May 31, 2002

Mill Creek in the lower Mattole is the most significant cold, clean water source in the lower 6 miles of the river. Cold, clear water is essential in maintaining habitat for salmonids and sensitive amphibians. Unpaved roads are the number one source of fine sediments entering and clogging creek bed gravels. Because of its importance to the recovery of salmonids, Mill Creek roads were inventoried and given a ranking for treatment in order to reduce the amount of sediment that could potentially enter this stream. The Mattole Restoration Council wrapped the highest priority accessible treatment sites on private property into a proposal for funding, while the Bureau of Land Management sought funding for sites on their property.

A half mile stretch of abandoned road in the headwaters of Mill Creek was decommissioned last summer. Another segment was cleared of debris and improved with rolling dips. Where appropriate, both sites were replanted with Douglas-fir this winter. This upcoming summer, with funding from the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), another phase of restoration will take place in the watershed. This project consists of various road treatments along Matthews Ranch Road, decommissioning several crossings along an abandoned skid road, and two sites in Mill Creek that need to be treated to prevent bank erosion. Work is expected to take place in August and September. For more information, call Ali Freedlund at the MRC at 629-3514.


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Table of Contents for Mattole Restoration Newsletter, Issue 18 - Summer/Fall 2002