Dam removal set for Ward Creek watershed
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By Joanna Hartman
Sierra Sun
July 31, 2006
Activities such as logging, grazing, fire
suppression and development have dramatically disturbed the Ward Creek
watershed and are thought to cause other environmental degradation.
The
California Tahoe Conservancy is proposing to remove an old concrete dam
on Ward Creek near Sunnyside along with streambank renovation as part
of the Ward Creek Watershed Restoration Project.
The early 20th
Century dam was originally constructed for a private water system,
which is no longer in use. The dam is not maintained and has caused
erosion problems and restricts fish migration, said Peter Maholland,
the wildlife enhancement program coordinator with the conservancy.
Dam removal is slated for late September when stream flow is low. Currently the conservancy is awaiting permit finalization.
The
streambank restoration will include areas within 100 feet in either
direction of the dam, Maholland said. The restoration project team will
work for stabilization to reduce the erosion, as well as native
re-planting.
The conservancy has completed several other river
and meadow restoration projects, including Trout Creek and Angora Creek
in the South Shore, said Rick Robinson, program manager for California
Tahoe Conservancy restoration programs.
“We’ve been incredibly
successful. [We’ve seen] dramatic changes in vegetative composition and
improvements in fisheries,” said Robinson. “It’s looking very positive.”
The Ward Creek restoration will be similar to previous projects completed by the conservancy.
WHAT IS A WATERSHED?
Every stream has its own watershed. Watersheds
sustain and enrich water supplies, plant and animal habitat and water
bodies for recreation. Small streams are an essential element of local
geography and ecology, according to the Center for Watershed Protection
Web site.
8 basic management tools needed to minimize development impacts when restoring a watershed:
• watershed planning
• land conservation
• aquatic buffers
• better site design
• erosion control
• stormwater treatment practices
• control of non-stormwater discharges
• watershed stewardship
(Information from the Web site for the Center for Watershed Protection)
MEETING NOTICE:
The California Tahoe Conservancy and other Ward
Creek planning team members will review restoration alternatives and
address comments and concerns at a meeting Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. at the
Tahoe Public Utility District board room.
