Originally Posted by
Mark Kranhold
I can’t believe they are doing another restoration project on the American, especially at that section of the river.
These projects are part of mitigation that Reclamation must provide. They must dedicate a certain amount of funding towards restoration as part of the agreement with building Natomas and Folsom dams.
Originally Posted by
Mark Kranhold
This area has so much great active natural spawning grounds for Salmon and Steelhead.
No it doesn't, the main spawning area is downstream of the powerlines within the side channels. This site is more than a mile upstream from that. This section is largely featureless.
Originally Posted by
Mark Kranhold
These project have ruined the river in numerous ways throughout the river, you can’t duplicate what Mother Nature has made!
Exactly, gravel doesn't travel through the dams so needs to be added to make up for it. Mother nature has not 'made' the current American River, Reclamation has.
Originally Posted by
Mark Kranhold
It will all get washed out the first big flood and infill the holes below.
That's exactly what is supposed to happen in big floods. Gravel mobilization is super important for spawning fish as it provides fresh substrate. Gravel that is infiltrated with fines will become concrete-like. Gravel mobilization is also important for creating floodplains which is critical for juvenile salmonids. Gravel mobilization is important to prevent encroachment of vegetation that would otherwise entrench the river. Entrenchment disconnects floodplains from the river which is really bad for juvenile salmonids.
Originally Posted by
Mark Kranhold
Haven’t they learned anything yet? This river will all be shallow in no time.
Gravel augmentation is probably the most accepted science when it comes to restoration. The American is supposed to be a highly alluvial river with alternating bars which don't generally lend themselves to being very deep.
Originally Posted by
Mark Kranhold
I know if they don’t spend their allowance they’ll lose it the following year, use it on something else!
They will lose it but these projects are planned years in advance so water year generally has no influence when it is constructed.
Originally Posted by
Mark Kranhold
Put some structure in this river if you need to use it.
They are. From the fact sheet: "Project teams will add large woody material and plant riparian trees and bushes in the alcove, creating places for young fish to hide from predators and for insects and vegetation to grow for feeding."
Originally Posted by
Mark Kranhold
Place some VW size rocks throughout the river for some holding water and current breaks.
Project isn't designed for holding water. Adult holding habitat is not limiting on the American, juvenile rearing is. In past projects they have added boulders on the spawning riffles.
Originally Posted by
Mark Kranhold
This is getting freakin ridiculous, they’ve failed to many times!
I'd like to know what has 'failed' about these projects. I hear this a lot and still can't get a reason why these projects are failures. These projects are not the reason why salmon populations are what they are. I'd blame the unnatural temperature and flow regime, loss of floodplain habitat in the Delta, and ocean conditions long before I'd attribute it to these projects.
Last edited by Fishtopher; 08-08-2021 at 11:02 AM.
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