Experience > Ecosystem Restoration
Soil Erosion Control Program – Revegetation Guidance Document and Workshop, Lake Tahoe Basin, CA
California Tahoe Conservancy
Role: Regulatory Advisor, Workshop Strategy
Ascent assisted the California Tahoe Conservancy with the organization and conduct of a technical workshop about the Lake Tahoe Basin Revegetation Guidance Document. Assistance included helping to develop workshop strategies and presentation of regulatory issues at the workshop. The event was the second in the series of Science:Design workshops related to erosion control and protection of the clarity of Lake Tahoe. Controlling soil erosion and reducing sediment and nutrient discharge into Lake Tahoe are two of the most important actions that can contribute to protecting the lake’s clarity and water quality, and the Revegetation Guidance Document served as one important tool for accomplishing improved erosion control. The Conservancy has been a leader in erosion control activity in the Basin for many years and is working with the planning and design team to pursue a progressive design approach that could lead to Basin-wide standards and criteria for erosion control projects.
Upper Truckee River and Marsh Restoration Project Planning and EIR/EIS/EIS, Lake Tahoe Basin*
California Tahoe Conservancy/California Department of General Services
Lake Tahoe’s world famous clarity has declined as a result of fine sediment and nutrients reaching the lake from erosion caused by human alterations to rivers, streams, and wetlands of the Basin. The Upper Truckee River drains the largest watershed of Lake Tahoe and contributes the greatest volume of fine sediment. Restoration efforts have been underway since the late 1990’s to restore the natural functions of the river and adjacent wetlands. The first phase of the restoration resulted in construction of the Lower Westside Wetland Restoration Project, and planning and environmental review has continued toward full geomorphic restoration of the lowest river reach and Upper Truckee Marsh next to the lake.
Tuolumne River Restoration Project EA/FONSI, Stanislaus County*
Turlock Irrigation District
To implement a FERC settlement agreement, the Turlock Irrigation District (TID) restored river meanders and geomorphically functioning channels to enhance salmonid spawning habitat in areas occupied by aggregate mine pits captured by the river. CEQA and NEPA documents were prepared for TID and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Permits were secured for Section 404 and take authorization under ESA Section 7 and CESA Section 2090 consultation procedures (for valley elderberry longhorn beetle). Key issues included riparian habitat disturbance, truck traffic, siltation during construction, and flood risk.
