Colgan Creek restoration phase 3 finished in-stream work; pedestrian bridge and plantings next

Director Burke and Greg Dwyer of Capital Projects Engineering updated the board on phase 3 of the Lower Colgan Creek restoration project, saying contractor crews completed required in‑stream work and removed the coffer dam ahead of the rainy season.

"In stream work is done. We were required to be out of the creek by October 15, so we just barely made it," Greg Dwyer said, thanking the contractor for working nights and weekends to meet the deadline. He said remaining tasks are outside the creek channel and subject to other permitting requirements, but the city has secured extensions where needed and is monitoring impacts to California tiger salamanders.

Dwyer described remaining project elements: a class‑1 multi‑use pathway, a maintenance road used by Sonoma Water, and a pedestrian bridge whose abutments are already installed. He said two cranes are scheduled to set the bridge span on the abutments on Oct. 29. The Laguna Foundation will begin planting across the site in winter and spring; the city aims to host a ribbon‑cutting and recognition event in spring after plantings and stabilization are complete.

Board members praised the team for meeting the tight schedule. Board member Bartholow asked about salvage wood used in the channel; Dwyer said most of the material were stumps and trees salvaged from fire-affected areas, with redwood preferred and Douglas fir also used where appropriate.

Director Burke said phase 3 is the final phase of the restoration. No public commenters spoke on the director’s report.