Altamont Creek Willow Demonstration Project

completed

PROGRAM: Alameda Creek Healthy Watershed Program. The Altamont Creek Willow Demonstration Project is one of two projects undertaken in partnership with Zone 7 Water Agency on Altamont Creek. This reach of Altamont Creek experiences streambank erosion and streambed incision that will eventually threaten infrastructure and property, including Zone 7’s service road, which also functions as a recreation path. Shelterbelt Builders, Inc. was contracted to harvest willows and use the cuttings to plant stakes, poles, and fascines at critical out-bends according to designs developed by ACRCD and NRCS technical staff in collaboration with Zone 7 Water Agency. Some of the live willow plantings have survived and rooted, increasing streambank stability and providing structure even where plantings have not survived. Implementation occurred from January 11-15, 2016. Harvesting was conducted on Contra Costa County Flood Control property in North Richmond, California (Wildcat Creek) with permission from the County and from East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), which maintains a trail right-of-way adjacent to harvest areas. ACRCD and NRCS staff oversaw harvesting and installation. Assessments of plant growth and streambank stability have been ongoing throughout 2016 and 2017, and permanent photograph monitoring points have been established. The project is supported by EPA San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Fund grant no. W9-00T94801 and Zone 7 Water Agency.

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