Area	Lower Garcia / Estuary
Topic	Tour: Restoration #1 Henry Stornetta Site #1N Implementation

 

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This photo shows planting done by Americorp volunteers (at left) and others on the Henry Stornetta Ranch on the north bank of the Garcia River just upstream of Highway 1. Willow sprigs and alder starts were planted as part of on-going riparian restoration here. Lack of deflector structures amongst the starts leaves them at risk in flood flows. Photo by Craig Bell. March 1996.


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This close up of the north bank of the lower Garcia above Highway 1 reflects about three years of planting activity. This area partially failed (see Picture #3) as a result of subsequent high flows. More large wood was keyed into the bank subsequently to deflect current. Henry Stornetta Ranch, January 1996. Photo provided by Craig Bell.


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High flows in 1998 caused partial failure of the north bank above Highway 1. Notice that there has been willow sprigging, but not enough structure was inter-twined to deflect the current. Photo by Craig Bell.


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Land owner Henry Stornetta looks on as large wood is imported to his ranch. This was a second wave of large wood recruitment for bank armoring. Although the pine material may not be extremely long lasting, it has sufficient longevity to allow for bank armoring until riparian trees can be established. These logs were cabled together and tied into the Garcia River's banks (see Picture #5). Pt. Arena Elementary School students plant trees in between the snags. Photo provided courtesy of Craig Bell.


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This photo shows a "dead man" trench into the banks of the Garcia River where the logs in Picture #4 were placed. With two thirds of one tree buried in the bank, it is highly unlikely to be dislodged by high flows. Additional large wood was then cabled to the buried logs for bank armoring. Photo provided courtesy of Craig Bell.


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Pt Arena Elementary School students help by planting alder at the top of the bank. Trees rooted further back from the immediate bank may prevent erosion into fields during even the largest flood events. Photo provided courtesy of Craig Bell.


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This photo shows the large wood deflectors with alder starts growing up through the large wood, which will help prevent the structures from washing out and protect Henry Stornetta Ranch dairy lands. Photo provided courtesy of Craig Bell. Summer 1999.


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The large wood installed to protect the banks is now barely visible in the riparian thicket established by tree planting behind and within the structures. This technique is known as "bio-engineering". The bank is fully restored, agricultural land is stabilized, and the scour created around the large wood and stable bank is creating deeper pools. This reach had nearly 1,000 steelhead juveniles according to a dive survey in August 2002. (See the Topic Fish: 2002 Dive Salmonid Count Garcia (GAR_1) Above Highway 1). Photo by Pat Higgins.

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