The project will enhance approximately 22 acres of riparian and upland habitats along the lower stanislaus river . Off-channel habitat will inundate under a broad range of flow conditions . The…

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 8 awarded a $2,605,548.67 Project Grant to the City of Oakdale under the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CFDA 15.648) program. The project will enhance approximately 22 acres of riparian and upland habitats along the lower Stanislaus River in California. Key activities include excavating 54,800 cubic yards of material to expand emergent wetlands, create side channels, and install alcoves and large wood structures to improve rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids. The project will also establish native trees, grasses, and wildflowers to restore a more natural soil horizon and promote native plant recruitment. These habitat restoration efforts are expected to improve water quality, groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, and provide critical habitats for native species along the lower Stanislaus River. The project is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2026.

The project will enhance approximately 22 acres of riparian and upland habitats along the lower stanislaus river . Off-channel habitat will inundate under a broad range of flow conditions . The project will expand existing emergent wetland habitat as well as create side channels along the eastern portion of the project area. Floodplain excavation will extend approximately 1,900 feet from the upstream portion of the eastern side channel, north towards the enhanced wetland connection. Alcoves and large wood structures will be installed to provide high quality rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids. The existing disconnected wetland within the center of the project area will be expanded, providing a rearing habitat complex, enhancing connection with the main channel, and providing a path of egress. Approximately 54,800 YD3 of material will be excavated from the perched floodplain and remnant side channels. The constructed features will support a variety of ecological services, including improved water quality, groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, and riparian and upland habitats critical to many native species along the lower stanislaus river. Additionally, restoring a more natural soil horizon and RE-initiation of seasonal flooding will promote native woody plant recruitment at the detriment of non-native invasive species. We will incorporate materials from on-site floodplain excavations for upland habitat enhancement, reducing the need to transport sediment off-site. Floodplain habitat rehabilitation also includes improving riparian plant communities. Native trees, such as cottonwood , OAK, and willow will be planted to provide shade and habitat where historic dredger tailings and invasive plants currently dominate the landscape. Native grass and wildflower seed will be used to stabilize the site once construction activities are complete and heavy equipment are removed.