Big Bear Flat Restoration Project (Shasta County, CA)

Completed in 2009, the Big Bear Flat Project (BBF) lies in the upper watershed of Bear Creek, the only significant surface drainage tributary to Fall River. Originally identified in a 1998 in a Sedimentation Action Plan sponsored by the Fall River RCD as a significant source of sediment affecting fish habitat in Fall River; BBF design was completed and refined by StreamWise. The Fall River RCD was able to secure funding and permits to proceed with the project construction in 2009.

Joiner Construction was awarded the construction bid, in part due to their past experience implementing the restoration project downstream along Bear Creek Meadow, completed in 1999 (see Completed Projects, CA - Bear Creek Meadow Restoration Project).

Construction proved to be excessively challenging at Big Bear Flat, as sub-surface gravel lenses found in the upper meadow effectively transported water from the uppermost borrow pond across the meadow and in innumerable areas downstream. Despite daily requirements to resolve rapidly rising groundwater issues, the project was completed on-time in October of 2009. The following two runoff seasons have provided ample surface flow to test the stability of the project. All plug areas are stable and the design channel remains in stable configuration. Flood flows have spread across the broad floodplain surface for long durations, hydrating the sub-surface storage and providing improved access for plant recovery.

Design channel at bankfull flow 5/24/2011

Design channel at bankfull flow 5/24/2011

North Fork re-entry point 5/25/2011

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