News Release Archive

Phase 6 to Begin for Lower American River Salmonid Spawning Gravel Augmentation Project

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: August 30, 2013

SACRAMENTO Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Water Forum, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Sacramento County Regional Parks, will begin Phase 6 of the Lower American River Salmonid Spawning Gravel Augmentation Project.

This sixth year of the Lower American River Salmonid Spawning Gravel Augmentation Project continues the work of improving spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead trout and Chinook salmon in the lower American River. The existing spawning habitat consists of large rocks and fine sediment that reduces the ability for these fish to construct redds (nests) and may reduce the number of eggs surviving and emerging as juvenile fish from the redds. Approximately 6,000 tons of gravel will be added to the lower American River during this phase of the Project. Approximately 5,500 square yards of improved spawning habitat and 400 yards of improved side channel juvenile rearing habitat will be created. This Project is one of many to help meet the requirements of the 1992 Central Valley Project Improvement Act, Section 3406 (b)(13), to restore and replenish spawning gravel and rearing habitat.

Work will begin Tuesday, Sept 3, 2013. All work is expected to be completed by Friday, Sept. 27, 2013. Work hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. All work in the river is located immediately downstream from the pedestrian bridge at River Bend Park.

The gravel will be placed in the river using front-end loaders and bulldozers to distribute the spawning gravel. Safety is a priority and it is very important for the public to pay attention to the informational signage located at the boat ramps providing access to the river and signage attached to the upstream side of the bridge at River Bend Park. Additional signage will also be posted throughout the work site.

To learn more about the Project, please review the August 2008 Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact and supplements, which are available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=3202. To request a copy of the documents, please contact Douglas Kleinsmith at 916-978-5034 (TTY 916-978-5608) or email dkleinsmith@usbr.gov. For additional information, please contact Louis Moore, 916-978-5106 (TTY 916-978 5608) or email wmoore@usbr.gov.

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Relevant Link:

August 2008 Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact and supplements