The Good Roads, Clear Creeks Program helps landowners fix road and landslide problems, while reducing the amount of harmful sediment entering the Mattole River.

WHY ROADS?

Erosion from roads has been recognized as a major contributor of sediment within the Mattole watershed. The Good Roads, Clear Creeks (GRCC) Program treates sediment-related road problems affecting the Mattole and its tributaries. Sediment entering streams degrades water quality, and changes the very shape of the river itself, damaging salmon habitat.

ROADS AND WATER

During our wet winter season, water collects on road surfaces, travels outside of its natural drainage, and can unleash landslides as it moves off of road surfaces. Water and gravity together have awesome erosive force.

This driveway in Petrolia is not appropriately dealing with drainage. GRCC can help prescribe a solution and fund the work if the site is in danger of contributing sediment to a nearby waterway.  Photo: Amanda Malachesky

GOOD ROADS, CLEAR CREEKS PROGRAM OVERVIEW

For the past eight years the Good Roads, Clear Creeks (GRCC) Program has been involved in restoration activities throughout the Mattole watershed. The GRCC program begins its work with the inventory phase with GRCC trained staff visiting with landowners who choose to participate in the program. Erosion problems are identified and sediment reduction projects are designed with a customized report for each property. Then with landowner permission, grants are written requesting funds from various government agencies and private foundations to complete the projects.

After funding is secured, the implementation phase begins. This generally includes heavy equipment work to storm proof access roads by replacing culverts and reshaping road segments to improve drainage systems. In addition, eroding streambanks are stabilized with rock structures in conjunction with willow planting. Unstable segments of unused roads are decommissioned as well. Other implementation techniques include handwork to treat remote sites where streambanks are eroding. Local heavy equipment operators and MRC personnel complete all of the work within the implementation phase.

BENEFITS of the PROGRAM

• Treating the source of road problems today lowers maintenance costs tomorrow.
• Road upgrade/removal is at REDUCED or NO COST to landowners.
• Landowners get free advice on roads and landslides.
• Decreases sediment to fish-bearing streams.
• Improves water quality in the Mattole and in local drinking water source creeks.
• Confidentiality is respected.
• Participation is expected to achieve 'voluntary compliance' with state and federal clean water guidelines.
• Employs local residents in road inventory and treatment work.
• Offers residents a way to contribute to help bring back the "clear water" of the Mattole.

MORE INFORMATION

To find out when a Good Roads, Clear Creeks Program project will be happening in your neighborhood, or if you have concerns about a particular site on your land, the Good Roads, Clear Creeks Program Coordinator at the MRC's Whitethorn Office at (707) 986-1078.

To view and download the MRC Sediment Series fact sheets on road topics, visit the Landowner Resources page.