The Current Magazine Summer 2015 | Page 18

Fixing the Problem

Since 2005, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) service through its Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP), in conjunction with the Santa Paula Creek Fish Ladder Joint Powers Authority and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), have been studying the Santa Paula Creek watershed. A team of consultants and scientists, after extensive investigation, identified five passage alternatives ranging from no action to complete removal of the Diversion. The Diversion persists to limit access to 38.85 miles of prime steelhead habitat. As a result, this is a priority project of the Santa Clara River Steelhead Coalition, to which CalTrout is the chair.

Harvey Diversion Fish Passage Restoration Project

In April 2014, CalTrout was awarded two grants to construct the Harvey Diversion Fish Passage Restoration project. This pilot project is a scaled down version of the recommended alternative to partially remove the Diversion and mechanically stabilize the canyon reach. It is intended to meet

the immediate need of stream restoration to restore fish passage to the existing fish ladder while permitting and funding are being secured for Phase II. The pilot project is a crucial step as the construction and monitoring of the project can be used to resolve outstanding issues and concerns associated with elements of the long-term recommended solution. As there have been unsuccessful attempts in the past, it is important to veryify the design on a small scale before investing substantially in the larger project.

The pilot project will be designed to stabilize and restore approximately 900 feet downstream of the Diversion structure. The final design and construction is intended to elevate the grade of the existing streambed to the elevation of the existing concrete and steel fish ladder, and provide valuable information into the design and construction of the larger recommended project. CalTrout believes the project will meet an immediate need, but also inform the correct long-term solution.

HARVEY PROJECT