Forsythe Creek Floodplain and Riparian Restoration Project
Project Overview
Basics
Forsythe Creek Floodplain and Riparian Restoration Project
NCRP IRWM Prop 1 Round 1 (DWR)
Deferred/Unfunded
In the 1980s, ~500,000 cubic yards of sediment & concrete rubble were placed along Forsythe Creek's north bank, which separated the channel from the floodplain and forced high flows into the south bank, eroding away mature riparian tree, incising the channel & lowering the water table. This project will restore channel access to the floodplain, rebuild the historic secondary channel, enhance native riparian vegetation, reduce velocities, aggrade the channel, & enhance salmonid spawning habitats.
2019
2022
1/10/2025
Project Attributes
General Information
Project Description Narrative (1,000 character limit)
Removing the north bank levee to reduce channel constriction is top priority. The second includes implementing the design to restore the historic secondary channel, excavating and sloping the bank to allow Forsythe Creek storm flows to expand onto the floodplain. Installation of soil lifts along the south bank will provide suitable substrate to plant native trees, thus jumpstarting riparian restoration on this site. Rock slope protection to protect the soil lifts is needed, and will be installed immediately after the soil lifts are done. Rock barb deflectors and log structures will provide velocity refuge, gravel sorting, scour, and aquatic habitat. The final tasks include riparian planting and irrigation. Monitoring plantings and irrigation will continue for at least two seasons.
Solutions
Climate Action - Adaptation, Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration - Tribal Ecocultural Restoration, Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration - Water
Spatial Information
Tribal Region
None
Project Size (Acres)
None
Location
Organizations
| Funders | |
| Project Sponsor | |
| Local and/or Political Support | Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Redwood Vally CWD, Russian River Watershed Association, adjacent landowners. |
Contacts
Project Benefit Performance Measures
Expected Project Benefit Performance Measures
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Reported Project Benefit Performance Measures
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Financials
Budget
| Comment: | None provided |
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Reported Expenditures
No Expenditures have been reported for this Project.
| Note: | None provided |
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Project Types
Project Types
Monitoring will be conducted for two years post project.
Aggradation of gravels, lower velocities, and the restored side-channel will increase spawning habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Restoring year around pool habitat will improve juvenile steelhead survival. Breeding habitat for foothill yellow-legged frogs will increase due to lower velocities and increased edge water. Enhanced riparian forests will increase bank stability, channel complexity, and shade, which benefit aquatic habitat, native fish, and amphibians.
Forsythe Creek's peak discharges will increase according to climate change forecasts. This project will help reverse the effects of erosive storm flows on the site to benefit infiltration and improve salmonid and aquatic species habitat. Extended drought will be buffered by increased storage in the aquifer, which will prolong surface flow in the dry season. Restored riparian connectivity will also improve habitat for migratory birds & terrestrial species, which are stressed by climate changes.
Project Details
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Photos
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