SUNRISE ISOLATION POOL REMOVAL PROJECT

American River Below

Sunrise Bridge

October 1, 2005

As the American River water flows dropped to a safe level, a work crew of volunteers from the Granite Bay Flycasters, the California Fly Fishers Unlimited, and the Fly Fishers of Davis converged on the north shore of the American River between the Sunrise Bridge and the pedestrian/bike path bridge to help SAFCA and the Sacramento Water Forum open up the isolation pool which traps salmonids and other fish from the main river channel.

After a new channel from the isolation pool into the main river channel was excavated by back-hoe and bull-dozer, the volunteers wet-waded into the new channel and formed a bucket brigade to remove more river rock to ensure the channel was deep enough to remain open during low river flows.

Since there was a large turnout of gung-ho volunteers, by mid-day the project was completed and everyone, including the fish, were pleased with the result.  Thanks to all who volunteered!

Project details:  (GBF signups were at the September 8, 2005 general meeting)

Purpose

Isolation pools are depressions that are connected to the river at high flows and become isolated from the river when flows recede.  Juvenile salmonids tend to concentrate in these areas and become isolated and ultimately perish from predation or thermal stress.  The purpose of the project is to determine whether juvenile salmonids will leave the pool through a constructed channel, and thereby prevent mortality.

Project

The project is to excavate a channel between an isolation pool and the main river channel.  The goal is to have water six inches deep in the channel when river flows are 1,500 cfs.  The work will be done using a small excavator and volunteers using hand tools.  Volunteers may work in shifts, depending on their number.

Date

The work will start at 9:00 am, Saturday, October 1, 2005.  Plan for work to continue through the afternoon, although it may be completed sooner.

Location

The site is located on the north side of the lower American River, immediately downstream of the Sunrise Boulevard Bridge.  The site may be accessed from either South Bridge Street off of Sunrise Boulevard on the south side of the river and walking across the footbridge, or from Pennsylvania Avenue off Fair Oaks Boulevard on the north side of the river.

Parkway Entrance Fee

Parkway entrance fees will be waived for volunteers.  When you enter the Parkway, notify the kiosk operator that you are a volunteer.  When you reach the parking area, you will be provided a permit that must be displayed on your dashboard.  You will need to sign a release form before work begins.

What to Bring

Volunteers need to bring personal work clothing suitable for the weather and task at hand, including gloves.  Work will be done in the water, so hip boots or waders are advised.

What will be provided

The Water Forum, SAFCA, and County will provide all tools, equipment, beverages, and lunch.  SAFCA staff and consultant will provide direction and oversight.

Project Sponsors:

Sacramento Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), Tim Washburn, General Counsel

Water Forum, Leo Winternitz, Executive Director and Rod Hall, Consultant

Calif. State University Sacramento (CSUS) volunteers from the Geology Department

Bureau of Reclamation

Lower American River Operations Group

Lower American River Fish Working Group

Granite Bay Flycasters, Mike Brune, Mike Laing and Heath Wakelee, GBF coordinators

California Fly Fishers, Unlimited

Fly Fishers of Davis

Thanks to Rod Hall, Dave Robinson, and Kent Ripley for the photos.  See these & more at the GBF Message Board.