Powers Creek Restoration Project Moves Forward with 65% Design Complete

A February 26th planning meeting brought together local officials, engineers, and community members to review the 65% design for the Powers Creek Restoration Project. The meeting, attended by representatives from the Bodawatt Watershed Council, the City of Blue Lake, Northern Hydrology & Engineering, and SHN, showcased significant progress in the project's development, focusing on improving channel morphology, creating Coho salmon and steelhead habitats, and establishing a multi-story native species riparian corridor.

Residents near Powers Creek shared their experiences with flooding, emphasizing the need for improved flood control measures. Rose Patnod of Northern Hydrology & Engineering presented the 65% design, highlighting changes made since the 30% design to avoid encroachment on private property. The presentation included detailed maps, diagrams, and cross-sections of the proposed channel improvements, showing planned pools and floodplains. The team also outlined a comprehensive revegetation plan to remove invasive species and plant native vegetation.

"The project's goals include improving channel morphology, creating and enhancing Coho salmon and steelhead habitats, and establishing a multi-story native species riparian corridor," explained Patnod during her presentation. The presentation also detailed the history of Powers Creek, including past channelization efforts that contributed to the current issues.

While no formal decisions or votes were taken during the meeting, key action items were identified. These include continuing work on the final design plans, addressing comments from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and NOAA Fisheries, seeking implementation funding for construction, and scheduling further discussions with landowners and community members. The project team announced that design, permitting, and environmental review are expected to be completed by June 2025.

"We're aiming to finalize the design, secure permits, and complete the environmental review by June," stated a representative from the project team. The next steps involve securing funding for construction and continuing community engagement to ensure the project addresses local concerns.

For more information on the Powers Creek Restoration Project and to learn how to participate in future community discussions, visit https://bluelake.ca.gov/project-and-development/.