Reecer Creek Floodplain Restoration

In 1999, the City of Ellensburg purchased 100 acres of agricultural property adjacent to West Ellensburg Park to provide additional recreational area and flood control. Reecer Creek, a tributary of the Yakima River, was constrained within a levee through the property.

The levee constricted flow, causing flooding on upstream and adjacent properties. The Reecer Creek Floodplain Enhancement project included removal of the existing levee and construction of a new setback levee. Relocating the levee away from the creek created opportunities for stream channel enhancement, stream connectivity with a larger floodplain, and habitat Restoration along the length of Reecer Creek.

The design and construction was funded by several agencies, including the City of Ellensburg, Salmon Recovery Funding Board, Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife, Bonneville Power Administration, and the Yakama Nation.

Gray & Osborne prepared plans and specifications which incorporated survey, geotechnical, and some design from a previously funded project as well as providing project coordination and liaison with the permitting agencies, City of Ellensburg, Yakama Nation, and the public.