1) Feather River Erosion Inventory (1989)

The Soil Conservation Service (SCS/NRCS) sponsored this reconnaissance level inventory of the 777,000 acre East Branch North Fork Feather River (EBNFFR) watershed. The report calculated the average sediment production in the watershed at 1,040 tons per square mile per year, identified sub watersheds with the highest sediment yields, and identified the major sediment sources as bank erosion on tributary streams (40%), road cut and fill slopes (43%) and banks of the major creeks in the valleys (15%). Sponsored by the SCS for $5,200 with $15,000 from Pacific 

Gas & Electric company, $2,500 from the US Forest Service, and labor and transportation from the Department of Water Resources and the Forest Service totaling $27,200 plus in-kind contributions. 

2) EBNFFR Spanish Creek and Last Chance Creek study(1992)

Results from the 1989 Erosion Inventory showed high erosion rates for these two sub watersheds, Spanish Creek on the West side of the Sierra crest which drains into the EBNFFR, and Last Chance on the East side which drains the EBNFFR by way of Indian Creek. The US Forest Service (USFS) surveyed the 252,000 acres, which make up over 30% of the EBNFFR watershed, to evaluate sediment sources and feasible erosion control practices. The report found that erosion from stream banks and roads comprises 99% of the sediment production in both watersheds and identified improvement strategies for grazing allotments, stream channels and over 300 road erosion problems. Sponsored by the USFS under subcontract to the Plumas County Community Development Commission. Field crews used Job Training Partnership Act and Community Development Block Grant funds, USFS ÏRiparian InitiativesÓ funds of $160,000, and State Water Resources Control Board 205 J funds of $30,750 for a total of $190,750.

3) Indian Creek River Basin Study (1989)

This Soil Conservation Service (SCS/NRCS) report reviews the historic causes of degradation in the Indian Creek watershed and categorizes erosion problems in each of the 13 reaches of Indian Creek, a tributary to the EBNFFR. The study calculates the costs of treating riparian areas at different intensities including riparian management, revegetation and reconstruction. Alternatives for improved water use on grazing lands are also included. Sponsored by the SCSÌs River Basin Planning staff, carried out the project in cooperation with the US Forest Service, the Indian/American Valley Resource Conservation District, the Department of Water Resources, Plumas Corp., the California Department of Fish and Game, and Pacific Gas & Electric company using $200,000 in Clean Water Act funds.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) surveyed the amount of sediment filling in the Antelope Lake Reservoir since itÌs construction in 1964. The earlier SCS erosion inventory had identified the watershed above the lake and dam as the highest source of sediment in the entire EBNFFR on a tons per square mile basis. The survey confirmed that erosion rates above the dam are very high, but did not find this rate to be causing operational problems for the Antelope Lake Reservoir from which Indian Creek flows. Sponsored by the DWR, assisted by the US Geological Service using $28,000 in DWR funds.

5) Indian Creek Survey(1994)

Cross sectional profiles of 57 sections of Indian Creek were established for use as baseline data, and for project design and monitoring should the Indian Creek Watershed plan (Plan #4 on next page) be funded. Sponsored by the Plumas County Community Development Commission, funded by the SCS/NRCS for $20,500, and carried out by Plumas Corporation and Meadowbrook Conservation Associates.

6) Spanish Creek Gravel Management Survey(1993/ongoing)

This study of sediment transport on Spanish Creek and its tributaries assesses the changes in channel profiles caused by current sediment erosion and deposition. Hydraulic mining in the 1880Ìs dislodged excessive gravels which continue to be moved around by the creek during flood events, causing the stream to be unstable and overwhelming riparian vegetation. Understanding the sediment dynamics may lead to a plan to coordinate harvesting of gravel along Spanish Creek to increase channel and flood plain stability, improve fisheries, and provide gravel for use by the county road department and the local gravel industry. Sponsored and funded by the Plumas County Department of Public Works for $140,000, and conducted by Plumas Corporation and the USFS.

7) Plumas County Road Condition Report(1995/ongoing)

This report builds on the 1992 Spanish Creek/Last Chance Creek study by assessing, identifying and ranking sediment sources associated with the twelve Plumas County roads which traverse Plumas National Forest lands within the Spanish Creek watershed for possible mitigation projects. Funded by the Plumas County Department of Public Works and carried out by the USFS in conjunction with the Spanish Creek Gravel Management Survey. Results will be finalized in 1996.

1) Red Clover Creek II(1989)

The plan for the federally owned portion of this East side watershed calls for restoration of Red Clover Creek two miles downstream of the original Red Clover Demonstration project, which is on private land, for the length of six miles, including tributaries such as Bagley and Poco Creek. Treatments planned include bank and head cut stabilization structures, installation of rock drop pools and rock check dams, and revegetation. Sponsored and carried out by the USFS. Several projects have been implemented in the planning area including the Red Clover II and Bagley Creek Projects.

2) Walker Mine Tailings Study(1991)

This study designed action options for treating tailings from an abandoned copper mine on USFS managed land. The tailings are a 100 acre expanse of 20 foot deep materials containing copper, zinc, cadmium and other heavy metals. The site, 15 miles Northwest of Portola, is bisected by Dolly Creek which carries the toxic materials to the downstream fishery by way of Little Grizzly Creek, a tributary to Indian Creek. The study yielded 8 separate alternatives for action. Sponsored by the Plumas County Community Development Commission using a Ïnon-point pollution planningÓ contract for $60,000 from the SWRCB and subcontracted to the USFS who used a private consultant, Dames & Moore. 

3) Clarks 2000 (1992)

The USFS designed this stewardship plan for the 10,000 acre watershed it manages which is drained by Clarks Creek at the most northern point in the EBNFFR watershed. Clarks Creek drains into Indian Creek by way of Last Chance Creek. The watershed has highly erodible soils and is approaching a threshold of concern for cumulative watershed disturbance from grazing, timbering and wildfire. The plan coordinates watershed improvements including closure of 28 miles of roads, implementation of stream restoration projects including 100 acres of stream bank treatment, 12 miles of fence installation, 45 acres of deciduous tree planting, 400 acres of prescribed burning, and 8,000 acres of grazing management changes. Sponsored and carried out by the USFS. The proposed budget is $1.2 million, including $400,000 of USFS funding. The Environmental Assessment is completed and some projects, including the Clarks Creek Project and Dunne Pasture have been implemented.

This study of the Indian Creek watershed by the Soil Conservation Service builds on the 1989 River Basin Study and proposes alternatives for restoration of riparian areas along 22 miles of Indian Creek, a tributary to the EBNFFR. The plan includes options for long-term land treatment contracts with individual land owners to implement grazing management changes. Changes would include fencing, water development for livestock along 13.7 miles of Indian Creek, and stream stabilization and restoration using meander reconstruction treatments and revegetation for 2.8 miles of stream. Design and pre-construction monitoring was done by the SCS/NRCS River Basin Planning staff for $50,000 with cooperation from the Indian and American Valley Resource Conservation District and the Plumas County Community Development Commission. The plan allows use of Public Law 566 funds for project implementation when available.

5) Genesee Valley Forest Stewardship Study/Strategy(1993)

Land owners in Genesee Valley, through which Indian Creek flows, worked together to amend the Plumas County General Plan to address their concerns about forest health, fire hazard and other natural resource issues. Timber stand and fuel assessments were carried out to help landowners develop a range of strategies to improve forest health problems. The plan allows the area to be a priority for state and federal hazard reduction funds should they become available. Three landowners are currently implementing their stewardship plans. Sponsored by Plumas Corporation and funded by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection using $20,500 in Forest Stewardship funds. Individual projects are eligible for CDF Stewardship Incentive Program funds.

6) Erosion Control Strategy(1992/94)

This document outlines a nine step method to prioritize CRM restoration efforts in the watershed. Prioritization is made by ranking sediment production and significance for: economic; political; water quality; flood, flood plain and riparian, water supply and yield; and key watershed management situations. The plan also calls for analyzing project effectiveness according to economic efficiency, environmental quality, and social well-being. Sponsored by Pacific Gas & Electric company for $13,000 from the USFS and Plumas Corporation.

7) Butterfly Valley Watershed Stewardship Incentive Program Plan (1994)

This project integrates fuels and resource management planning on industrial and non-industrial private land and land administered by the USFS in the Butterfly Valley watershed, through which Butterfly Valley creek flows on its way to Spanish Creek. Stewardship plans for 16 small land owners use a watershed zone treatment strategy that includes fuels reduction. This plan was designated as the Region 5 USFS Ecosystem Project for 1994. Plan development coordinated by Plumas Corporation using $40,000 in California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection(CDF) and USFS funds. The plan allows land owners to apply for CDF competitive incentive programs to fund stewardship projects. 

1) Red Clover Creek Demonstration Project(1985/96)

The CRMÌs first project constructed four rock check dams on a highly eroded section of Red Clover Creek, which flows into Indian Creek. The dams created ponds and raised the water table on privately owned land used for cattle grazing and willows and grasses were planted in areas affected by construction. Monitoring information has shown a 657% increase in waterfowl in the area, with nesting and usage indicators up for all indicator species. The landowner, PG&E, California Departments of Forestry and Fire Protection and Fish and Game, SCS, Indian-American Valley Resource Conservation District, and the USFS cooperated on the project which was coordinated by Plumas Corporation. Construction was funded for $72,000 by CDF&G, CDF, and Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E). The Plumas County Community Development Commission provided a construction loan. The project was designed by the SCS. Monitoring was funded by PG&E and the Department of Water Resources for $100,000 for a total project cost of $172,000. 

(See Fact Sheet #3 for a description of this project.)

2) Poco Creek (1986/89)

This four year long USFS project erected 13 check dams, shaped banks and channels, planted willows, put in an exclusion fence and developed a long term maintenance plan to stabilize a 15 foot deep and 80 foot wide gully in a 1,200 foot long section of Poco Creek, a tributary to Red Clover Creek, which flows into Indian Creek. Sponsored by the USFS, for $113,000 and $15,000 from Pacific Gas & Electric company for a total project cost of $128,000.

3) Dotta Canyon Project(1988/90)

Eight erosion control rock drop dam structures were built on Dotta Creek downstream from Dotta Dam, which flows into Indian Creek by way of Red Clover Creek. The land owner built the project with design help from the SCS and Plumas Corporation. Loyalton High School students seeded, fertilized and planted willows at the project site. Sponsored by the landowner, with construction funding of $9,545 from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, $8,000 from Pacific Gas & Electric Company, $3,500 from the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation ServiceÌs Agricultural Conservation Program, and $3,500 from the owner. ASCS and the landowner each spent $2,650 for fencing for a total project cost of $30,200.

4) Noble-Red Clover Creek (1990)

Two erosion control rock drop dam structures were built, and fencing was installed on this privately owned section of Red Clover Creek upstream from the Red Clover Demonstration project, which flows into Indian Creek. The dams slowed stream flow and willows were planted to hold soil in place. The project affected 20-30 acres of meadow. Funded for $14,000 by Pacific Gas & Electric Company, the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, and the landowner and donations from the USFS.

A two mile stretch of Wolf Creek, an urban stream in the community of Greenville, were reconstructed using geomorphic techniques to slow stream bank and bed erosion. Meanders were reconstructed and lined with natural material, and vegetation was planted to stabilize the eroding stream bank. Twenty-nine acres of flood plain were reconstructed to give the stream more capacity to carry flood waters away from urban home owners. Over 71 property owners cooperated with Plumas Corporation on planning, design and construction. Monitoring of the project is being done by Greenville High School students for ten years. The project was sponsored by the Greenville Community Services District using funds and in-kind donations from at least 21 separate public and private, and local, state and federal entities totaling $850,000. 

(See Fact Sheet #5 for a description of these projects.)

8-9) Rush Creek and Soda Creek fish ladders(1989/91)

Fish ladders were installed on these tributary creeks to the EBNFFR, which had been blocked to fish passage since highway culverts were installed 50 years earlier. More than 20 local volunteers assisted with fish ladder construction. Sponsored by the Plumas County Community Development Commission, funded by the Wildlife Conservation Board and the Plumas County Fish and Game Commission for $25,300, with assistance from Cal-Trans and Pacific Gas & Electric Company for monitoring.

10) Greenhorn Creek(1991)

Over 2,800 feet of Greenhorn Creek and 17.6 acres of flood plain were reconstructed using geomorphic techniques, as it runs through two privately owned ranches near Highway 70 in Quincy. Meanders were reconstructed and lined with natural material, and vegetation was planted to stabilize the eroding stream bank. A trail was built along the project site to provide public access. Sponsored by the Plumas County Community Development Commission and funded by landowners and over 15 federal, state, regional, and local agencies totaling $406,000. Monitoring is being done by agency staff and Quincy High School students until 1997. 

(See Fact Sheet # 4 for a description of this project.)

11) Dunn Pasture (1992)

This nine acre cattle holding pasture on USFS managed land near Clarks Creek was plowed and revegetated with experimental techniques to determine the effectiveness of different biotechnical engineering treatments. Cattle are now excluded from the site and land recovery results are being monitored. This project was implemented as part of the Clarks 2000 plan. The project cost $12,000 in USFS and PG&E funds.

12) Clarks Creek (1992/94)

A 2,000 foot stretch of channel on Clarks Creek, which flows into Indian Creek by way of Last Chance Creek, was stabilized using vegetation and rock placed to control erosion and improve fisheries and riparian habitat. International exchange and inner city minority students, California Department of Correction inmate crews, Janesville High School students, and the Milford Grazing Association volunteered labor for the project. Sponsored by the USFS as part of the Clarks 2000 plan and funded by the Student Conservation Association, PG&E, Department of Water Resources, and the California Department of Fish & Game for $24,000.

13) Haskins Creek (1993)

Over 800 feet of eroded stream bed on Haskins Creek, which flows into BuckÌs Lake Reservoir, was stabilized by installing rock step pools and biotechnical revegetation. Major head cuts had worked up the creek from a bridge under the Oroville-Quincy highway 30 years ago after a storm damaged bridge was replaced. The head cuts threatened a two mile long wet meadow and prevented spawning fish access from Bucks Lake Reservoir. After the project was constructed, brown trout and Kokanee salmon began migrating upstream on their fall spawning runs for the first time in 30 years. Funding included $32,000 from the California Department of ForestryÌs California Forest Incentives Program, and $8,000 from local landowner, and donated rock from the Greenville Community Services District for a total of $40,000 plus in-kind donations.

The tailings are a 100 acre expanse of 20 foot deep materials containing copper, zinc, cadmium and other heavy metals from an abandoned copper mine which drains into Indian Creek by way of Dolly Creek and Little Grizzly Creek. The project consisted of geomorphic channel reconstruction, revegetation, and installation of wind fences to keep the silica loaded tailings from blowing off site. Five acres of wetlands were developed to demonstrate passive, biological treatment of water leaching from the mine and tailings site. Extensive monitoring is on-going. Project implementation cost $430,000 including $150,000 in Clean Water Act funds from the State Water Resources Control Board, and $280,000 in Claims and Abatement funds.

15) Bagley Creek (1993/ongoing)

Rehabilitation projects on the 700 acre federally owned sub-watershed drained by Bagley Creek, a tributary to Red Clover Creek which flows into Indian Creek, were conducted over a period of four years as part of the USFS Red Clover II Ecosystem Management area. Projects included creek modifications including four loose rock check dams installed in the creek gully to raise the water table and catch sediment and installation of 25 rock weirs; bank modifications including 950 of bank reshaping, 1,280 feet of biotechnical revegetation including willow planting, and flood plain excavation; conifer thinning; grazing exclusion; and subsoil treatments of sage flats to reduce soil compaction and increase grass and forb establishment. An environmental assessment of plans to divert the creek from itÌs gully onto the meadow floor is underway. Sponsored by the USFS, conducted by the Student Conservation Association, Plumas Corporation and private contractors costing $48,000.

16) Red Clover Creek II (1994/95)

This project laid back and stabilized stream banks through revegetation using willow matting on a half mile of Red Clover Creek within the USFS Red Clover II management area plan. Work on lowering the flood plain, installing rock weirs and rip rap, and revegetation of vertical banks was also done. The project was sponsored by the USFS and contracted out to private contractors for $39,000.

17) Big Flat Meadow Re-watering Project(1995)

This project moved Cottonwood Creek from itÌs old down cut channel into 4,050 feet of new channel constructed on top of Big Flat Meadow. Cottonwood Creek flows on USFS managed land into Indian Creek by way of Last Chance Creek. The old channel had down cut 15 feet and was de-watering the 47 acre Big Flat meadow, allowing invasion of sagebrush species. The abandoned gully was filled or converted into a series of ponds to create wildlife habitat. Monitoring of ground water wells will done by PG&E for the next five years. Sponsored by the USFS and carried out by Plumas Corporation with funding of $30,000 from the USFS, $10,000 from PG&E, $70,000 from the SWRCB, and other funds from Ducks Unlimited, DWR, CDF&G, and the Milford Grazing Association for a total of $189,000.

(See Fact Sheet #6 for a description of these projects.)

18) Jamison Creek (1995)

Meander reconstruction and bank stabilization was carried out on 2,000 feet of creek which flows through Plumas Eureka State Park into the Middle Fork of the Feather River. Excess sediment, caused by hard rock gold mining and associated logging, accelerated erosion leading to water quality problems. The braided stream channels were reformed into one channel, banks and floodplains were cut back to reduce stream entrenchment and then revegetated using biotechnical, seed and container plantings. Sponsored by California Department of Parks and Recreation and the Plumas County Community Development Commission, coordinated by Plumas Corporation and constructed by local contractors for $180,000 with $90,000 SWRCB Clean Water Act funds and $90,000 California Natural Heritage Stewardship fund. The project used displaced timber industry workers through the Jobs in the Woods program for some of the construction.

19) Poplar Creek (1994/95)

Emergency repairs were made to stabilize head cuts on Soper Wheeler owned land. A 400 feet long section of stream had step pools installed to protect a half mile of stable channel and a wet meadow. Entrenched banks were cut to a more gentle angle to allow the channel to carry more water, and then revegetated. A ten year plan is being developed with State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) 319 funds. Sponsored and constructed by Soper Wheeler with technical assistance from the CRM. The project was funded at $35,000, with $25,000 from SWRCB 319 funds, $10,000 from the landowner. Additional projects could total $150-300,000 from the landowner and other potential funders.

1) Plumas County high school monitoring program(1989/present)

Over 165 high school students have been involved in collecting monitoring data on the CRMÌs Wolf Creek and Greenhorn Creek projects through conservation classes offered at Quincy and Greenville High Schools. Students learn the scientific method, data collection methods and real life applications to scientific concepts. Carried out with funding from the USFS, RWQCB, Plumas Unified School District, and $50,000 from the Plumas Job Training Center. 

2) Feather River Community College Water Resources Technician program

(1990/present)

This first of its kind in California program trains students in watershed management concepts and field methods at the local community college. A total of 15 students have completed either the two-year Associate degree or the one-year certificate program since itÌs inception in 1990. A total of 420 students have completed some of the eight specialized watershed classes which prepare them for technician level employment in public and private agencies involved in water resource management. Sponsored by Feather River College and taught by CRM member agency professionals. Funded through the California educational system with $6,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency to develop curriculum, $2,500 from Plumas County and $400 from Pacific Gas & Electric company for equipment.

3) Feather River Coordinated Resources Management Video (1993)

This 40 minute long video profiles the history and accomplishments of the Feather River CRM. Sponsored by the Feather River CRM and funded by PG&E, with cooperation from the USFS, SCS/NRCS, Plumas Job Training Center, and the Plumas County Community Development Commission.

Three week long short courses were held to train CRM members and other agency staff in Rosgen stream typing, channel stability evaluation, and geomorphic channel reconstruction. Sponsored by the Feather River CRM and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), coordinated by Plumas Corporation, and funded by ACOE, the EPA, and student fees for $60,000.

5) Biomass workshop(1994)

This workshop on biomass harvesting techniques attracted 130 participants from across the state who discussed the logistics of biomassing and toured ten active biomass harvesting sites in Butterfly valley. Sponsored by Plumas Corporation and CDF and funded by the North-Cal Neva RC&D for $9000.

6) Newsletter and fact sheets(1995/96)

This educational outreach program developed a series of fact sheets and a newsletter to educate the public about watershed restoration, the Feather River Coordinated Resource Management group and CRM projects. Fact sheets describing the CRM and project goals, designs, and results were written by synthesizing information provided by different participating agencies. Sponsored by the University of California Cooperative Extension with $15,000 in funding from the California Biodiversity Council through the Klamath Biodiversity Project.

7) Water rights reallocation testimony(1995/ongoing)

Plumas County took the lead in organizing the Northern California water producing counties to advocate for watershed restoration as part of the Bay - Delta water rights reallocation process. Sponsored by the Plumas County Department of Public Works who has pledged $26,000.

2 mile long wet meadow and establishing spawning fish access 

Adapted for World Wide Web 1999

Project Director: Michael De Lasaux, U.C. Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Advisor, Plumas & Sierra Counties
Educational Outreach Coordinator: Susie Kocher, U.C. Cooperative Extension, Program Representative