Task A: Tule Lake and Scotts Creek Fish Passage Assessment ($700,000 - $1,000,000) This task will characterize surface flow and hydrology relationships between Scotts Creek and the recently re-created Tule Lake, develop a prioritized list of stream flow enhancement actions, identify in-stream barriers, create 90% design for at least two of those barriers, and initiate CEQA and permitting to improve passage for the hitch on Scotts Creek. More Details: The goal is to better understand the surface flows and interactions between Scotts Creek and Tule Lake, both are historic hitch spawning and hatching grounds. Secondary goals include identification of high-priority barriers for removal within Scotts Creek and the development of design and engineering plans (to 90%-100%) for removal / replacement of at least two of these barriers. Objective 1) Characterize the surface flow and hydrology between Tule Lake and Scotts Creek. Expected outcomes will include developing a prioritized list of stream enhancement actions as well as drone mapping data that may be used for continued enhancement projects in later years. These potential enhancement projects will directly impact the available spawning and rearing habitat for hitch by addressing the known issues which will allow future habitat enhancement projects. Objective 2) Identify in-stream barriers and create 90%-100% design for removal of at least two barriers. Expected outcomes will include design plans for removal of identified hitch passage barriers and initiate the CEQA and permitting process. Identifying and removing barriers will greatly benefit the hitch population by allowing increased periods of passage during hitch spawning and juvenile downstream migration. Objective 3) Scotts Valley Flood Reduction Plan An additional $100,000 (sourced outside the grant funds) to complete a Scotts Valley Flood Risk Reduction Plan. The funds would be used to augment planning and hydrological engineering services to create a flood reduction plan for Scotts Valley, as part of the overall grant-funded hydrological flow study that will be completed as part of the rest of the task. This is estimated to be completed within the next three years. This requirement was included when the Board approved these funds to be used in conjunction with the WCB grant-funded hydrological and stream flow study that is to be completed in Scotts Valley and Tule Lake, and any selected firm(s) would be required to complete the Scotts Valley Flood Risk Reduction Plan in addition to completing the deliverables for the grant project. This addition is to ensure that flood risk reduction is included in the grant-funded study, which currently is focused on stream flow improvements and barrier removals for Clear Lake hitch. Background on approval of the funds: This proposal was presented to the Scotts Valley Community Advisory Council at its Aug. 26, 2024, meeting. After discussion, council members voted 4-0, with Chair Gregory Scott abstaining, to recommend approval by the Board of Supervisors of the proposed Scotts Valley Flood Risk Reduction Plan. Further, should grant funds be identified sufficient to cover some or all of the Scotts Valley Flood Risk Reduction Plan development costs, the council recommended any remaining funds be used to address critical infrastructure needs or projects in the Scotts Valley watershed.
