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Trying A New Approach to Assessing Sediment Sources
Perhaps the most important element needed for long-term restoration of salmonid habitat is reducing accelerated sediment delivery to stream channel systems. Overall watershed erosion is the result of a complex dynamic between natural processes (geography, geology, tectonic activity, rainfall) and anthropomorphic conditions (development, roads, land use) which makes getting a good handle on the contributing erosional processes limited, difficult, and expensive. Because road systems are often a significant and easily controlled source of sediment delivery to streams, a different and practical approach to assessing road-related sediment sources has been developed by Pacific Watershed Associates (PWA) as part of California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) accepted protocol.
Funded by grants from CALFED and the CDFG, the Napa RCD and PWA have recently completed such road assessments in areas of Dry, Carneros, and Sulphur Creek watersheds, specifically targeting road-related erosion sources that have the potential to deliver sediment directly to the stream channel network. According to PWA’s Bill Weaver, “The overall goal is not to identify and quantify any and all current and historical factors contributing to watershed erosion rates, as in a comprehensive sediment budget; but to complete “forward-looking” detailed inventories of upland sediment sources and prepare prioritized erosion prevention plans ready for immediate implementation and of direct benefit to the watershed. This on-the-ground implementation of erosion prevention work is an important step toward protecting and restoring watersheds and their anadromous fisheries.”
As part of these assessments conducted between August 2002 and January 2003, potential sediment sites such as stream crossings, culverts, drainage ditches, road cut banks, and gullied fill slopes along county public roads and private rural right of ways (where access was permitted by the landowners) were evaluated, recommended for improvement, rated for cost-effectiveness, and prioritized for implementation immediacy. Expanding on this method, additional sampling of non-road sediment sources (landslides, bank erosion, residential development, grazing, and agriculture) is slated for the Carneros and Sulphur Creek watersheds. Not only providing tools for watershed management planning, the final erosion prevention plans are also intended to make applying for future grant funding easier. Once the assessments are completed, the next step is to incorporate PWA’s findings into Watershed Management Plans being developed for each sub-basin, distribute information to the stewardship groups, and then solicit buy-in from the county roads department and landowners willing to participate to future grant-funded road improvement projects. Landowners interested in learning more should contact the RCD.
Carneros Creek Stewardship Restoration Project
On Friday, December 6 2002, the Carneros Creek Stewardship co-sponsored a restoration project along the banks of Carneros Creek. Approximately 45 students from Napa Valley Language Academy and Trinity Grammar and Preparatory School planted over 300 native trees, shrubs and grasses along a reach of Carneros Creek. Designed by a professional landscape architect, the restoration project will stabilize the streambank, reduce sediment delivery to the creek, and provide habitat for wildlife.
The restoration project resulted from a partnership between the Stewardship, Napa County Farm Bureau, Acorn Soupe, Napa RCD, STRAW (Students and Teachers Restoring a Watershed), and Walsh Vineyard Management. The partnering organizations had a strong desire to teach students about the functions of creeks and their associated watersheds through in-class presentations and implementation of a restoration project. Staff from Acorn Soupe and the RCD visited each class prior to the fieldwork to talk with them about land stewardship, the significance of Carneros Creek, endangered species and the physiology of plants. Armed with this knowledge, the students were well prepared for the fieldwork and planted over 300 plant species in record time.
At the conclusion of the day the students were welcomed to rest their weary bodies and picnic under the trees next to Carneros Creek. The landowners provided cookies and juice in thanks for all of the hard work and praised the students for a job well done. The partnership is excited about the success of the project and looks forward to other similar efforts.
CALFED Science Conference
Napa County was well represented at this year’s CALFED Science Conference held in Sacramento. The Napa County RCD gave a presentation that integrated with three other talks regarding watershed assessments within the Carneros and Sulphur Creek watersheds. A large audience comprised of approximately 150 people included scientists, students, and a broad range of government agencies.
The three-part presentation was given during the same session with collaborators on these projects - San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) and Pacific Watershed Associates (PWA). The session included a presentation on sediment delivery to stream systems by Eileen Weppner (PWA) followed by fluvial geomorphology by Sarah Pierce (SFEI), and concluded with Jonathan Koehler (RCD) presenting his methods and findings on fish habitat quality, which was incorporated into the previous two talks. Additionally, Robin Grossinger (SFEI) presented his findings on the historical ecology of both watersheds during another session at the conference. The integrated presentation was well received and generated a lot of interest in the RCD’s stewardship based approach to collect information and educate citizens.
In this study, the RCD is providing an administrative role as well as actively contributing to the scientific study within each watershed. The outcome of this study will be a management plan for each watershed that makes recommendations to landowners to improve, restore, and manage their land in the context of stewardship.
“Sustainable Winegrowing in Napa County”
If you are interested in learning about the daily efforts of local Napa grapegrowers in enhancing the beauty and health of the Napa River Watershed you should read “Vineyards in the Watershed: Sustainable Winegrowing in Napa County”.
This non-technical, easy to read book was published by the Napa Sustainable Winegrowing Group in 2002 and written by a local author by the name of Juliane Poirier Locke. The book covers local issues such as Water Quality, Wildlife Protection, Organic Farming, Community, Erosion Control, Weed Management, Vine Health, and Cover Crops. “Vineyards in the Watershed” was made possible by a wide variety of donators, ranching from private individuals, the local Sierra Club, Audubon Society, and the Napa County to local grapegrowers, wineries and agencies (?) such as the Napa Valley Vintner’s Association. Distribution reaches as far as Australia. Locally, it is used as a textbook by the Napa Valley College, and sold at the UC Davis bookstore.
The book costs only $15.95 plus tax. All profits go to the Napa Sustainable Winegrowing Group to enable their continuing mission of educating local growers in sustainable farming practices with the means of annual workshops and newsletters.
To obtain your personal copy contact Astrid Bock-Foster at the Napa County Resource Conservation District at 707-252-4188.
Salvador Creek Stewardship Group
A new stewardship group is developing in the City of Napa. With funding from the City, the RCD has organized and facilitated two meetings of the Salvador Creek Stewardship Group. The Salvador Creek watershed (located in the northwest portion of the City) is about 7 square miles, includes all of the land that drains into Salvador Creek and is dominated by urban land uses. During initial meetings, participants expressed their interests in several watershed topics including: water quality; flooding; habitat restoration; property rights; recreation; creek clean-up; education; channel maintenance; etc. Anyone interested in attending future meetings, please contact Michael Champion at 707-252-4188, or by email at michael@naparcd.org.
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