Location: PNF land within Beckwourth Ranger District; T 26 N  R 15 E  Sec 29 & 30                                                                         

Sponsors:   Plumas Corporation and Plumas National Forest

Project Type: Restoration

Est. Cost:  $141,000              Amount Funded: $86,000 of Majority Funding approved May 2006

Est. Start Date:   8/1/2007                   Est. End Date: 8/30/2007

Project Description:  This project provides important hydrologic and biologic connection between previously restored reaches of Last Chance creek.  The first phase of this project entailed eliminating approximately 2,200 feet of channel length on Last Chance Creek at the downstream end of Ferris Fields, as well as 2,500 feet of gully on Ferris Creek above the confluence with Last Chance Creek which is within the project area.  This project restores a reach of Last Chance Creek that was determined to be a lower priority during the CALFED-funded Last Chance Creek Restoration Project (2002-04). 

The Ferris Fields Supplemental project will employ the pond and plug technique, which has been used in numerous areas throughout the Feather River watershed, and has been proven to perform well, while requiring minimal long-term maintenance.  The technique involves obliterating a gully by replacing it with a series of earthen plugs and ponds.  The excavation of the ponds provides the fill material for the plugs.  The stream flow that was within the gully is re-directed into an existing remnant channel at the elevation of the meadow, resulting in a defined, continuous channel throughout the length of the project.  To minimize the footprint of the project, the fill material from any pond is moved less than 300 feet to a plug.  The primary function of the ponds is to provide the fill material for the gully plugs.  An ancillary benefit of the ponds is wildlife habitat enhancement.  In dry years, in these project areas, sometimes pond water may be the only surface water.

This supplemental project would entail eliminating an additional 4,500 feet of gully on Last Chance Creek through construction of approximately twelve ponds and twelve plugs on the existing Last Chance Creek gully.  Streamflow would be diverted to existing remnant channels on the meadow surface.

The supplemental project would also include 2 1/2 miles of fence repair/replacement around the Ferris Fields pasture.  The fence is currently in very poor condition, and does not serve to control the movement of cattle.  Project construction would be completed in fall 2007.  Fence materials would be provided by the Range Program of the Beckwourth Ranger District (Plumas National Forest).

Project Goals/Objectives:

This project area is now characterized as a xeric meadow with incised channels, partially recovered with checkdams; these checkdams have been a ongoing maintenance issue for the National Forest.  The goal of the project is to restore the full function of the floodplain/channel system.  The objective of the project is to eliminate the gully and return the channel to the elevation of the floodplain.  The project is justified because its implementation will result in restored floodplain function, thus attenuating flood flows, contributing to late summer releases, and improving water quality and riparian area productivity for wildlife and meadow productivity for cattle production.  

Project Activities:

April 1, 2006 – June 30, 2006: Cross sectional data was collected for the conceptual design.

July 1, 2006 – September 30, 2006: Completed collection of cross sectional data for the conceptual design; data analysis; design development and review by staff.

Expenditures through September 2006: $7,869.06