THE LAND CONSERVANCY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Restoration Project: Bank Stabilization and Revegetation Site 1

Lower Santa Rosa Creek, Cambria

Overview/History

Santa Rosa Creek is among the most productive steelhead streams in San Luis Obispo County. The relatively cool and clean water, along with good habitat conditions, make this creek very important.

The Problem

In 2006, the Land Conservancy was contacted by the Cambria Community Services District regarding a section of stream bank on their Fiscalini-Ranch Preserve. This eroding stream bank was depositing soil into the stream and contributing to the degradation of spawning habitat for steelhead. The eroding bank was also along the route of a main sewer line. The existing sewer line had already been moved once because of the movement of the stream. The Services District wanted to be sure the pipe was not damaged. The project became an opportunity to do something positive for fish while also protecting public infrastructure

Project Approach

The project design was actually quite simple. We created a stable bank toe by installing boulders along the toe of the bank. These were placed in a trench that extends about 4 feet deep below the surface to prevent a wash-out. We also installed live willows in the trench with the rocks. Above the rocks, we re-sloped the bank to provide a more appropriate angle for supporting native plants. We followed up the grading with the installation of an erosion control blanket made of shredded coconut husks and planting of native trees and shrubs.

Results

The project has kept the bank stable and now it is the vegetation doing most of the stabilizing work.

Project Partners

This project was made possible in large part by our partnership with the California Conservation Corps. Their stream restoration experts worked with Land Conservancy staff and their own crews to build this project. While some were working on the stream, others were working on a mile-long trail that follows the creek. This trail is now a popular hiking spot for Cambria residents and visitors. Trail users can learn more about the fish in the stream and our restoration efforts through educational signage out along the trail.