Dry Creek Restoration

A dam placed in Dry Creek in Sonoma County, California degraded important fish habitat. Instead of building an expensive and unattractive bypass pipeline, the Dry Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project restored 30 hectares of stream, floodplain, and riparian habitat. This project increased in-stream habitat complexity and improved hydrologic connectivity with the floodplain. The team constructed riffles, large wood structures, backwaters, side channels, and alcoves to promote the recovery of salmon, steelhead, and other native wildlife. The restoration site has walking paths and educational signage for visitors, and has enhanced the aesthetic and environmental value of the site, bringing increased tourism to local vineyards.