FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of the Schultz Creek Channel Stabilization Project between Elden Lookout Road and Highway 180. This stream restoration project will stabilize and restore the Schultz Creek channel, which was severely degraded during the 2022 Pipeline Fire and subsequent flooding events.
Channel stabilization restores the stream bank and bed, preventing erosion from moving sediment and debris into the Rio de Flag and Frances Short Pond. Frances Short Pond received over 5,000 cubic yards of ash, sediment, and debris since the Pipeline Fire, requiring a complete dredge and repair this year. The Schultz Creek Channel Stabilization Project will reduce the risk of further repairs at the pond and will also help to keep stormwater infrastructure clear and flowing.
The project is being delivered by the City of Flagstaff with design services provided by Natural Channel Design LLC and construction services by Tiffany Construction. The project breaks ground Sept. 18 and will be completed by December. The National Resource Conservation Service Emergency Watershed Protection Project provides 75 percent of the $921,000 cost for construction, with the City Stormwater Section providing design costs and match funding.
The City would like to thank private property owner cooperators, the National Resource Conservation Service, and the community for their patience and understanding as we continue to implement post-wildfire mitigations.
Please contact Ed Schenk, Stormwater Section Director, with any questions at Edward.schenk@flagstaffaz.gov. More information on post-wildfire projects can be found at flagstaff.az.gov/PipelineWestfor the Pipeline Fire West drainages and at museumfloodprojects.com for the Museum Fire/Spruce Wash.