Lake Tahoe EIP

Post-Caldor Fire Stream Aggradation using Beaver Dam Analogues: Saxon and Trout Creeks

Project Number
01.02.01.0098
Action Priority
Restore Priority Meadows, Wetlands, and Lake Tahoe Tributaries
Implementers
Nevada Tahoe Conservation District
Primary Contact
Meghan Kelly (mkelly@ntcd.org)
Stage
Post-Implementation
Duration
2022 - 2023
Watershed Restoration Program Restore Priority Meadows, Wetlands, and Lake Tahoe Tributaries
The watersheds within and downstream of the Caldor Fire Scar present an opportunity to use the expected erosion from the landscape to promote channel aggradation within incised areas of the streams. The project installed 80 willow fences along Saxon and Trout Creeks. Structures were concentrated in areas that benefited from channel aggradation and riparian width expansion potential. Additional willow staking would occur summer 2024 to provide live plant food sources for beaver to re-inhabit the areas post-fire. Monitoring of the structures will occur summer 2024.

Key Accomplishments

  • Linear Feet of Stream Channel Restored or Enhanced: 1,375 lf

Threshold Categories

  • Fisheries
  • Water Quality
Saxon headcut
(Timing: Before) (~138 KB)
Credit: NTCD Saxon headcut

Location

Expenditures

Expenditures by Funding Source to Date: $72,187
(Estimated Cost: $125,000)
Lake Tahoe Restoratio... (USFS - LTBMU): $72,187

Photos

Before
Saxon Inclsed channel
(Timing: Before) (~1,860 KB)
Credit: NTCD
Saxon Inclsed channel
During
CCCs building a LWD structure in Trout Creek
(Timing: During) (~5,539 KB)
Credit: NTCD
CCCs building a LWD structure in Trout Creek
CCCs building a post assisted log structure in Trout Creek
(Timing: During) (~5,084 KB)
Credit: NTCD
CCCs building a post assisted log structure in Trout Creek
After
Completed Post-Assisted Log Structure
(Timing: After) (~7,470 KB)
Credit: NTCD
Completed Post-Assisted Log Structure

Project Fact Sheet Data as of 05/05/2024