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The Kopta Slough Flood Damage Reduction and Habitat
Restoration Project
Project Location
The Kopta Slough Flood Damage Reduction and Habitat Restoration Project is located in the Sacramento River floodplain between River Mile 218 and 223. The City of Corning is to the west and the town of Vina is to the east. South Avenue (County Road A9) and Woodson Bridge bisect the project area.
Project Status
The Forum is working to provide information to local stakeholders and convey local input to the project team of the Northern Region Office of the Department of Water Resources. The NRO staff has received funding to update and finalize the engineering, environmental and other studies for the Feasibility Study of the Project, which was begun by the Army Corps of Engineers in early 2000 but never completed. This multi-benefit project will provide erosion protection of the abutment of the Woodson Bridge, enhancement of area recreation, restore natural river processes and enhance riparian habitat. Supervisor Burt Bundy and agricultural landowner Brendon Flynn are the Forum Board representatives assisting with the local stakeholder effort.
Project Goals and Elements
The goals of the Project are to:
- Provide ecosystem benefits, through the restoration of natural fluvial and floodplain processes.
- Mitigate for the loss of shaded riverine aquatic habitat from flood management projects, operations and maintenance activities.
- Establish long term public ownership of the Kopta Slough property to protect public trust resources and expand recreational opportunities on a portion of the project area.
- Provide flood damage reduction benefits through reduced bank erosion and protection of public infrastructure.
The project seeks to remove revetment upstream of the bridge at the Kopta Slough property that is no longer necessary to protect infrastructure or agricultural land use. The project will identify erosion protection for the west abutment of Woodson Bridge and the City of Corning sewer outfall. Restoration of approximately 176 acres of riparian habitat within the 648-acre Kopta Slough property will provide mitigation for flood projects and maintenance. The property will be transferred from the California State Controller Environmental Trust to an agency for public access.
Project Partners and Stakeholders
Project partners include the Department of Water Resources, Tehama County, City of Corning, California State Parks, the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge, The Nature Conservancy, the Sacramento River Conservation Area Forum and the US Army Corps of Engineers. We are also working with the landowners and business owners adjacent to the project site to facilitate their input.
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