The public is invited to learn about a new project to enhance crucial habitat for native fall-run Chinook salmon and steelhead trout at River Bend (in the river near River Bend Park in Rancho Cordova and William B. Pond Recreation Area in Carmichael).
The River Bend area is important to the survival of salmon and steelhead as the first enhanced site salmon encounter as they return to the Lower American. Previous enhancement efforts in 2013 yielded tangible results, producing a noticeable surge in redds—underwater depressions or “nests” created by female salmonids to lay their eggs. The 2024 project will provide:
- Nearly 5 acres of spawning habitat for adult salmon and steelhead to create redds (underwater depressions or “nests”), constructed by placing 6,800 cubic yards of clean gravel into the flowing river.
- Over 3 acres of rearing habitat for young fish to hide from predators, find food and grow, created by deepening and reconnecting the existing 1,600-foot side channel with the main river and shaping 1 acre of seasonal floodplain.
- Hiding and resting places for young fish by placing about 35 large woody tree structures into the side channel.
- Over 2 acres of enhanced riparian landscape by planting or seeding the project area with willows and native flowers and grasses after construction.
The virtual Information Session on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 6 p.m. offers an opportunity for local residents to learn more and ask questions of the project team, including what neighbors and park visitors can expect during construction.
RSVP for the session by clicking here. Find detailed project information here.
Project Details
- The 2024 project area is River Bend (in the river near River Bend Park in Rancho Cordova and William B. Pond Recreation Area in Carmichael).
- Construction is scheduled to take place in the August-to-October 2024 timeframe. The project could take up to eight weeks to complete and in-river work will finish no later than October 31, 2024, before anadromous Chinook salmon return in high numbers from the Pacific Ocean to the Lower American River.
- Crews may be on site Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (noise starting at 7 a.m.) with in-river work occurring only on weekdays (and not on Labor Day). Haul truck traffic for the project will be limited to weekdays.
- Additional p details are available at waterforum.org/habitat2024.
The 2024 Habitat Project is made possible by grant funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Central Valley Project Improvement Act) and the support of these partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento County, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), and the City of Sacramento.
About The Water Forum
The Water Forum includes a diverse group of water providers, environmentalists, business groups and local governments working to balance water supply needs with protection of the Lower American River.
This is the Water Forum’s 14th project enhancing fish spawning and rearing habitat on the Lower American River since 2008. Learn more at waterforum.org.