Battle Creek – Eagle Canyon Fish Passage Project

Battle Creek – Eagle Canyon Fish Passage Project

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Project Goal:

Open access to more than 8 miles of spring-fed spawning and rearing habitat for Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and other native migratory fishes by removing a fish passage barrier.


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Completed:
2022

Region:

Project Funders

US Fish and Wildlife Service

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Fish Affected:

Threats:

Project Description

This project directly benefits one of the world’s most endangered ecotypes of anadromous salmon – winter-run Chinook salmon. This run or ecotype is found only in California and has a life history strategy and genetic signature that is found nowhere else on the planet. Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon have adapted to the unique hydrology and habitat conditions associated with large spring systems that provide cold consistent water throughout the summer. However, much of their historical habitat is inaccessible due to large dams and hydroelectric projects that completely block access to prime spawning and rearing habitats. Eagle Canyon is one of a host of major projects that are on the horizon in Battle Creek and represent the best opportunities for on the ground restoration to conserve and recover this member of California’s biodiversity. In 2022, CalTrout and partners completed construction at this site to remove a rock barrier in the canyon that had been blocking fish passage. As a result, more than 8 miles of anadromous habitat became available for endangered winter-run Chinook salmon. We are continuing post-construction monitoring of the site until 2024.

Project Partners:

Syblon Reid General Engineering Contractors

Aquaterra Consulting

Michael Love & Associates Engineering

NV5 Beyond Engineering

Tehama Environmental Solutions Inc.

Tehama County Resource Conservation District

Pacific Gas and Electric

David, April and John Gamon

Donnette Thayer

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