Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration

The Westside Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project is an approved U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and San Antonio River Authority project supporting the restoration of 11 miles of San Pedro, Alazán, Apache, and Martinez creeks that were previously channelized for flood protection, however, the channelization significantly degraded the aquatic and riparian habitat and the stability of the riverine system. If federal funding is authorized through the appropriation process, the USACE will fund 65% of the costs of the restoration elements and 50% of the recreational elements of the project. The improvements will include restoration of the channel, improved aquatic habitat quality, and reestablished native landscaping including mixed riparian meadow and riparian woody vegetation. Improvements will support vital avian habitat in an urban environment in the Central Flyway providing ecological diversity to accommodate the riverine stop-over habitat needs of a wide range of migratory and resident bird species. In addition, the project will augment the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails System recently completed along these creeks to support recreational use of the creeks. The ecosystem restoration project will also improve water quality and preserve the important flood conveyance role of the creeks.