Downtown development, the railroad, and other land uses from the past 150 years resulted in the channelization and realignment of the Trout Creek channel, upsetting natural channel processes such as bedload movement, habitat creation, hydrology, and riparian connectivity. Despite past efforts to “control” Trout Creek, flooding remained a significant problem. In addition, the biological and aesthetic value of the channel was degraded.

To reverse this trend, Waterways is engaged in a long-term effort to restore Trout Creek, a process that is expected to include multiple design and implementation phases. The primary project objectives are to:

•         Restore natural geomorphic function to lower Trout Creek and reduce fine sediment loads into the channel,
•         Improve ecological function through riparian corridor restoration and enhancement of aquatic habitat,
•         Improve water quality by treating local runoff from surrounding urban land uses,
•         Provide 100-year flood protection through the project reach,
•         Improve the recreational and aesthetic value of Trout Creek.

Restoration design and implementation is being pursued in multiple phases as funding becomes available to upgrade and replace existing infrastructure and utilities. Waterways’ role includes project planning, restoration design, stormwater management planning, project permitting, and stakeholder review.