Cordilleras Creek Restoration Project

Abstract:

The proposed project to undertake the removal a major modification in the stream channel and restore the existing degraded condition of the riparian corridor of a highly visible portion of Cordilleras Creek, a natural stream channel.  Activities for this project will include: removal of an existing vehicle bridge and footings spanning the creek channel; regrading portions of the channel banks; and recreating a functioning riparian corridor through removal of exotic species and bioengineering.  The existing vehicle bridge will be replaced by a clear spanning pedestrian bridge.  This project is intended to achieve public awareness of urban creek stewardship by implementing a demonstration project that includes stream/riparian protection and restoration that uses public participation, and provides public education.   The replacement bridge will provide access between the Redwood High School campus and the school’s native plant nursery (a former parking lot which was accessed by the existing bridge impacting Cordilleras Creek). Thus, the project is intended to instill ongoing stewardship of Cordilleras Creek through 1) support of a native propagation program on-site at the Redwood High School Student Nursery and student monitoring of its progress 2) education and outreach through workshops and community workdays for creekside residents and interested community members; and 3) signage on site describing the project purpose and objectives with information about the project sponsors/funders, and who to contact if they want to take part in Cordilleras Creek stewards program.

Purpose: Following the 1998 El Nino flooding, the City of Redwood City funded and undertook the task of determining causes of flooding in Redwood City (and specifically along Cordilleras Creek) and potential solutions for addressing flooding. The result of this task was discussed in the Strategy to Address Flooding Problems in Friendly Acres/East Bay Shore and Centennial Neighborhoods issued by Redwood City Public Works Services in January 2000 (Strategy Study). The Strategy Study detailed several recommendations to address Cordilleras Creek flooding. The Study determined that much of the flooding in the Cordilleras Creek corridor was linked to upstream residents and their behaviors and practices. The Study included a recommendation to hire a program coordinator to work with creekside residents on flooding and restoration issues in Cordilleras Creek. The Strategy Study was adopted by the City Council in February 2000. The proposed project(s) is intended to build upon the work done as part of the Study.

Keywords:

Watersed Management Strategies:

Functional Areas: