Habitat Restoration for Native Salmonid Conservation in the Lower American River of California

A partnership between the BLM, Sacramento Water Forum, and USFWS is working to restore spawning conditions and salmonid habitats in the Lower American River downstream of the Folsom Dam. The plan focuses on enhancing gravel habitat, adding woody material, and creating side channels and floodplains for spawning and rearing Chinook salmon and steelhead. Since 2008, $7 million has been invested into the restoration work, resulting in over 30 acres of suitable habitats for spawning adults and 1.7 miles of side channels for rearing juveniles. After gravel augmentation in 2019, salmon biologists have documented increased spawning activity in Sailor Bar.