For the last three years the Sotoyome RCD has been working with landowners in the Pena
Creek Watershed to assess potential sediment sources throughout the watershed to improve
fisheries habitat. This spring the Chamise Road Association recognized the RCD for
their efforts in locating funds and coordinating restoration work in the watershed.
The Pena basin has both Steelhead trout and Coho salmon populations. The watershed
area of Pena Creek is approximately 22.3 square miles, with approximately 11.2 miles of
blue line stream. In the winter of 2005-6 two slides occurred on Chamise Road, potentially
contributing a huge amount of sediment to the drainages below. Through California Department
of Fish and Game Adaptive Management Funds applied for in Spring of 2006,
the Chamise Road Association purchased ditch relief culverts and completed work related
to culvert placement at four treatment sites within a 2 mile slide area along Chamise Road
(two separate slides). The Road Association contributed approximately $45,000 for the work
completed, and Department of Fish and Game provided a cost share for an additional
$23,370 in culvert costs and other repair work. The repair was completed in October 2006.
The project was a good faith measure provided by Department of Fish and Game for the
growing commitment of the residents in the Pena Creek watershed to address sediment
issues. Residents in the watershed are also participating in RCD sponsored road assessments being completed by Pacific Watershed Associates to identify additional sediment sources. Additional funds to implement the prescriptions identified in these assessments are currently being pursued. If you are a Pena Creek Watershed Resident and are interested in having your roads assessed of have other erosion concerns please contact the RCD at 569.1448.  

The text of this article origially appeared in the Sotoyome RCD Resource conservation News Volume 1, Issue 2

SRCD newsletter 2007 final.pdf