The City of Ketchum and Wood River Land Trust (WRLT) have made it official. They will collaborate to explore the restoration of the Warm Springs Creek and riparian area of Warm Springs Preserve. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was approved by the Ketchum City Council on Monday.
As fundraising continues, the city is preparing for the master planning process for the Preserve. One phase of the plan includes the restoration of the riparian zone adjacent to Warm Springs Creek and its floodplain connector trail. Ketchum’s collaboration with WRLT will begin by drafting a request for proposals for services to create the master plan specific to the restoration of the creek and property.
WRLT will assist the consultant on the master plan by providing input from their experience with watercourse restoration and allocating water to reduce water use necessary to restore and maintain the watercourse and property. All local, state and federal approval will be obtained by the city. Sources for funding the restoration work will be determined after a plan is approved.
“The Wood River Land Trust is the ideal partner for this part of the master plan,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “They not only have the necessary experience in riparian restoration but share the community’s passion for this particular property.”
The community will be asked to participate in the full master planning process in the spring. With less than seven weeks to the April deadline, the city is just $523,309 away from the full $9 million campaign goal. This includes a $500,000 pledge to finish the campaign if we raise those remaining funds. Since the start of the campaign, 992 donors have made donations worth $8,468,336.75.