Sotoyome RCD Habitat Enhancement Programs
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Highlights
between 1995 and 2009:
- 132 miles of rural road improvements were implemented;
- 14,000 native plants were planted;
- over 1,600 acres of Arundo donax removed; and
- over 116,500 cubic yards of sediment prevented from
entering streams and waterbodies.
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Rural Roads Improvement Program
Since 1998, the Sotoyome Resource Conservation District has worked with over 100 private landowners to
identify and improve rural road conditions
with ecological principles in mind.
Since our efforts began, SRCD has worked with local landowners to treat over 132 miles of road throughout the Russian and Gualala River Watersheds. Our combined work district-wide has prevented over 116,500 cubic yards of sediment from entering streams and waterbodies.
Arundo donax Removal Program
The Russian River watershed is being invaded by a nonnative weed that threatens
the viability of numerous fish and wildlife species. The highly destructive giant
reed (Arundo donax) is degrading native riparian habitat by displacing native plants
and destroying fish and wildlife habitat.
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District is currently directing the multi-year
Arundo donax Removal Program
in collaboration with the Mendocino County
Resource Conservation District throughout the Russian River watershed.
Instream Habitat Enhancement
The Sotoyome Resource Conservation District works in partnership with landowners, fisheries agencies and local contractors to
enhance instream habitat
for salmonids. Adding wood and boulders to streams can create slow water areas and pools where fish can rest during migration or live during the freshwater phase of their life cycles. Log structures can also provide cover to keep water cool and protect fish from predators.
Existing high-quality habitat can also be made available to fish by removing or modifying structures that block fish from migrating upstream. Many historic road crossings, dams and other structures that span stream channels make it difficult or impossible for fish to swim upstream beyond the structure. The Sotoyome RCD works with willing landowners to assess how these structures can be modified, removed, or replaced in order to improve fish passage while maintaining the function of the structures for the landowners' use.
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