Mill Creek Vegetation Maintenance

Mill Creek Vegetation Maintenance

CDFW proposes to perform vegetation maintenance activities on approximately 5,000 linear feet of Mill Creek (also known as the south branch of Pine Creek). Mill Creek is controlled and diverted from the north (main) branch of Pine Creek with a diversion structure and conveys water and associated appropriated water rights downstream to where it is used for irrigated agriculture in Round Valley and eventually joins the Owens River. Maintenance activities will include cutting back woody riparian vegetation, particularly dead branches, which overhangs the stream and may cause blockages and flooding. Debris that has already fallen may be removed as well. The work will be completed using hand tools, chainsaws, and chippers. The purpose of the project is to maintain vegetation along the creek in a way that preserves the wildlife habitat and reduces the likelihood of flooding during the high stream flows that occur during spring snowmelt. During extreme runoff events flooding in Mill Creek may result in damage to public infrastructure such as roads and bridges, cause increased erosion, and impair habitats for fish and wildlife. The work will be conducted on an ongoing basis between October 1 and March 15 to avoid potential for the disturbance of nesting birds. The project will not result in the taking of endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species, remove mature, healthy, scenic trees, or cause significant erosion and sedimentation of surface waters.

Inyo