Jacoby Creek Off-Channel Refuge and Rearing Habitat Planning Project

NRS received a grant through the CDFW Fisheries Restoration Grant Program to design high flow refugia for juvenile salmonids in Jacoby Creek. The project is necessary because the lower reaches of Jacoby Creek have been broadly characterized as possessing reduced channel capacities from accumulation of sediments, simplified instream habitats that lack habitat diversity and cover complexity, and lack of rearing habitats from channels being disconnected from its floodplain in much of the lower watershed.

The project will develop final design plans to provide high flow refugia and rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids in the Jacoby Creek watershed. The overarching, long-term goals of this project will be accomplished in the implementation phase, which will be dependent on funding. These goals include: 1) provide off-channel, high flow refuge and rearing habitat for juvenile coho; 2) enhance drainage into Jacoby Creek on the project site; and 3) reduce or eliminate stranding of juvenile salmonids on the existing pasture and in drainage. 

The goals of this planning and design project are to:

1. Obtain guidance and feedback on overall project approach and scope from project partners.

2. Understand project site characteristics to inform project design.

3. Complete final designs, including a revegetation plan, for an off-channel, high flow refugia and rearing habitat project for juvenile coho in the Jacoby Creek watershed.

4. Draft a monitoring plan to support the pursuit of implementation funding and permits.