Masciantonio Trust Bank Restoration Project

Project Details

  • Project Channel Length: 1,500 feet
  • Total Project Cost: $2 Million
  • Completion: April 2018
Riparian creekside adjacent to Fountain Creek with scattered trees under a clear blue sky.
Fountain Creek at Masciantonio project site before construction.
The image shows a dry riverbed with sandy terrain, sparse vegetation, and a few trees under a clear blue sky.
Creek before project construction.
Restoration project on Fountain Creek
View of creek after project completion.
Aerial view of a dried riverbed with sandy soil, sparse vegetation, and a background of green trees and fields.
Creek bend before project construction.
Clear Spring Ranch
View of creek bend after project completion.
Riparian creekside adjacent to Fountain Creek with scattered trees under a clear blue sky.
The image shows a dry riverbed with sandy terrain, sparse vegetation, and a few trees under a clear blue sky.
Restoration project on Fountain Creek
Aerial view of a dried riverbed with sandy soil, sparse vegetation, and a background of green trees and fields.
Clear Spring Ranch

Project Summary

The Masciantonio Trust Bank Restoration Project restored approximately 1,500 feet of Fountain Creek in northern Pueblo County to address severe bank erosion and channel migration that threatened agricultural land and increased sediment entering the creek.

To stabilize the stream, the Fountain Creek Watershed District constructed an earthen bankfull bench, installed seven bendway weirs, improved the Young Hollow Tributary, and completed extensive revegetation efforts. More than 5,000 willow and cottonwood plantings, along with riparian and upland seeding, were installed to strengthen streambanks, improve habitat, and support long-term channel stability. Construction was completed in April 2018.

Why Masciantonio? 

Years of channel migration caused significant bank erosion, resulting in the loss of agricultural land and increased sediment entering Fountain Creek. By stabilizing the streambanks, restoring native vegetation, and improving channel function, the project protects adjacent properties, reduces sediment loading, and creates a healthier, more resilient creek corridor.