The east and west forks of Taylor Creek converge in Dead Horse Canyon before emptying into Lake Washington near Rainier Avenue South and 68th Avenue South. A combination of factors, including intensified storm events caused by climate change, has contributed to increased erosion in the canyon and excessive sediment outflow through the creek. 

Seattle Public Utilities has been tasked with addressing these problems. Until recently, the project team’s preferred plan, Option One, involved placing large, wooden barriers in the creek by means of a temporary access road that would run the length of the canyon. Aimed at catching sediment and reconnecting the creek to its traditional floodplain, this option would have required removal of hundreds of trees in Dead Horse Canyon, impacting the canyon ecology for decades to come.

After working with SPU for more than a year, conducting extensive outreach to elected officials and engaging in dialogue with community members, FODHC is pleased to share that SPU has heard the objections of FODHC and many groups and individuals within the communities of Lakeridge, Skyway and Rainier Beach, and has officially removed Option One from consideration. 

As part of our engagement with SPU, the project team has recently offered to collaboratively explore stormwater management strategies to address the problems in Taylor Creek and Dead Horse Canyon. Controlling stormwater coming from the hardscape of the neighborhoods above the canyon before it saturates and undermines the canyon walls could be a fundamental element of a sustainable solution, and will require involvement from King County.

Another option that remains would require a partial road. While fewer trees would be destroyed and/or impacted, FODHC objects to this option as well. At this stage of our engagement, SPU considers the partial road option “de-prioritized” in favor of exploring alternative strategies that protect the ecosystem of Dead Horse Canyon while effectively addressing the sediment issues in Taylor Creek.

We are also working with SPU to expand the network of stakeholders as SPU seeks community input on the project, and to assemble an independent panel of experts to shed light on the project from an array scientific and cultural perspectives. Please email us if you have suggestions for groups to include or candidates for the independent panel.