News Release Archive

Phase 2 to Begin for Lower American River Salmonid Spawning Gravel Augmentation Program

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, 09/01/2009 21:17

For Release: September 01, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the Water Forum, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, California State Parks, and Sacramento County Regional Parks, will begin Phase 2 of the Lower American River Salmonid Spawning Gravel Augmentation Program (Program). 

This phase will involve sorting and washing old gold mine tailings that were removed from the American River during California's gold rush.  These gold mine tailings are currently piled on Reclamation land at Mississippi Bar and will be transported by dump trucks to Sailor Bar.  The processed gravel will be placed in the river just upstream from the Sailor Bar boat ramp. 

The work will begin Thursday, September 10, 2009, and is expected to be completed by Friday, September 25, 2009.  Work hours will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The dump trucks will haul gravel on public roads from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is the second year of a 5-year Program of restoration projects to improve spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead trout, and Chinook salmon; the Program should also provide benefits to the entire ecosystem of the lower American River.  The existing spawning habitat is full of large rocks and fine sediment that reduces the ability of fish to construct redds (nests of eggs) that will produce a high number of juvenile fish.  Approximately 9,000 tons of spawning gravel will be added to the American River during this phase.  This Reclamation project helps meet requirements of Section 3406 (b)(13) of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act, a program to restore and replenish spawning gravel and rearing habitat.

The Final Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact is available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=3202.  If you encounter problems accessing the document online, please call 916-978-5100 or e-mail lwirth@usbr.gov.  To request a copy of the document, please contact Mr. Douglas Kleinsmith at 916-978-5034 or e-mail dkleinsmith@usbr.gov. 

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Relevant Link:

Final Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact