Frost Ranch Creek Restoration Project

Project Overview

The Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control and Greenway District (FCWD) is advancing restoration planning for the Frost Ranch reach of Fountain Creek in El Paso County. This project focuses on stabilizing the stream channel, reducing erosion, and restoring riparian habitat to improve long-term watershed health.

Frost Ranch represents an important opportunity to address active channel instability while protecting adjacent land and enhancing ecological function along Fountain Creek.

Project Location

The project is located along Fountain Creek at the Frost Ranch property in northern El Paso County within the Fountain Creek Watershed. This reach has experienced ongoing bank erosion and channel adjustment, creating risks to habitat, water quality, and long-term corridor stability.

Images of the Frost Ranch Creek Restoration Project Area

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.
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 Objectives

The Frost Ranch Creek Restoration Project is designed to:

  • Stabilize eroding streambanks and reduce sediment loading
  • Improve channel function and long-term geomorphic stability
  • Restore native riparian vegetation and habitat
  • Protect adjacent property and infrastructure
  • Enhance 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