk system.
After setting the PermaTrak pier footings in place by hand, the installing contractor minimized tree and wetland surface disturbance through a top down construction method. PermaTrak’s modular boardwalk system allows for the system to flex with the seasonal ground movement.
Two boardwalk segments now create a walkway through the heavily wooded areas. The project also includes a unique outlook/observation deck that will be used as an outdoor classroom for local elementary school students.