Tuesday February 21, 2023
FOX 26 —
A coalition of farmers, water managers and local, state and federal agencies will be installing 20 unique, natural structures known as ‘rockwads’ in the Sacramento River to increase the likelihood that young salmon will be able to grow in size and strength to prepare for their journey to the Pacific Ocean.
The effort, led by the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors and the Sacramento Valley Ecological Restoration Foundation (SAVER), includes the installation of 20 structures, made of large tree roots and canopies bolted to boulders, near the South Bonnyview Bridge and boat ramp in Redding.
“The diverse makeup of the ‘rockwads’ – with the boulder and woody debris – create an ideal setting for foraging, cover, and rest for the small juvenile salmon and trout,” Roger Cornwell, President of SAVER, said. “With less debris naturally entering the upper portions of the Sacramento River, we must provide opportunities that these young fish historically found during their outward migration.”