Skip to main content

Rancho Cordova Independent

$1.4 Million Dig to Aid Chinooks

Oct 07, 2021 12:00AM ● By Story and photos by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Giant earthmovers relocate gravel in river shallows near Ancil Hoffman Park. The project will recreate natural spawning riffles for endangered migratory fish.

$1.4 Million Dig to Aid Chinooks [2 Images] Click Any Image To Expand

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - In one of the largest movements of American River sediment since the Gold Rush, a Water Forum project is relocating nearly 16,000 cubic yards of gravel in shallows near Ancil Hoffman Park.

Huge excavators, dump trucks and bulldozers have worked against the clock to restore diminished fish spawning habitats before this fall’s salmon run. By November, giant Chinooks will return–hell-bent on reproduction–by the thousands to home waters. Soon after, steelhead arrive for the same purpose. Because Nimbus and Folsom dams curtail migration, spawning must occur in river shallows before these obstacles–or be achieved artificially at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery.  “We have a narrow work window, as specified by the Endangered Species Act,” explains Water Forum Program manager Erica Bishop. “Our work is targeted over a time frame when it’s least likely to affect resident fish.”

Forming a giant alcove upstream from the golf course, the augmented Ancil Hoffman riffle will provide fish increased gravel areas for redd (nest) building.

“Salmon and steelhead have traditionally spawned in this area,” Bishop explains. “Over time, rivers move sediment and these gravel beds have become degraded. Because of the dams, new sediment can’t replace what’s moved downstream. The lower American River is gravel-starved. Fish don’t have sufficient breeding habitat. Some return to their home river and find nowhere to spawn.”

The $1.4 million Water Forum project is one of many restoration programs that support endangered anadromous species that begin and end lifecycles in the American River. Thousands of tons of gravel – sorted to exactly the size preferred by nesting fish – will create an 11-acre alcove at Ancil Hoffman. When temporary levies are bulldozed and water rises, new riffles will accommodate salmon and steelhead breeding. The development includes a rearing inlet to host growing juveniles before their spring swim to the Pacific Ocean. Planting of willows, cottonwood and other native vegetation will bring insects to feed fry. Riverside trails at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center will be improved to allow public observation.

Similar restorations have achieved success at Sailor Bar, River Bend Park, Sacramento Bar and at Nimbus and Sunrise stretches of the American River. “Our surveys count the number of redds in the river and juvenile fish,” says Bishop. “We know restored habitats are being used. Although we have low water flows due to drought this year, our project is focused on long term improvement of river habitat.”

The Ancil Hoffman project is funded by the Bureau of Reclamation. Sacramento City, Sacramento County and local water agencies fund the Water Forum.

Construction areas are off limits for public access. Work-in-progress may be viewed from trails at Effie Yeaw Nature Center preserve. Learn about the Water Forum at www. www.waterforum.org

Sacramento County Legal ads  Click on this image to learn more about placing legal ads in the Messenger Publishing Groups publications
Sacramento  Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent - Memorial ads  Click on this image of a Peace Lily to learn more about placing a Memorial ad in the Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent
Sacramento  Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent  Crime Reports  Click on this image of Police Tape to read a listing of recent crimes in the Rancho Cordova Area
Sacramento  Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent  Donated to support local journalism  Click on this image to donate to the Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent to keep local journalism alive
Sacramento - Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent  Make the Rest of your life the Best of your life Click on this image of a mature couple to find resources and articles for mature singles
Sacramento  Rancho Cordova Click on this ad to find archives of past Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent  newspapers
Sacramento  Rancho Cordova Grapevine Independent  Image of fresh food Click on this ad for KP International Market to go to their website
Sacramento  Rancho Cordova Click on this ad for El Dorado Savings Bank to be taken to their website
Sacramento  Rancho Cordova Click on this ad for First US Community Credit Union to be taken to their website
Sacramento Rancho Cordova Click on this ad for Cogir of Stock Ranch Senior Living Facility to learn more about their services
Sacramento Rancho Cordova Click on this ad for Pinnacle Employee Services to learn more about their HR Payroll and Benefits services for businesses
Sacramento  Rancho Cordova Click on this ad for American River Chiropractic to learn more about their Chiropractic Memberships
Sacramento Rancho Cordova Call 916-728-5812 to learn more about Superior Landscaping Services company
Sacramento Rancho Cordova Image of Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra Click on this ad to learn more about Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra schedule and buy tickets
Sacramento  Rancho Cordova Image of Sacramento River Cats Baseball Team Click on this ad to learn more about River Cats Baseball schedule and to buy tickets
Sacramento  Rancho Cordova Image of Giant Hamburger and Milk shake  Click on the image to learn more about jaspers Giant  Burgers and to view a menu
Sacramento  Image of the Milky Way Click on this ad to learn more about the programs and events at Aero Space Museum of California and to buy tickets
Sacramento   Click on this ad to learn more about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation An organization helping disabled Veterans and Homeless veterans find housing and support
Upcoming Events Near You

No Events in the next 21 days.