Donner Creek Confluence

The Truckee River Legacy Foundation (TRLF) provided funding towards the restoration of the Donner Creek confluence with the Truckee River, led by the Truckee River Watershed Council.

The Truckee River corridor through the Town of Truckee was a focal point of development in the region and historical urban land uses were concentrated along the river. As a result, much of the historical floodplain and sections of the channel were subject to alteration or fill. The confluence of Donner Creek and the Truckee River is one such location. Here the left-bank bar and floodplain deposits associated with the mouth of Donner Creek were channelized in the early 1900s. The site is further restricted by a historical railroad crossings and the current West River Street bridge.

The confluence site experienced vehicle use, which generated bare spots, reduced riparian regeneration, compacted soils, and allowed unmitigated stormwater pollution into the Truckee River. In addition to these environmental considerations, there is a dearth of recreational river access opportunities in the Town of Truckee corridor.

Increased public access is a priority for the project lead, the Truckee River Watershed Council, as well as the TRLF who help fund this project, and the Town of Truckee. This is based on the understanding that there is a need for balance of environmental restoration and preservation, as well as public access and recreation. Moreover that sustainable and managed river access may improve water quality and habitat values by reducing “social” or unauthorized use areas elsewhere.

The goals of the Donner Creek Confluence Restoration project were to 1) restore floodplain function and habitat at the Donner Creek confluence site; 2) provide sustainable and managed river access and recreation at the site; and 3) provide passive treatment of stormwater runoff occurring at the site.