Department of Water Resources Urban Streams Restoration Program Working Together To: Restore Watersheds Reduce Property Damages Renovate Town Centers

Traditional Stream Management Historically delegated to single purpose agencies with specific goals (i.e. flood control, water conveyance, mosquito abatement, minimizing creek corridor to maximize development). Ecosystem health generally a priority only in park areas.

Limitations of Single Purpose Flood Control Projects High costs Long timeframes Maintenance costs Little regard for environmental quality Possible violation of environmental laws Unsafe during high water events Potential fragmentation of communities

USRP Program Background Created in response to limitations of single- purpose flood control projects and traditional stream management practices Enabling legislation: Urban Creek Restoration and Flood Control Act of 1985 Authorized DWR to make grants and provide technical assistance to local governments and organizations for multi-objective projects

Program Objectives Assist communities in reducing damages from stream bank and watershed instability and floods Restore environmental and aesthetic values of streams Encourage stewardship and maintenance of streams by the community

Potential Benefits of Urban Stream Restoration Reduce flood damage and erosion Re-establish fish and wildlife habitat Improve water quality Increase groundwater recharge Provide educational/recreational opportunities Provide focal point for urban revitalization Encourage community stewardship

Projects Funded by USRP Creek cleanups Bioengineering bank stabilization Vegetation management Channel reconfiguration to improve geomorphology Land/right of way purchases Daylighting

Case Studies Dry Creek, Roseville Fresno River, Oakhurst Poinsett Park, El Cerrito

Dry Creek, Roseville 2-phase project consisting of an erosion assessment/management plan and restoration Channel reconfiguration, bank stabilization and revegetation at three key sites Improved fish passage Collaborative effort between the City of Roseville and the Dry Creek Conservancy

Project Location

Darling Way Site Before After

Adelante Site, Before

Adelante Site, After

Fish Passage Improvement Adelante Spawning gravels and resting habitat Downstream of Darling Way site Easier migration access – modifications to banks and stream around sewer line

Fish Passage Before and After Before After

Fresno River, Oak/China Creeks, Oakhurst

Project Background – Rural foothills community near Yosemite – Development around waterways destabilized banks and increased flood damage to surrounding homes and businesses – Oakhurst River Parkway Committee formed to address issues – Funding and restoration activities pursued in a community-wide effort, with assistance from multiple agencies, businesses, and citizens

stream restoration erosion control trail system stabilization creek clean-ups vegetation management community education Project Activities

Before, ~1996 After, June 2000 Before, ~1996 After, June 2000

Poinsett Park, El Cerrito

Poinsett Park, Project Background City’s storm drain system inadequate, resulting in localized flooding City commissioned study to evaluate pipe conditions and develop master plan of corrections Local residents approved $6.3 million bond to finance repairs City chose stream restoration alternative over pipe repairs in some locations Short-term increased costs for restoration, but long- term decreased costs for pipe repairs DWR grant was to finance a demo “daylighting” project at Poinsett Park for the restoration alternative

Before, 1995 After, 2000 Before, 1995 After, 2000

Healthy Streams, Vibrant Communities

USRP Contact Information Sara Denzler, Program Coordinator (916) , Susan Oldland, Central CA Contact (916) ,