The Coconino County Flood Control District and Coconino National Forest will begin the first phase of the Schultz Creek Basin Restoration Project this spring.

This watershed restoration project is a response to the post-fire flooding caused by the 2022 pipeline fire, which damaged the Schultz Creek watershed and dramatically increased flow and erosion levels in Schultz Creek. and overwhelmed the stormwater infrastructure downstream of the city of Flagstaff.

Photo credit: Coconino National Forest

of Coconino County Flood Management District The (district) began work on the project on May 22, with the first phase of construction expected to last until June.

“The Coconino County Flood Control District is committed to reducing the impact of post-fire flooding on communities through watershed rehabilitation and flood mitigation,” said Lucinda Andreani, Coconino County Flood Control Administrator. Stated. “Forest flood mitigation, such as that being built in the Schultz Creek Basin, is an innovation that reduces the potential for sediment and debris to overwhelm the downstream stormwater system.”

During construction, the Schulz Pass Road across the Coconino NF boundary will be closed to motorized vehicles, but will remain open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. About 800m of the Chimney Trail north of Schultz Y will also be closed to all users.

Due to the presence of heavy machinery in the forest and roads, residents and recreational participants in this area should exercise caution near construction areas.

“We understand the importance of this project to the community,” said Nick Musto, Coconino National Forest Sub-District Ranger. “The Flagstaff Ranger District has been working with the district and partners on mitigation efforts since last summer. It is meaningful to

The district has contracted Natural Channel Design to build structures designed to reduce the level of river sedimentation and erosion (referred to as a ‘plug and spread’ feature). By slowing and diffusing floodwaters, these features serve a similar function to other watershed restoration projects in the museum and the successful alluvial fan restorations carried out at the Schultz Fire Site. ‘Plug and Spread’ is minimally invasive and takes advantage of existing creek bed contours to slow and spread floods while protecting natural terrain and foliage.

This will allow the city of Flagstaff’s new detention center, located at the confluence of Schultz Pass Road and Mount Elden Lookout Road (also known as “Shultz Y”), to function effectively.

“We appreciate the tremendous effort that Natural Channel Design has put into designing a project that supports this critical need while minimizing the impact on our beloved Schultz Creek landscape. , we appreciate the patience and understanding of the Flagstaff community as they work to provide timely and adequate service.”It’s an effective sediment reduction project,” Andreani added.

Phase 2 of the Schultz Creek Basin Restoration is scheduled to take place in the second half of 2023. This includes erosion reduction measures further upstream in watersheds that serve as important sediment sources for downstream flows.

Restoration of the Schultz Creek watershed is estimated to cost more than $5.4 million. Funding for this project comes from the US Forest Service through a congressional-approved fund.

“This is an important recreational area for the Ranger District,” Mustow added. “From the beginning of this project, we had a design focus on minimizing trail impact and preserving the integrity of the area. I’m confident.”

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