Dry Creek, a major tributary to the Russian River in Sonoma County, is home to native threatened and endangered fish, and has remained a system of interest for ongoing regional endangered species recovery planning. Dry Creek’s current hydrology is regulated by Warm Springs Dam (WSD) and unregulated tributaries which enter Dry Creek below WSD. The geomorphic nature of lower Dry Creek is a result of the interaction between local geology, watershed characteristics, hydrology, and vegetation; the legacy of channel evolution and response to land management changes; and the ongoing influence of flow management. A primary control on geomorphology has been the feedback between regulated hydrology and vegetation, where elevated summer baseflow and reduced winter high flows have resulted in vigorous growth of riparian vegetation. Prolific vegetation establishment in the overbank regions have sequestered alluvial surfaces and sediment sources, resulting in narrowing and channelization of the main channel. Elevated baseflows, in combination with curtailed flood hydrology, supports the dense riparian communities currently present, which in turn, have reduced habitat forming processes that create habitats such as alcoves, backwaters, and side channels.

Riparian landscape transformation in the Great Central Valley of California has been intense. Conversion of disturbed riparian landscapes to native vegetation and wetlands to provide multiple ecosystem services, including preservation and enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity, has increased opportunities for long-term carbon (C) sequestration and enhanced biovalues associated with wetland functions. The Kachituli Oxbow, part of a 250-acre mature oak woodland/native grassland and functioning wetland preserve in western Yolo County was the largest mitigation-related restoration project in the western US when it was permitted and built in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s. Formerly planted to tomatoes, hops, and walnuts, it is now a superb teaching laboratory and research site.

Kachituli is suitable for field studies of a mature self-sustaining de novo ecosystem, with opportunities for evaluating the multiple ecosystem services it now provides. Our recent studies include:

Jellys Ferry is a recreational area within the Bureau of Land Management’s Sacramento River Bend Area in Tehama County, just north of the city of Red Bluff and a few miles northeast of the community of Bend. There are miles of recreational trails for pedestrians and equestrians that meander through valley oak woodlands and streams, with scenic views of the bluffs and the Sacramento River. The area is popular in the spring with the blooming of wildflowers and providing river access in the summer. Centrally located between many population centers and major transportation routes, the area provides a public natural environment that’s easily accessible. The Yana Trail, popular among hikers and equestrians, traces between the north bank of the Sacramento River at Jellys Ferry and the restoration project site. This effort is being done in part by the Western Shasta Resource Conservation District as an agreement with Caltrans for habitat mitigation, involving the replanting of native California oak woodland and riparian species such as Fremont’s cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), and Valley oak (Quercus lobata). Prior to restoration efforts, the historically-farmed fields were populated by the noxious yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) which displaced much of the native grasses and forbs. Previous projects include work by CSU, Chico, River Partners, and PG&E.

Title: Cordova Creek Naturalization Project – Rancho Cordova, CA

Theme: 6. Revitalizing riparian habitats in urban landscapes

Authors: Sam Diaz, PE1; Chris Bowles, PhD, PE2

1 cbec, inc. eco engineering, 2544 Industrial Blvd, West Sacramento, CA, 95691 (916) 231-6052, s.diaz@cbecoeng.com

2 cbec, inc. eco engineering, 2544 Industrial Blvd, West Sacramento, CA, 95691, (916) 231-6052, c.bowles@cbecoeng.com

Abstract:

Several years ago, the remote and often overlooked West Fork Cow Creek watershed was identified as having the highest intrinsic potential of any watershed in the Medford BLM District. Based on computer modeling and a rapid GIS assessment, but very little field data, BLM funding was secured for a couple miles of instream restoration to improve Coho Critical Habitat. That money was in turn leveraged while partnerships were developed. The idea of whole watershed restoration was embraced and now, several years later, nearly every landowner in the watershed is an active partner in restoration efforts which collaboratively has raised nearly $1.6 million. Next to no historical restoration efforts have occurred within the watershed, but partners have been able to apply knowledge and techniques learned on other projects in other locations. Fish distribution surveys, water quality monitoring, riparian restoration, and potentially beaver restoration are all components that are being developed. A stream reach restoration prioritization tool was created and applied to project planning. Restoration has been underway for three years and many more years of restoration and monitoring across multiple land ownerships is planned. It may have taken time for the restoration spotlight to shine on West Fork Cow Creek, but the watershed will benefit immensely from the calculated and meticulous approach being taken.

Dos Rios Ranch is a 2,100 acre property located at the confluence of the San Joaquin River and its largest tributary, the Tuolumne River in Stanislaus County, California. Adjacent to the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, Dos Rios Ranch is being developed as a landscape-scale model for floodplain restoration, threatened and endangered species recovery, transient floodwater storage, groundwater recharge, water supply, water quality, and recreational opportunities. In the first phase of restoration, River Partners planted over 130,000 native trees and shrubs in resilient plant communities that are adapted to climate change and provide high quality habitat. River Partners is close to obtaining the necessary permits to begin restoration on the balance of fields on the river side of a federal levee that bisects the property. In this next phases of restoration, River Partners will plant over 200,000 native trees and shrubs on flood prone farmland which has been in some form of agriculture for decades. Restoration of the floodplain will include areas of elevated flood refugia for terrestrial species in addition to ephemeral swales to increase seasonal inundation for salmonids. Plant communities will be designed to provide flood conveyance and resist the invasion of non-native species.