Small Streams Projects on Various Northern California Streams
Tulucay Creek Restoration Project
Tulucay Creek is a tributary to the Napa River located near Napa, California. The streambank erosion at this site was threatening a bridge connecting two vineyards. Concrete rip-rap had been placed at the site to stabilize the streambanks, however it was not sufficient to stop the erosion. To stabilize the eroding streambank and protect the bridge, the concrete was removed and a live willow brush mattress was constructed.
Streambank before removal of concrete rip-rap.
The streambank just after removal of the concrete rip-rap.
A live willow brush mattress is being constructed.
The live willow brush mattress 6 weeks after construction.
One year after construction following a winter of heavy rains.
Redwood Creek Restoration Project
Redwood Creek is a tributary to the Russian River located in the Knights Valley near Geyserville, CA. The goal of this project was to remove a concrete crossing which was a barrier to migrating salmonids. The concrete crossing was removed and the streambed was resloped and stabilized using a series of boulder cross channel structures. The cross channel structures formed step pools which allowed salmonid passage to prime spawning habitat further upstream. The streambanks along the project reach were stabilized using rock and live willow brushlayer lifts.
The concrete crossing which needed to be removed.
Looking at the project reach upstream of the concrete crossing.
The excavator constructs one of the boulder cross channel structures. In the background, rock and live willow brushlayer lifts stabilize the streambanks.
One of the boulder cross channel structures 5 years after construction.
Looking downstream towards the former location of the concrete crossing (the crossing was located where the overhead pipe is). Photograph taken 5 years after construction.
Streeter Creek and Ten Mile Creek Confluence Project
Streeter Creek is a tributary to Ten Mile Creek located near Laytonville, CA on the Black Oak Ranch. For many years, Streeter Creek had an unstable channel at the confluence with Ten Mile Creek which changed locations with each storm. The goals of this project were to establish a stable, deeper channel and a flood terrace at the confluence with Ten Mile Creek. To achieve these goals, a series of live willow siltation baffles were constructed to concentrate the flow of the channel and collect sediment during high flows leading to the establishment of a stable flood terrace.
Looking upstream at the confluence of Streeter Creek and Ten Mile Creek.
The unstable channel changed location with each storm.
Live willow siltation baffles were constructed on either side of the channel.
During winter flows the baffles trap sediments establishing a flood terrace and defining the channel, leaving cleaner water as it flows from the baffles.
5 years after construction. A stable channel has formed and the flood terraces have become well established.
15 years after construction. A healthy riparian corridor is well established.
15 years after construction.