Colgan Creek Restoration Project

“An ambitious but long-delayed bid to restore an urban creek in southwest Santa Rosa to a more natural state took a key step forward this week when the city awarded the construction contract for the first phase of the project.” Press Democrat

The City of Santa Rosa and Redwood Empire Chapter of Trout Unlimited are sponsoring a project to restore a section of Colgan Creek, in south Santa Rosa.  The funding for this project is from the California Department of Water Resources Urban Streams Restoration Grant.

During the course of the project, 1.3 miles of straightened flood control channel near Elsie Allen High School will be transformed into a beautiful natural setting by restoring a more natural channel form and features. The design will improve both the riparian habitat and provide more flood capacity in the channel.

The purpose of the project is to enhance fish and wildlife habitat and the quality of life for local citizens by

  • restoring the creek and riparian corridor

  • providing aquatic and wildlife habitat,

  • improving water quality,

  • providing public access and recreation opportunities

  • enhancing flood conveyance

As Colgan Creek is being restored, Trout Unlimited will work with all the schools in the watershed, engaging students in location-based, hands-on science.

Acknowledgements

The following individuals made helpful contributions:
Benjamin Benson, Pepperwood
Susan Billie, Bead Fever, Ukiah
Michelle Halbur, Pepperwood
Diane Higgins, Salmon in the Classroom, Arcata
Stephanie Lennox, Envirichment
Sean McNeil, Steve Brady & Katie Robinson, City of Santa Rosa
Sherrie Smith-Ferri. Grace Hudson Museum ,Ukiah
Phil Van Soelen, California Flora Nursery, Fulton
Redwood Empire Trout Unlimited Board and Volunteers