Reclamation completes salmonid habitat project on the American River

The Bureau of Reclamation announced the completion of a project to help boost the fall-run Chinook salmon population below Folsom Dam on the lower American River at Ancil Hoffman Park in Carmichael. 

Workers created spawning habitat by adding more than 15,000 cubic yards of clean gravel into the river channel.

“The Ancil Hoffman area of the river is a prime spot for spawning salmon and steelhead, and this project will vastly improve habitat for fall-run Chinook salmon” said Bay-Delta Office Manager David Mooney.  “We appreciate the support of the American River Water Forum, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and all of our other local, state, and federal partners in accomplishing this project.  We look forward to continued collaboration with our partners on the next set of lower American River projects.”

In the coming months, Reclamation will plant willow cuttings, seeding native grass and wildflower species in the newly created rearing alcove and excess material areas.