Integrated Climate Solutions

Village Ecosystems habitat restoration

Project site in Mendocino County, California. Tenmile Creek was historically known for large runs of chum and coho salmon, which continued into the 1930s. Coho and Chinook salmon, and steelhead trout are still found in the watershed. Ongoing restoration efforts, as part of the Eel River Recovery Project (EERP) are increasing fish populations by supporting a healthy ecosystem. Map credit: With thanks to Anna Birkas, Village Ecosystems.

Background

We are supporting Village Ecosystems’ habitat restoration efforts in Mendocino County! The project involves off-stream storage on a tributary of Tenmile Creek, that will release water for salmon when it is needed most. Off-stream storage will also be used for water supply at a local summer camp, and for irrigation.

As in most construction projects, federal and state regulations require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and permit. Leafbird Consulting assisted Village Ecosystems in their SWPPP by helping model the erosion potential in the project area before, during and post-construction when all the Best Management Practices (BMPs) are in place.

We are currently also helping VE on another salmonid habitat restoration project which involves bio-engineering to heal gully erosion into Tenmile Creek. Gullies are being surveyed before, during and after treatments using local biomass.

*Anna Birkas at a gully restoration site in Tenmile Creek*

*Vishal Mehta surveys the gully with A. Birkas*

*Anna Birkas making her way down a gully*

Client

Village Ecosystems

Funder

SRF

Project period

2025-2028

Status

Active

Leafbird role

Erosion modeling, survey and monitoring

Client website

villageecosystems.com