Bringing life back to California's historic waterways

The Salt River near Ferndale, California had degraded over decades, blocking vital fish spawning tributaries and diminishing hundreds of acres of tidal wetlands. Years of land use changes and sedimentation had severely impacted this once-thriving ecosystem, preventing access to over 15 miles of historic salmonid spawning grounds. 

The complexity of the restoration was magnified by its scale, requiring coordination across 40 private properties with diverse and sometimes competing interests. Beyond the technical challenges of redesigning the river system, we needed to navigate intricate regulatory requirements from multiple agencies while maintaining agricultural viability in the region. 

The project demanded a delicate balance between environmental restoration, flood management and agricultural preservation. Adding to the complexity was the need to design a system resilient enough to adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as threats from sea-level rise, while still meeting strict regulatory requirements and remaining within budget constraints. This multi-faceted challenge required innovative solutions that would satisfy both environmental and community needs.

We implemented an innovative, nature-based solution that works with natural processes rather than against them. Our integrated approach began with extensive stakeholder engagement, bringing together landowners, regulatory agencies and community members to build consensus around project goals. 

We developed detailed hydrologic and hydraulic models to understand the complex interactions between tidal and riverine processes, using this data to inform our design decisions. Through careful analysis, we created a design that incorporated custom-engineered log jam structures and strategic channel modifications, mimicking natural river processes while providing essential habitat features.

The project integrated multiple technical elements: bioengineered stability measures, carefully designed side-channels and alcoves and innovative sediment management solutions. We implemented an adaptive management framework that allows for natural evolution of the system while maintaining its core functions. 

Throughout construction, we maintained close coordination with landowners and contractors, ensuring minimal disruption to agricultural operations while maximizing environmental benefits. Our approach emphasized long-term sustainability, incorporating features that would enhance the system's resilience to climate change and sea-level rise while supporting ongoing agricultural operations.

The restored Salt River now stands as a model of successful ecosystem restoration in a working landscape. Post-construction monitoring confirms the presence of multiple species that had previously abandoned the area, including juvenile coho and chinook salmon, long-fin smelt and pacific lamprey. The project has successfully reconnected tidal wetlands, improving natural flood management and creating crucial habitat for migratory birds. 

Water quality has improved significantly, benefiting both wildlife and agricultural operations. Local landowners report reduced flooding issues and better drainage management, demonstrating the project's success in balancing environmental and agricultural needs. 

The restoration has enhanced the area's resilience to climate change and sea-level rise, protecting both natural and agricultural resources for future generations. This project serves as a blueprint for similar restoration efforts along the California coast, showcasing how thoughtful engineering can help nature heal itself while supporting working landscapes. The success has led to increased interest from other communities facing similar challenges, positioning GHD as a leader in nature-based solutions for complex environmental challenges.