Dartford Creek Floodplain Reconnection Project
Dec 20, 2023
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 aims to enhance streamflow in approximately 700 linear feet of Dartford Creek, a tributary to the Little Spokane River. This will be achieved by implementing a series of post-assisted beaver dam analogs, incorporating large woody debris, establishing riparian plantings, and restructuring the banks. The project’s primary objectives are to reduce erosion, improve water quality parameters such as temperature and turbidity, and enhance floodplain function and water storage capacity.
To effectively monitor the project’s impact on the stream, the Spokane Conservation District has installed a groundwater monitoring system using shallow monitoring wells known as piezometers. These piezometers will enable the tracking of groundwater levels throughout the year, both before and after the project implementation. The goal is to assess whether the floodplain reconnection elevates the water table over time. Last month, ten piezometers were installed along two transects perpendicular to the creek. The project is scheduled for construction in Summer 2024.
Overall, the Dartford Creek Floodplain Reconnection Project holds great promise in improving streamflow dynamics, addressing erosion concerns, enhancing water quality, and reinforce the ecological function of the floodplain.
Project Lead: Jacob Taylor, SCD Watershed Management Specialist
View photos from the project here.