Rose Creek Hardscape Naturalization Project

The Rose Creek Hardscape Naturalization Project (RCHNP) will address the feasibility of improving wetland function, stream integrity and reconnection of the wildlife corridor within concrete channelized sections of urban waterway, also know as "Hardscape" channels. The RCHNP will remediate these negative effects by "naturalizing" the area within the existing hardscaped channel. This approach will use an integration of biology and engineering practices commonly used for enhancing stream habitat in natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and around the country, as well as newly developed concepts specific to the Rose Creek location. These methods will involve the addition of permanent structures to create a varied flow regime, and the introduction of wetland plants into the hardscape channel, creating shade, slowing the water, and encouraging sediment and organic matter deposition in key locations. This will promote reconnection of previously segmented watercourse habitats. All hardscape structural additions will be engineered to remain secure during peak stormflow events without promoting flooding above the hardscape channel walls. The practice of hardscaping in urban streams has been successful in addressing human need and urban development, however is negligent in addressing the long-term health of the watercourse, including its native fish and wildlife populations. The RCHNP seeks to address this habitat marginalization without disruption of human and urban needs.