Inappropriately constructed roads can reduce streamside vegetative cover and water depths by allowing soil and debris to runoff into the stream. These factors contribute to increased water temperatures and poor living conditions for many aquatic species. Culverts can also block fish and amphibian passage, hurting juvenile Coho and Chinook salmon and steelhead trout that need to travel to Gannon Slough and Humboldt Bay as they grow. These adult salmonid fish species also need clear passage to return to spawning waters.
The 2 phased Beith Creek Road Decommissioning Project removed 13 stream crossings. Two existing "fill-slope" landslides were also repaired and roads no longer needed for timber management in the area were removed. The project reduced fine sediment flow into Beith Creek by decommissioning and repairing the stream crossings projected to be the source of 95% of the watershed's future sediment.
The Project is designed to improve water quality in the Beith Creek watershed, a change that will help the recovery of salmonid fish populations. Coho recovery is a priority of the City and partner organizations like the California Department of Fish and Game.
Lower Beith Creek Culvert Upgrade Project
The Lower Beith Creek culvert upgrade project was completed in 2003. The site is located between Old Arcata Road and Highway 101. The project, completed by Arcata City staff, improves water flow conditions by widening the channel and upgrading the culvert. The stream crossing was completed with 2-8’ x 26’ steel rail car bridges. The total cost was $84,000 including $5,000 from State Community Development Block Grant funds.
