There are currently six ongoing habitat restoration projects along Soquel Creek that have been implemented as part of the Healthy Watersheds Restoration Program (HWRP). Since 2003, with the cooperation of private and public landowners, over eleven acres of restoration work has taken place along the lower mainstem of Soquel Creek. Projects include three to remove Arundo donax and three for large-scale invasive species eradication and habitat restoration projects. Project permitting was expedited through the Partners in Restoration County-Wide Permit Coordination Program.
Another habitat restoration effort, the Tucker Road Ford Replacement Project, received initial planning and design funding through the Integrated Watershed Restoration Program (IWRP). Additional monies from foundations, funding agencies and property owners were utilized to complete the work. The project was identified as a high priority in the Soquel Creek Watershed Assessment and Enhancement Project Plan (RCDSCC 2003). The plan identified fish passage impediments, lack of large woody debris (important for fish habitat), and sediment as major factors limiting the success of anadromous fish in the West Branch of Soquel Creek. The Tucker Road ford, located on the West Branch of Soquel Creek, represented a major sediment source as well as a fish passage impediment, and a potential barrier to the movement of woody debris. By removing the existing concrete ford and replacing it with a 120-foot-span bridge, fish passage at the site was greatly improved.
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| Tucker ford fish passage improvements; new bridge installed and stream re-graded to natural channel grade. |
Additionally, volunteer workdays were coordinated with groups such as Friends of Soquel Creek, California Native Plant Society and Wildlands Restoration Team to promote community involvement, offer educational opportunities and increase public awareness of local riparian habitat issues. A total of twelve workdays have been conducted since 2003.