Big Cottonwood Creek Guide: A Handbook for Riparian and Aquatic Enhancement  

Abstract / Description

The purpose oflhis guide is 10 provide infonnation and education to private property
owners and other stakeholders living adjacent to or in close proximity to Big Cottonwood
Creek. Over lhe last 20 years, there has been increasing interest and concern by local Salt Lake
County residents over the heallh and well being of the Creek, including how lhe Creek can
impact them, mostly by flooding. But tbere are many other concerns, including year-round
instream flows, trasb and litter, trespass problems, water quality, irrigation water quality and
odor, fishery habitat improvement, reporting and preventing toxic spills to the Creek,
enhancement of streamside vegetation and bird habitat Those living near lhe Creek have an
intimate relationship wilh it, and consider its beauty and magic as something much more than a
channel that threalens to flood every spring,
'Ihis guide provides a wealth of background information on how lhe Creek was formed
and why il acts the way it does, Any land owner that desires to improve or restore Creek
conditions in their backyard will find the guide insightful and useful Organizations such as
Boy Seoul groups, Church groups, environmental interests, fish enthusiasts, or bird watchers will
find important information to help identify and plan potential projects, no matter how small or
large. Salt Lake County believes that by empowering its citizens wilh such information, they can
play an important role in the long term stewardship of the Creek's resources, and not rely on the
government to solve all the problems the Creek faces as the valley continues to grow.