Lake Stevens Outlet Restoration Project

At the heart of the City of Lake Stevens a broad-scale revitalization effort is getting underway: The Lake Stevens Outlet Restoration Project. This initiative draws on traditional management of the lake and scientific studies that advance goals in managing downtown flooding, supporting water quality, and augmenting fish habitats. The lake's Outlet Channel is a ditched stream that was central to local commerce since the early 20th Century when the Rucker Brothers Lumber Company erected a mill at North Cove. Community values of the original Lake Outlet Channel (historically referred to as Lower Stevens Creek), with a broad floodplain supporting wildlife and scenic views, is regained in this innovative approach to restoring the historic creek. It will touch upon the past while securing a better future.

Moving forward, the past research, studies, and endeavors focused on the Outlet Channel and Lower Stevens Creek inform the next steps to restoring this channel and addressing the flooding downtown. This project will design the restoration of a portion of the historic channel along Hartford Drive. The project includes channel restoration and bridge infrastructure. Preliminary site sites will include site data collection, hydrologic modeling, and permit coordination. This work will improve aquatic and terrestrial habitats, reduce localized flooding, and enhance water quality. This project is financed by grant funding administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Community Grant Program.

Stay tuned for more information on this project and ways to engage with the City through the design phase!