The goals of the Stream Restoration Project are to: 1) construct a stable, meandering stream channel from the end of the concrete flume to the Rio Grande River; 2) vegetate the riparian corridor with regionally appropriate grasses and trees; 3) monitor the channel morphology, vegetation success, and biologic re-colonization following construction; and 4) produce data, maps, and reports for dissemination of information regarding the approach to stream restoration and success.

Lower Willow Creek is located on an alluvial fan that was likely created during paleoflood events.  At some point the stream corridor was disturbed from its natural (and likely stable) condition; a braided stream resulted and has since existed. Potential causes of this braiding include vegetation removal during settlement and heavy sediment loading during mining operations. The lack of braiding in local reference streams, as identified by similar geomorphology, indicates that this stream pattern is not due to natural processes.

During high flows in this braided Rosgen D3 channel, the bars and islands alternatingly aggrade and degrade with the constantly changing flow dynamics. Since the braided bankfull channel is wide and shallow, the sediment transport rate per unit width is relatively low for a mountain stream, and the stream is inefficient at carrying the sediment that has been mobilized from the watershed. In a braided stream, the prevalence of high velocity gradients means that more bank and bed is subject to near-bank stress than in a narrower, deeper Rosgen C3 channel. This, in addition to the lack of bank vegetation, greatly facilitates mobilization of bank and bed material.

Additionally, in profile Willow Creek lacks the riffle-pool morphology typical in reference streams. It is, in essence, just one long riffle.  Transforming this type of braided channel into a more stable form will greatly decrease local erosion. A vegetation-armored, hydraulically efficient cross-section will transport the sediment mobilized from the watershed while greatly minimizing mobilization of bank and bed material. Cross-vanes and J-hooks will also decrease bank shear stress and provide energy dissipation.

Since 1999, the WCRC has worked in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Forest Service, Colorado Forest Service, and Colorado State University Cooperative Extension to evaluate revegetation options for riparian and floodplain areas.  These trials have incorporated various species of trees, shrubs, and grasses, as well as soil amendments.  Discussions of these trials and preliminary evaluations are provided in the report, Re-vegetation Trials, Willow Creek Floodplain, 1999-2003.

In April 2007, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service finalized Willow Creek Stream Restoration: Planning Study. The purpose of this study was "to collect and present available data and publications on the [Willow Creek] floodplain into one package, to provide informed alternatives and recommendations for a restoration". In addition, this report also characterizes the watershed, and provides cost estimates for the various alternatives presented. To view this report please click here.

Based on the NRCS conceptual design presented in the report, the WCRC has applied for, and successfully been granted CO Non-point source funds to improve water quality and fish habitat in the Lower Willow Creek floodplain. The Committee is currently seeking additional funding for other environmental and programmatic goals not covered by the CO Non-point source grant. Local support has been tremendous for such an effort, and over $280,000 in In Kind and cash contributions have been pledged.