Upper Mark West Creek Sediment Source Reduction Project

Sotoyome Resource Conservation District (SRCD) recently completed the first construction season of the Upper Mark West Creek Sediment Source Reduction Project. This project seeks to reduce approximately 14,106 cubic yards of sediment from entering Mark West Creek, a high quality salmon and steelhead stream located in the Russian River Watershed, through a series of approximately 750 targeted rural road upgrades extending over 17 miles of road.

Residents in the project area were first contacted in 1998 through the SRCD Russian River Creek Stewardship and Volunteer Monitoring Program. While participating in these efforts, a small group of local landowners requested the SRCD's counsel with regard to road erosion concerns. This led to an assessment, conducted by Pacific Watershed Associates (PWA), which identified treatments to reduce runoff on the roads. During the course of this assessment, landowners contacted local neighbors and friends, and, with the SRCD's assistance, solicited the participation of 5 separate road spurs. The five road spurs identified as part of this project are potential sediment sources into Mark West Creek.

Upon identification of road treatments, the SRCD applied for funding on behalf of the landowners, and obtained a grant from the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), for just over $562,000.00. Landowners contributed approximately $60,000.00 in matching funds, and the work got underway in June of 2006. Work continued until November of 2006, when the weather signaled the stop of work for the season. Completed work includes the installation of approximately 103 appropriately sized culverts, as well as approximately 75% of the road contouring activities prescribed (outsloping, rolling dips, cross road drains, and insloping).

The fruition of this project was accomplished through close communication and cooperation between SRCD staff and approximately 74 separate landowners, PWA staff, Charles Hope Construction, and the California Department of Fish and Game. SRCD staff is currently working with additional adjacent landowners to expand the project to two more road spurs. These additional efforts have been funded by the Sonoma County Water Agency. For more information, or to inquire about other SRCD activities in the watershed, please contact Sierra Cantor at (707) 569-1448 ext. 107.