Three Forks of Beargrass Creek Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study

The Three Forks of Beargrass Creek Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study is being completed in cooperation with the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), the Non-Federal Sponsor. 

The primary purpose of this project is to restore both instream and riparian habitat within the Beargrass Creek watershed. Beargrass Creek has a 60 square mile watershed and is composed of three main branches (the South, Middle and Muddy forks), which reach throughout the city of Louisville. The creek runs through some of the most populous areas of the city and flows through two historically significant Olmsted Parks (Cherokee Park and Seneca Park), designed by the Olmsted Firm beginning in 1891. The confluence with the Ohio is connected to the Louisville Loop and Waterfront Park, which has over 2 million visitors a year and hosts events year-round. Beargrass Creek has suffered degraded habitat over time due to development and manipulation. The restoration of this watershed is to provide habitat for many state and federally listed threatened and endangered species.

Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, USACE Commanding General and 55th U.S. Army Chief of Engineers, signed the Chief’s Report for the Three Forks of Beargrass Creek Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study, May 24, 2022 – a major milestone for the project.