About the Project
Physical Habitat Monitoring
SFEI completed physical habitat assessments at several representative sites along the restoration reach, coinciding with CRAM sites when possible, and at one nearby reference site to characterize and track overall habitat indicators. No baseline pre-project survey was warranted because the creek is underground and the creek habitat cannot be assessed. Monitoring took place at project completion (after construction was completed) and one year after completion (at least one wet season after project completion).
Temperature Monitoring
Temperature was monitored using the USDA standard method for measuring stream temperature with digital data loggers (Dunham et al., 2005). Moored temperature sensors were placed in two locations: one in the lower portion of the project area, and one in an adjacent perennial reach downstream of the project area. Sensors remained in the channel during the spring to fall of 2020, and following construction. The 15-minute temperature data was used to assess fluctuations in the conditions necessary for rainbow trout and other aquatic species as the riparian corridor grows and overall habitat conditions mature.
California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) Stream Condition Assessments
The California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) is a standardized tool used to assess the ecological condition of wetlands, streams, and other aquatic habitats across California. Designed for rapid, cost-effective field assessment, CRAM provides a quantitative score that reflects the overall health or functionality of a site based on four key attributes: Buffer and Landscape Context, Hydrology, Physical Structure, and Biotic Structure. CRAM was performed on 7 sites along McCosker Creek at three time points to capture pre- and post- construction scores.
Carbon Sequestration Estimate and Research
SFEI conducted a model-based carbon sequestration study to evaluate the long-term carbon impacts of restoration activities, which included vegetation removal, channel grading, and revegetation with native species. The analysis found that the site is likely to act as a net carbon source for the first decade following construction due to decomposition of mulched biomass. However, over time, restored vegetation is expected to accumulate carbon at a rate that surpasses initial losses. Over a 100-year period, the site is projected to store 40 metric tons more carbon than its pre-construction condition, representing a 25% increase in carbon stocks. This gain underscores the importance of integrating carbon monitoring into restoration efforts and demonstrates the broader climate benefits of riparian habitat recovery.
Remote Sensing (Aerial Imaging)
An aerial survey using SFEI’s unmanned aerial system (UAS or drone) was conducted to provide a detailed full-site survey, creating orthomosaic photos, DEMs, and 3-D models of the site. The survey was completed three times to capture baseline conditions, at project completion (after construction was completed), and one year after completion (at least one wet season after project completion).
