Tide Gate Replacement
Every salmon and steelhead from the Eel River watershed passes by the Eel River Preserve on its way out to the sea. But reclamation of the Eel Delta has largely prevented these juvenile salmonids from accessing historic rearing habitat. Thus, an integral part of the project is replacing the failing tide gates at the mouth of Cutoff Slough with new, fish-friendly tide gates. Newer technology in tide gate design will allow fish to access the Preserve’s newly restored habitats, while also enhancing drainage efficiency for surrounding agricultural land. In the springtime, fish access to rearing habitat in Cutoff Slough, a restored Centerville Slough, and numerous tidal creek channels will allow juvenile salmonids and other aquatic species the opportunity for rapid growth and thus better survival before they migrate out to sea.
The design phase of the project will be finished in 2016.
ESTUARIES