Gaviota Creek Emergency Restoration

ongoing

Emergency Restoration / Scoping Phase Permanent restoration work will complete the mitigation for the retaining wall construction in the Gaviota Creek under the Emergency Opening project. The expedited Scoping Phase kicked off on October 9, 2023 and preliminary studies are underway. The objective of the restoration work is to improve fish passage and habitat conditions within Gaviota Creek. Mitigation will involve two components: fish passage remediation and habitat improvements. Fish passage remediation Three grade control structures exist along Gaviota Creek on the west side of US 101, adjacent to the new retaining wall being constructed. These structures affect migrating Steelhead trout as identified by the California Fish Passage Advisory Committee. These are priority locations to make improvements. Caltrans proposes to remove the three existing grade control structures that are affecting fish passage and construct the channel to support migration of all life stages of Steelhead trout through the creek reach. The design of the new fish passage system will be based on California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) fish passage design guidance. Habitat improvements When completed, stream channel and bank riparian vegetation will be reestablished, and additional creek areas (as a result of removing sacked concrete) will be restored and replanted as appropriate. After the appropriate geomorphology and floodplain studies are completed in December 2024, the channel design will restore the stream where temporary impacts have occurred. The restoration project will undergo all required environmental clearance and Caltrans will be submitting design plans for the project to resource agencies for review.