Creek Talk

Creek Talk

The creek running through our neighborhood is part of a larger drainage system that affects many properties in Walnut Creek, particularly those which border the creek itself.

Like any natural area, man's actions can cause changes, and this is evident in Walnut Creek.  Over the years, increased development, seasonal rains, and other forces have changed the course of the creek and caused erosion of the banks in several locations.  Preserving the creek, as well as the properties bordering it, is important, and the Walnut Creek Homes Association is exploring ways to address this issue.

Responsibility for the creek is shared between the Walnut Creek Homes Association and the City of Olathe.  The City will perform periodic inspections of the creek bed and embankments, remove blockages, and maintain structures located in and over the creek, such as road crossings, culverts, drainage structures, etc.

The Homes Association, including individual property owners, have a responsibility to maintain the integrity of the creek easement and reduce erosion by maintaining deep rooted buffer vegetation, reducing storm water runoff or Urban Watershed, and keeping the common areas free of litter, and taking reasonable steps to minimize damage to the creek embankments resulting from increased storm water runoff via clearing of the natural landscape. These steps are commonly referred to as "Best Management Practices" or BMP's. 

If you have any questions or concerns about our neighborhood creek, please contact Steve Williams.

 

 Creek Resources

 The Mid America Regional Council, the Kansas City area's regional planning agency,  provides a variety of resources on stormwater management, water quality, and other environmental issues. 

• Using Lawn Chemicals Wisely
• Stream Protection
• Storm-drain Stewardship
• Building a Rain Garden
• Know Your Solis -- Soil Testing for Lawns & Gardens
• Know Your Roots -- Native Landscaping & Water Quality