Part 8
IN THIS SECTION
Fitting process-based riverscape restoration into an occupied landscape.
Floodplains can occur anywhere in a watershed where valley confinement is relaxed enough for deposition processes to function. The largest floodplains are in lowland areas where most historical floodplain area is urbanized or developed for agriculture. Near the top of watersheds the second most common and second largest floodplain area occurs as mountain meadows. These are typically not arable due to their elevation and short growing season but they are or have been grazed and had their beaver removed long ago. We will explore the benefits, constraints, and opportunities of restoring floodplain functions in agricultural lands, industrial lands, lands at the urban interface, and lands in high mountain meadows.
0:00 Introduction with Brian Cluer, fluvial geomorphologist, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service West Coast Region
02:56 Case Study: Floodplain fatties
featuring Carson Jeffres, research ecologist, University of California Davis; and Jacob Katz, watershed ecologist, Cal Trout
Can rice production also feed salmon? Explore examples from the Sacramento River valley with Carson Jeffres and Jacob Katz where winter fallow rice production areas are reconnected to the river to support Chinook salmon production.
23:23 Case Study: Gravel mine to floodplain
featuring Jeremy Svehla, civil engineer, GHD; and Brian Cluer, fluvial geomorphologist, NOAA NMFS West Coast Region
Do reclaimed floodplain reaches have a role in salmon recovery? Listen to Jeremy Svehla and Brian Cluer explore a demonstration project to re-engage gravel mine pits as off-channel floodplain process space.
44:11 Case Study: Golf course to floodplain
featuring Katrina Harrison, civil and environmental engineer, McBain Associates Applied River Sciences; Christy Fisher, Conservation Director, Trust for Public Land; and Jake Smith, Planning and Conservation Program Manager, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District
Is salmon-safe golf the next big thing? Join Katrina Harrison, Christy Fisher, and Jake Smith as they describe an effort to add ecological function to the list of land-uses for floodplain areas currently dedicated to recreation.
1:03:46 Reflections and conclusion with Brian Cluer and Chris Jordan
Does it take a village? Watch an interactive concluding segment where the concept of "champions" emerges as necessary to support innovative, risky restoration ideas.