A new project to enhance crucial habitat for native fall-run Chinook salmon and steelhead trout in the Lower American River is underway at River Bend, near River Bend Park in Rancho Cordova and the 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. Past enhancement efforts in 2013 produced 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.
More Information is available at waterforum.org/habitat2024.