Strengthening OTR’s Projects and Programs to Protect the Truckee River

OTR’s project will complete four main goals: 1) coalition building, 2) urban restoration, 3) River-Friendly Living Program, and 4) fund development.

Goal #1: Coalition Building Effort: Lead and coordinate regional coalition building focused on the protection and improvement of the Truckee River through the OTR partnership activities with a focus to support and develop projects that reduce erosion and sedimentation into the Truckee River.

Goal #2: Urban Restoration: Support for the Alum Creek Restoration Project to cover project match requirements. This project will increase native riparian vegetation along Alum Creek on Washoe County land, conduct outreach and include engagement in the nearby neighborhood to build relationships with the HOA for a possible phase II restoration project. Willow stakes will be collected and installed by hand in with fiber rolls staked. Native seeds including grasses and forbes will be raked in and lightly mulched in sparsely vegetated areas along drainage pathways to the creek.

Goal #3: River-Friendly Living (RFL) Program: Continue to increase the public’s understanding of the Truckee River, RFL practices, and efforts underway to protect the river focused on content to mitigate storm water run-off. OTR’s RFL public education and engagement online and through garden talks will continue and expand. Evolve OTR’s identity narrative, analyze and improve the nonprofit’s positioning and messaging strategy for broader watershed stewardship engagement.

Goal #4: Fund Development Work: Lead, coordinate, and submit funding proposals to support OTR and further the implementation of the OTR Management Plan. Specifically, OTR will continue to develop its grants plan through the project period, which will adapt new funding opportunities to be identified, researched, cultivated and grant applications submitted.

TMWA Benefit:

III. Local Stormwater Improvements: OTR’s River-Friendly Living (RFL) Program mitigates stormwater runoff due to urbanization of the local watershed through collaborative on-the-ground installation of demonstration projects. In 2027, OTR will install a new RFL Demonstration Garden at Betsy Caughlin Donnelly Park in coordination with Washoe County.

V. Rehabilitation of Local Tributary Creeks and Drainage Courses: OTR’s Brodhead Riverbank Repair and Alum Creek Restoration Project are in implementation, on the ground, rehabilitation of a local tributary creek and the mainstream of the Truckee River. OTR’s coalition building and fund development efforts support the rehabilitation of local tributary creeks, tributaries, and the Truckee River through engagement, coordination, communication, and support to OTR’s Partnership Council members to continue to do more implementation projects focused on water quality improvements.

VI. Stewardship & Environmental Awareness: OTR’s River-Friendly Living Program develops and implements educational content focused on the region’s adult audience related to the watershed protection and promotes direct actions residents can take to mitigate storm water run-off on their private property. Consistent public messaging will build awareness and engagement and encourage caring for the Truckee River, which is an important community asset.