Magenta Drain Restoration

The Magenta Drain Restoration Project is a habitat restoration effort that will occur along an approximately 800 linear-foot segment of Magenta Drain within Memorial Park. Magenta Drain is a historically altered, artificial channel originally constructed in the mid 1800s to convey groundwater and mining discharges from the Empire Mine area. Although legacy mining contamination has been remediated, the channel remains highly degraded and ecologically impaired, characterized by a steep, uniform V-shaped profile, disturbed fill substrates, limited channel complexity, and a riparian corridor dominated by invasive plant species and nonnative ornamental trees. Existing conditions provide minimal aquatic or riparian habitat and limited ecological function. The project will restore approximately 0.73 acre, with 0.67 acre (91%) consisting of habitat restoration activities. Restoration components include re-contouring the channel and banks in key areas totaling 0.09 acres to improve stability and hydrologic function, habitat boulder augmentation within approximately 0.08 acres to increase channel complexity and aquatic microhabitats (of this 0.08 acres, individual habitat boulders total 0.02-acres with the remaining area consisting of the existing substrate), and invasive species removal and native riparian revegetation across approximately 0.56 acres. Revegetation will utilize regionally appropriate native riparian trees, shrubs, and understory species to establish a dense canopy to improve shading and suppress reestablishment of invasive species while enhancing wildlife habitat. Approximately 0.03 acres of vegetated rock slope protection will be installed to replace an existing vertical retaining wall using bioengineered methods that stabilize banks while supporting ecological processes. Minor recreational improvements totaling approximately 0.07 acres (9% of the project area) are included and are incidental to the habitat restoration objectives. These consist of a gravel trail (approximately 0.05 acres) and limited creek access steps and seat boulders (approximately 0.01 acres) to provide controlled public access and viewing opportunities while avoiding disturbance to restored habitats. The project does not include new buildings, expansion of developed uses, or changes in land use designation. All work is limited to restoration and enhancement of an existing degraded drainage corridor. Upon completion, the project will result in a more stable and ecologically functional riparian ecosystem that improves habitat quality, channel stability, and ecological processes compared to existing conditions.