There was much discussion concerning the proposed design of the structures being considered.  Because of the unique sediment and flow dynamics of this area of the creek, it was difficult selecting a structure(s) that would be compatible with the existing geomorphology.  For this reason, an alternative plan of action was developed and was approved by the project manager from Cantara.

The alternative plan not only provided better fish habitat, but also achieved other important objectives relating to water quality, public safety, and education.  This proposal involved removal of the median sandbar, a slight realignment of the channel, reshaping of the high eroding streambank, installation of streambank habitat structures, and planting riparian vegetation.  The realignment included meanders, flood terraces, pools, and habitat features consistent with the design stream type.  The unstable right bank was considered unsafe to visitors and was still a large source of sediment as soil continued to slough off into the creek.  Realignment and re-sloping of the bank would reduce both the safety threat and erosion.

SWAG applied for an EPA “5 STAR” grant to fund this work, realign the stream, and provide a more natural channel base for installing habitat structures.  The $3000 received from the Cantara Trustee Council was added as a partnership fund for a cash/in kind contribution.  With the $20,000 requested from the 5 STAR Program, the partnership funds from Cantara, and matching contributions from Shasta College and other volunteers, the total cost of this project was estimated at $53,540.  Unfortunately, SWAG did not receive this grant.

However, through volunteer efforts supported by SWAG, Shasta College, and Turtle Bay, the project was implemented in October 1999 without the grant.  The only part of the project plan that was found to be impossible without funding was the complete re-conformation of the high vertical bank.  With the aid of the Shasta College Watershed Restoration students and Heavy Equipment students, the rest of the plan seemed feasible to complete with volunteer labor.  The $3000 contribution from Cantara would be used by the project contractor, Shasta College, for equipment fuel.  Despite short time constraints, all additional needed permits were acquired within a 30 day period.
 
 

The objectives of the project were as follows:

• Rebuild the vertical right bank to a stable slope and as high as possible using the material excavated from the median sandbar, and revegetate the bank with riparian and native plants.
• Realign and reconfigure the stream reach to a stable alignment, meander, and cross-section, and restore natural floodplain processes.
• Install stream habitat structures and revegetate the riparian area.
• Provide educational and interpretive opportunities on salmonid habitat, stream restoration, and natural resource management.

The most significant goal of the project was to restore the proper stream function and form along this critical reach.  Another primary objective of this project was to provide educational opportunities in stream restoration and natural resource management.  To accomplish this objective, the project utilized the Shasta College students and instructors for both project design and construction.  Also volunteering were students from Sequoia Middle School, who assisted with planting and other project tasks.  According to the revegetation plan, students and volunteers would continue to plant riparian vegetation throughout the project area as needed.  A monitoring plan was also developed, and the success of the project would be monitored for several years.