Frost Ranch Creek Restoration Project

Frost Ranch Property, southern El Paso County

Project Details

  • Project Channel Length: 4,238 feet
  •  Total Project Cost: $1.4 Million
  • Start Date: Fall 2027 (date TBD, waiting on FEMA permits)
A steep cliff or wall on the Frost Ranch caused by Fountain Creek erosion under a clear blue sky
Severe bankside erosion at Frost Ranch.
Fountain Creek flows through a sandy landscape, bordered by vegetation and cliffs under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
Upstream image of Frost Ranch stream reach.
A grassy eroded area at the Frost Ranch Creek Restoration site featuring a gully and a person standing nearby under a clear blue sky.
A wide-open landscape with a steep, eroded edge revealing a drop-off, surrounded by sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Deep arroyo erosion offshoot from stream channel.
Fountain Creek flows through dry, rugged landscape under a clear blue sky, with bright sunlight reflecting on the water.
Downstream image of Frost Ranch stream reach.
A steep cliff or wall on the Frost Ranch caused by Fountain Creek erosion under a clear blue sky
Fountain Creek flows through a sandy landscape, bordered by vegetation and cliffs under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
A grassy eroded area at the Frost Ranch Creek Restoration site featuring a gully and a person standing nearby under a clear blue sky.
A wide-open landscape with a steep, eroded edge revealing a drop-off, surrounded by sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Fountain Creek flows through dry, rugged landscape under a clear blue sky, with bright sunlight reflecting on the water.

Project Summary

The Fountain Creek Watershed District (FCWD) is advancing work along the Frost Ranch Property in order to combat severe streambank erosion and reduce sediment transport through Fountain Creek. The project is designed to stabilize eroding streambanks and reduce sediment loading through in-river techniques, such as the construction of bendway weirs, rootwad logs, wood posts, and sediment wedges utilizing live willow clusters.

The project will consist of four phases. Phase 1 includes access and site preparation as well as the installation of erosion and sediment control BMPs. Phase 2 will focus on side channel and wetland excvation to re-establish a historic flow channel. Phase 4 will include the instalation of the grade control structures, habitat features, as well as the abovementioned in-river tehniques for sediment control and bank stabilization. Lastly, flow will be restore and the project will undergo revegetation efforts.

By focuses our efforts on stabilizing the stream channel, reducing erosion, and restoring riparian habitat, we aim to improve long-term watershed health.

Why Frost Ranch

This reach has experienced ongoing bank erosion and channel adjustment, creating risks to habitat, water quality, and long-term corridor stability. By working with Naranjo Civil Constructors, we plan to stabilize the streambanks and reduce sediment loading while improving the channe; fucntion and long-term geomorphic stability.  The goal is to restore the native riparain vegetation and habitat, protect the infrastructure of our communities, and enhance the overall watershed resilience along Fountain Creek.

To date, FCWD has successfully secured multiple funding sources to advance design and permitting:

  • CWCB Technical Assistance Grant: $139,198 (supports 60% design)
  • CWCB Water Plan Grant: $137,013.80 (supports advancement from 60% to 100% design)
  • Monetary Mitigation Fund (MMF): $1,000,000 budgeted for implementation

Looking Ahead

Over the coming year, FCWD will continue advancing final design, permitting, and implementation planning. This project is part of the District’s broader commitment to deliver targeted, high-impact restoration projects that protect people, property, and the natural systems of the Fountain Creek Watershed.

Frost Area 60% Design Report, Aug 2025