In addition to sustaining flood damage in 1996, Orofino Creek experienced extensive sediment loading that caused severe bank erosion, loss of riparian vegetation and filling of the important pool habitat. A large, unstable delta formed at the mouth of Orofino Creek. Among other impairments was that to the fishery that many Orofino residents remember. Efforts to obtain permits to do work in the mouth of the creek were impacted by concerns about threatened and endangered species such as steelhead and bull trout. Due to those concerns, a master plan was developed to accomplish both flood control and habitat restoration objectives.

Clearwater County and Clearwater County Project Impact Flood Committee engaged the services of Water Consulting, Inc. (WCI) to prepare a watershed assessment and master plan for habitat restoration and flood mitigation for the lower portion of Orofino Creek in the City of Orofino. WCI did assessments and engaged the public in the process to see what their experience was with flooding and what their expectations were for mitigation and restoration. In August 2002, a kick-off meeting was held to define roles, discuss project issues and identify project goals and objectives.

Twenty-six potential projects were identified with seven particularly highlighted. The projects were expected to create a more stable capable of conveying the discharge and transporting the sediment coming from the watershed. Projects were set to do in phases. Of particular notice was work at the mouth of Orofino Creek between the Main St. Bridge and the Clearwater River.

Many of the clues above speak of pieces and concepts in the master plan.

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