Set against the beautiful backdrop of Nelson, BC, our project zeroes in on a critical issue facing the Railtown community: the flood risk presented by Cottonwood Creek, particularly during the Spring freshet. Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, our initiative is dedicated solely to reinforcing the creek banks. By employing advanced engineering techniques and sustainable practices, we aim to stabilize the creek's banks, thus preventing erosion, controlling water flow, and significantly reducing the flood threat to Railtown. This targeted approach not only ensures the safety of our community but also preserves the natural habitat around Cottonwood Creek, balancing human needs with ecological considerations.

Our project strategy involves closely collaborating with local stakeholders, including Railtown residents, environmental scientists, and municipal officials, to develop and implement a bank improvement plan that is both effective and respectful of the area’s environmental integrity. Through focused efforts on bank stabilization, we aim to enhance Railtown's resilience against flooding, safeguarding homes, businesses, and public spaces. This project is about more than just flood prevention; it's about community empowerment, environmental stewardship, and creating a sustainable future for Cottonwood Creek and those who call Railtown home.

Railtown, located in Nelson, BC, is threatened by the potential of flooding from Cottonwood Creek, especially during the spring freshet. Historical records show that a severe flood decades ago caused significant damage to the community. To prevent a recurrence, alterations were made to the creek, involving concrete embankments designed to control the water flow. While these measures have been effective in preventing similar flood damage, they have come at a considerable cost to the local ecosystem, particularly harming fish habitats.

The challenge now is that these existing flood defenses are inadequate in the face of climate change. Increased rainfall and more intense weather events, both effects of a warming climate, have raised the risk of a catastrophic flood that could overwhelm the current infrastructure. The situation presents a pressing need for Railtown to find a new, sustainable approach to flood management that can protect the community from future threats without further compromising the creek's natural ecosystem.

1. Establish Bioengineered Bank Reinforcements: Utilize live staking and vegetative riprap methods to strengthen and stabilize the creek banks naturally, encouraging root growth that will prevent soil erosion and enhance bank stability.

2. Incorporate Natural Erosion Control Materials: Employ biodegradable materials like coir logs to safeguard the creek's banks, support plant growth, and integrate ecological principles into erosion management practices.

3. Enhance Riparian Buffer Zones: Develop and recover riparian buffer zones using native plants along the creek to improve water quality, stabilize the bank soil, and create wildlife habitats.

4. Implement Streambank Grading: Re-profile and reshape the creek banks to more natural slopes, reducing the velocity of stream flow along the banks and diminishing erosion risks.

5. Develop Green Infrastructure Solutions: Plan and implement green infrastructure elements such as rain gardens or constructed wetlands in the surrounding areas to absorb, filter runoff, and minimize its impact on the creek.

6. Use Permeable Pavements for Nearby Infrastructure: Ensure pathways and infrastructural developments near the creek utilize permeable pavements to decrease runoff and increase groundwater infiltration, mitigating flood risks.

7. Collaborate with Local Stakeholders: Work closely with Railtown residents, environmental scientists, municipal officials, and other stakeholders to design and execute a bank improvement plan that aligns with the community’s needs and environmental sustainability goals.

8. Enhance Community and Ecosystem Resilience: Through targeted bank stabilization and sustainable flood management practices, protect homes, businesses, and public spaces from flooding while preserving and enriching the natural ecosystem of Cottonwood Creek.

Currently looking for leadership.