Projects

 

The Upper Pit River Watershed covers over 2 million acres and more than 4,600 square miles, representing one of the largest watershed assessment projects undertaken in the state of California. Segments of the Pit River are 303(d) listed for nutrient loading, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. Sediment loading has also been identified as a problem in the Pit River. Water quality problems along the river include sediment supply, dissolved oxygen, nitrate levels, elevated water temperatures, and lack of summer flow.

 

One goal of the Pit River Watershed Alliance is to identify factors that contribute to water quality and to work with landowners to implement solutions that will resolve the issues. The objective of the watershed assessment is to build a defensible administrative record to support delisting of the 303(d) segment of the upper Pit River. The assessment began a 2-year process to better understand the ecological issues in the watershed and to identify goals for future resource management and restoration. Issues identified include river flow, water quality, threatened and endangered species, fuel-load reductions, and aquatic habitat. The assessment includes information on history, land use, demographics, geomorphology, hydrology, water quality, vegetation, wildlife, cultural resources, fisheries and aquatic resources, and fire/fuels management. VESTRA conducted monthly technical meetings and community information meetings to present the available data and status of the assessment and provided GIS information, coordination, and analytical support for internal staff and subcontractors.