Delilah Creek Habitat and Water Quality Enhancement Design Project
Salmonid Restoration Planning and Assessments
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| 1578344973729 | | N CA - S Oregon | | 04/01/2020 | | 11/01/2022 | | 2019 | | Completed | | 02/27/2024 | | |
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Description
The Project advanced restoration planning to restore habitat and water quality along Delilah Creek. The project site was divided into two main reaches, Upper and Lower Delilah Creek. The project developed restoration plans to restore upper estuary and wetland habitat along Lower Delilah Creek. The project developed 100% designs for Upper Delilah Creek. These designs support the restoration of instream habitat and natural geomorphic function along a channelized and ditched section of stream, and establish a native riparian buffer, which will increase the organic content of the soil and improve the natural filtration of agricultural runoff. All FY17 PCSRF funds were spent within the award period (even though the project ended outside the FY17 award period).
Project Benefit
The specific objective of this Project is to improve water quality, channel complexity, winter rearing habitat, and native riparian vegetation along the entire anadromous stream length of Delilah Creek. This will be achieved by developing designs and plans to restore natural channel form and processes. The project will focus on Delilah Creek, from approximately 1,200 feet upstream of the Highway 101 crossing to the confluence with Tillas Slough, for an overall length of approximately 11,000 feet. There are five crossings throughout the project area of Delilah Creek. Funding Details |
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| PCSRF | $451,435 |
| In-Kind Donated Labor | $53,244 |
| Report Total: | $504,679 |
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Worksites
1578344973938
- Worksite Identifier: 1578344973938
- Start Date:
- End Date:
Area Description
Lower Delilah
Location Information
- Basin: Northern California Coastal (180101)
- Subbasin: Smith (18010101)
- Watershed: Smith River (1801010104)
- Subwatershed: Smith River (180101010404)
- State: California
- Recovery Domain: N CA - S Oregon
- Latitude: 41.931253
- Longitude: -124.18499
ESU
- Southern Oregon / Northern California Coastal Chinook Salmon ESU
- Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Coho Salmon ESU
- Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead DPS
Map
Photos
Metrics
Metrics
- B.0
Salmonid Restoration Planning and AssessmentsY (Y/N)
- . . B.0.a
Planning And Assessment Funding 176,589.00
- . . B.0.b.1
Area Encompassed 19.0
- . . B.0.b.2
Stream Miles Affected 1.30
- . . B.1
Restoration Planning And CoordinationY (Y/N)
- . . . . B.1.a
Planning and Coordination funding 176,589.30
- . . . . B.1.b.2
Coordination on implementation of a Recovery PlanY (Y/N)
- . . . . . . B.1.b.2.a
| Name of the Recovery Plan Implemented | |
| National Marine Fisheries Service (NFMS). 2014. Final Recovery Plan for the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). National Marine Fisheries Service. Arcata, CA. 1841p. |
- . . . . . . B.1.b.2.b
| Description and scope of the Recovery Plan implemented | |
| The project will address multiple recovery actions listed in NMFS 2014 including: SmiR.1.2.13.2: Reduce pollutants, work with stakeholders; SmiR.10.2.9.1; Identify pollution sources, and develop a strategy to minimize input to stream channels; SmiR.2.2.3.1: Identify potential sites to create refugia (Construct off-channel habitats, alcoves, backwater); SmiR.2.1.1.1: Assess habitat to determine beneficial location and amount of instream structure needed (Increase channel complexity); and, SmiR.7.1.8.1: Implement an invasive species prevention plan for reed canary grass.
Impaired estuarine function is a high threat to juveniles and smolt life stages in the Smith River (NMFS 2014). The project completed the initial planning needed to address habitat loss and degradation in the Smith River estuary by developing designs to restore tidal connectivity, enhance rearing habitat, and improve fish habitat for juvenile salmonids. A substantial portion of the Smith River estuary has been modified by flood control levees, tide gates, and riprap to control bank erosion. As sea level rises habitats in the lower estuary will be further impaired. This project will help ensure estuary resilience under future sea level rise conditions and an unpredictable climate future by supporting the survival, productivity, resilience and life history diversity of salmon.
The project also addresses multiple recovery actions identified in CDFW 2004 including: SR-HU-0: Develop and implement a program to control exotic vegetation, particularly canary grass, which impedes access to and use of tributaries by coho salmon; SR-HU-03: Develop and implement a plan to restore the effectiveness and use of off-channel areas, sloughs, and wetlands. Yontocket, Tillas and Tryon sloughs should be given immediate attention; SR-HU04: Investigate the feasibility of restoring channelized reaches of streams to natural meander belts; and, SR-HU-05b: Improve the quality and quantity of deep pools, spawning gravels, and cover by measures to: Establish adequate streamside buffer areas that are protected from vegetation removal. |
- . . . . B.1.b.3
Coordination of watershed conservation and restoration effortsY (Y/N)
- . . . . . . B.1.b.3.a
| Name of plan | |
| Parish Hanson, M. 2018. Smith River Plain Stream Restoration Plan. Final report to the California Coastal Conservancy, Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act: No. 16-027. Smith River Alliance, Crescent City, CA. |
- . . . . . . B.1.b.3.b
| Description and scope of the plan implemented | |
| The Smith River Plain Stream Restoration Plan evaluated and prioritized potential restoration projects to improve and protect natural channel structure and function, water quality, floodplain connectivity and biological resources along streams and waterways located in the Smith River Plain.
The Smith River Alliance (SRA) used partner and landowner input, historic and current aerial imagery, topographic and species distribution information and field studies to identify and compile a list of potential projects for the Smith River Plain. The planning area includes the mainstem and anadramous tributaries located within the coastal zone.
Project ranking criteria was developed in collaboration with staff from National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Del Norte Resource Conservation District (RCD) that was used to rank all identified projects. A total of 137 projects were identified in five project types: 29 riparian projects, 33 channel complexity projects, 63 passage projects, 8 invasive plant projects, 4 water quality and quantity projects.
The Delilah Creek Habitat and Water Quality Enhancement Design Project addresses 8 projects identified in the plan; 1 riparian project, 1 channel complexity project and 6 fish passage projects. 3 of these projects are located within the Lower Delilah worksite. |
- . . . . B.1.b.8
Conducting habitat restoration scoping and feasibility studiesY (Y/N)
- . . . . . . B.1.b.8.a
| Name of plan implemented | |
| National Marine Fisheries Service (NFMS). 2014. Final Recovery Plan for the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). National Marine Fisheries Service. Arcata, CA. 1841p. |
- . . . . . . B.1.b.8.b
| Description and scope of the plan implemented | |
| The project addressed multiple recovery actions listed in NMFS 2014 including: SmiR.1.2.13.2: Reduce pollutants - work with stakeholders; SmiR.10.2.9.1; Identify pollution sources, and develop a strategy to minimize input to stream channels; SmiR.2.2.3.1: Identify potential sites to create refugia (Construct off-channel habitats, alcoves, backwater); SmiR.2.1.1.1: Assess habitat to determine beneficial location and amount of instream structure needed (Increase channel complexity); and, SmiR.7.1.8.1: Implement an invasive species prevention plan for reed canary grass.
The project also addresses multiple recovery actions identified in CDFW 2004 including: SR-HU-0: Develop and implement a program to control exotic vegetation, particularly canary grass, which impedes access to and use of tributaries by coho salmon; SR-HU-03: Develop and implement a plan to restore the effectiveness and use of off-channel areas, sloughs, and wetlands. Yontocket, Tillas and Tryon sloughs should be given immediate attention; SR-HU04: Investigate the feasibility of restoring channelized reaches of streams to natural meander belts; and, SR-HU-05b: Improve the quality and quantity of deep pools, spawning gravels, and cover by measures to: Establish adequate streamside buffer areas that are protected from vegetation removal. |
1578344973947
- Worksite Identifier: 1578344973947
- Start Date:
- End Date:
Area Description
Upper Delilah
Location Information
- Basin: Northern California Coastal (180101)
- Subbasin: Smith (18010101)
- Watershed: Smith River (1801010104)
- Subwatershed: Smith River (180101010404)
- State: California
- Recovery Domain: N CA - S Oregon
- Latitude: 41.93477
- Longitude: -124.159152
ESU
- Southern Oregon / Northern California Coastal Chinook Salmon ESU
- Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Coho Salmon ESU
- Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead DPS
Map
Photos
Metrics
Metrics
- B.0
Salmonid Restoration Planning and AssessmentsY (Y/N)
- . . B.0.a
Planning And Assessment Funding 274,846.00
- . . B.0.b.1
Area Encompassed 11.3
- . . B.0.b.2
Stream Miles Affected .77
- . . B.1
Restoration Planning And CoordinationY (Y/N)
- . . . . B.1.a
Planning and Coordination funding 274,845.50
- . . . . B.1.b.2
Coordination on implementation of a Recovery PlanY (Y/N)
- . . . . . . B.1.b.2.a
| Name of the Recovery Plan Implemented | |
| National Marine Fisheries Service (NFMS). 2014. Final Recovery Plan for the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). National Marine Fisheries Service. Arcata, CA. 1841p. |
- . . . . . . B.1.b.2.b
| Description and scope of the Recovery Plan implemented | |
| The project addressed multiple recovery actions listed in NMFS 2014 including: SmiR.1.2.13.2: Reduce pollutants - work with stakeholders; SmiR.10.2.9.1; Identify pollution sources, and develop a strategy to minimize input to stream channels; SmiR.2.2.3.1: Identify potential sites to create refugia (Construct off-channel habitats, alcoves, backwater); SmiR.2.1.1.1: Assess habitat to determine beneficial location and amount of instream structure needed (Increase channel complexity); and, SONCC-SmiR 2.2.2.1: Assess channelized reaches and develop a plan for reconstructing a natural meandering channel.
The project developed restoration plans to restore natural channel form and processes along the 4,100 feet of Upper Delilah creek. The project area has been historically straightened removing meandering bends and reducing channel complexity. The project designs will include multiple restoration elements that will improve water quality, instream habitat complexity, and native riparian condition. |
- . . . . B.1.b.3
Coordination of watershed conservation and restoration effortsY (Y/N)
- . . . . . . B.1.b.3.a
| Name of plan | |
| Parish Hanson, M. 2018. Smith River Plain Stream Restoration Plan. Final report to the California Coastal Conservancy, Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act: No. 16-027. Smith River Alliance, Crescent City, CA. |
- . . . . . . B.1.b.3.b
| Description and scope of the plan implemented | |
| The Smith River Plain Stream Restoration Plan evaluated and prioritized potential restoration projects to improve and protect natural channel structure and function, water quality, floodplain connectivity and biological resources along streams and waterways located in the Smith River Plain.
The Smith River Alliance (SRA) used partner and landowner input, historic and current aerial imagery, topographic and species distribution information and field studies to identify and compile a list of potential projects for the Smith River Plain. The planning area includes the mainstem and anadramous tributaries located within the coastal zone.
Project ranking criteria was developed in collaboration with staff from National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Del Norte Resource Conservation District (RCD) that was used to rank all identified projects. A total of 137 projects were identified in five project types: 29 riparian projects, 33 channel complexity projects, 63 passage projects, 8 invasive plant projects, 4 water quality and quantity projects.
The Delilah Creek Habitat and Water Quality Enhancement Design Project addresses 8 projects identified in the plan; 1 riparian project, 1 channel complexity project and 6 fish passage projects. 5 of these projects are located in the Upper Delilah worksite. |
- . . . . B.1.b.11
Engineering/design work for restoration projectsY (Y/N)
- . . . . . . B.1.b.11.a
| Name of plan implemented | |
| National Marine Fisheries Service (NFMS). 2014. Final Recovery Plan for the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit of Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). National Marine Fisheries Service. Arcata, CA. 1841p. |
- . . . . . . B.1.b.11.b
| Description and scope of the plan implemented | |
| The project addressed multiple recovery actions listed in NMFS 2014 including: SmiR.1.2.13.2: Reduce pollutants - work with stakeholders; SmiR.10.2.9.1; Identify pollution sources, and develop a strategy to minimize input to stream channels; SmiR.2.2.3.1: Identify potential sites to create refugia (Construct off-channel habitats, alcoves, backwater); SmiR.2.1.1.1: Assess habitat to determine beneficial location and amount of instream structure needed (Increase channel complexity); and, SONCC-SmiR 2.2.2.1: Assess channelized reaches and develop a plan for reconstructing a natural meandering channel.
The project successfully developed 100% designs for 4,100 feet of Upper Delilah creek. These designs support the restoration of instream habitat and natural geomorphic function along a channelized and ditched section of stream, and establish a native riparian buffer which will increase the organic content of the soil and improve the natural filtration of agricultural runoff. |
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