Pacific Southwest Research Station

Quantification and Characterization of Trout Creek Restoration Effectiveness

Full title: Quantification and characterization of Trout Creek restoration effectiveness

Lead Researchers: Nicole Beck, 2nd Nature LLC

Abstract

Many stream and meadow restoration projects have been implemented throughout the Lake Tahoe basin over the past two decades. However a consistent definition of restoration effectiveness has not been defined nor have standardized methods been established to monitor and evaluate pre- and post-restoration conditions. This impedes the ability to define success for designers, funders and reviewers, and to communicate the benefits of stream restoration efforts to regulators and policy makers. In addition, the Lake Tahoe TMDL and associated Lake Clarity Crediting Program heighten the need to define and standardize a simple yet representative approach to estimate the water quality benefit of stream restoration efforts in the future. This research will: 1) apply the standardized approach of both simple and complex observations of Trout Creek to characterize pre and post-restoration stream reach condition by implementing the methodology and protocols of previously funded SNPLMA research (Round 7 and Round 8), 2) develop a simple methodology for the Stream Load Reduction Tool for local resource managers to predict the relative water quality benefits (total and fine sediment load reductions) as a result of stream morphologic modifications and floodplain restoration efforts using Trout Creek and Upper Truckee River as the tangible examples, and 3) enable load reductions from stream restoration to be accounted for in the Lake Tahoe total maximum daily load (TMDL) and Lake Clarity Crediting Programs.