Reclamation of natural streams within the confines of Seattle has been an ongoing project for over a decade, results have been released in a report outlining many of the ills, successes, and cost of the effort.

Entitled “State of the Waters 2007,” the report outlines what you may suspect; treatment of the streams and banks can restore some of the balance of nature, but the original problems remain, runoff from city streets carrying a blend of industrial chemicals, and as the surrounding areas are completely paved, the volume of water entering the recovering waterway can scour it clean of life.

With normal rainfall, and 60% of the watershed covered in pavement, the report estimates that the water volume in the creek channel to be 4 to 5 times that of the same watershed if forested. “Bank armoring” to protect homeowners from erosion, add measurably to the problem.

Bank restoration and instream rip-rap have been part of the “restoration arsenal” for many years. Many angling clubs have yearly outings to assist state agencies in cleanup and restoration efforts. The report suggests that many in-stream issues cannot be addressed by working on the obvious stuff; trash removal, adding gravel for spawning, etc. Many issues have roots hundreds of yards from the actual watercourse.

But the creeks and lakes would never be mistaken for pristine, no matter how much time and money are invested.

It’s a subject dear to me as I fish a similar creek nearby. While it is not confined by the city, it shares many of the same issues. An interesting read, especially if your club is considering “adopting” a creek nearby.

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