Lower Howard Preserve

The Lower Howard Preserve project, completed in April 2021, is part of the mile-long restoration initiative in Bellevue. This first phase focused on reconnecting the river to its floodplain by breaching an old levee and opening a historic side channel, which involved the removal of over 4,000 cubic yards of artificial fill. Key features included the installation of large wood structures and boulder cluster formations, enhancing in-stream fish habitat diversity. These interventions reduced flood flow velocities, mitigating erosion risk for nearby residences, and improving floodplain habitat on the southern half of Howard Preserve, benefiting local fish and wildlife populations.

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Below is an aerial view of the Lower Howard Preserve project newly constructed side channel that provides refuge for native trout during peak spring flows and spawning and rearing habitat.

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