By-Day Creek Headwater Retention Project

By-Day Creek Headwater Retention Project

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife ("CDFW") proposes to install up to 12 small beaver dam analog (BDA) structures in the upper reaches of By-Day Creek to increase water retention in the headwaters of the stream. The purpose of this project is to enhance base flows in late summer and fall and restore meadow, riparian, and aspen habitats through increased floodplain connectivity. This will improve water availability and wildlife habitat quality on the Ecological Reserve which supports the sole relictual habitat for the Walker River population of the Lahontan cutthroat trout. A series of up to six BDA structures will be installed in the two main channels of the North and South Forks of By-Day Creek in the vicinity of their confluence on the upper elevations on the Ecological Reserve. The BDA structures will consist of lodgepole pine vertical posts inserted into the streambed and floodplain across the channel to provide a framework for willow and other woody material to be woven horizontally between posts. The woven willow dams will be constructed to the height of the floodplain and packed with silty-gravelling loam from the active channel. The structures will be constructed of native vegetation available on-site including the use of lodgepole pine and willow cuttings. The work will be completed primarily using hand tools, chainsaws, hydraulic or pneumatic post drivers, and a small backhoe or mini-excavator only where necessary. The work will be completed on the CDFW-owned Ecological Reserve by CDFW staff and volunteers. The work will occur between September 15 and March 1 during low flows to minimize sediment transport concerns and in order to avoid potential impacts to nesting and migratory birds. There are no known cultural resources at the Project site

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