2019 WORKPLAN
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Replace two bridges in San Pedro Valley Park
The two bridge structures have been identified as potential barriers to fish migration as they are built on box culverts. They are the Horseshoe Pit Bridge and the South Fork bridge that is just east of the main parking lot. Each has a plunge pool on the downstream end of the box culvert, which over time, will create greater barriers to fish passage. We learned from the fish barrier project completed on Weiler Ranch trail in 2001 that additional significant benefits come from streamside habitat restoration and hiker enjoyment of the improved scenery and the view of the creek bottom. We estimate the costs for the two bridges to be $500,000. We can complete construction within 5 years and will continue to monitor project for 10 years total.
Restore a stream segment in San Pedro Valley Park
The restoration of a segment of the Creek in the vicinity of the former trout ponds is more complicated. This reach was straightened and we will study the feasibility of restoring the natural meanders of the South Fork in this area while maintaining recreational uses. This area currently has high visitor usage, mostly for picnicking but also some youth camping. We hope to restore spacing habitat for steelhead and keep or even possibly improve recreational use of the are. We think it is possible to do both. Cost of this action is estimated to be $150,000 to treat this 1200-foot segment of the Creek and can take 3-5 years to complete.
Connect the Sanchez fork to the main stem of San Pedro Creek
The Sanchez Fork of the Creek is not accessible to steelhead because the culvert is many feet above the Creek where is connects to the main stem. This action will add spawning habitat and ensure greater habitat connectivity. We estimate the cost of this action to be $150,000 and it should take 3-5 years.
Bridge replacement at Adobe Drive
This has long been identified as a challenging project in a difficult reach. The reach above and below Adobe Drive is lined with houses on each side and the valley floor is entrenched. However, recent photographs taken in December 2014 by a creekside resident proves that the culvert is undersized and the risk of flooding is great. The City of Pacifica’s Department of Public Works is the lead on this project. Benefits will be to reduce flooding and protect property and infrastructure, improve fish passage and restore in-stream and riparian habitats. The cost of this project is currently unknown, but estimated to be very high and commensurate with the benefits. The statewide high-end cost per square foot for bridge replacement in 2017 according to CALTRANS is $250. Based on that and the estimate of the Adobe bridge area being 4,500 square feet, the cost could be as high as $1,135,000.
Create a Streamside Viewing Platform and Public Education Center at Sanchez Adobe Park
At Sanchez Adobe Park (owned and operated by the San Mateo Department of Parks and the San Mateo County Historical Association), create a viewing platform next to San Pedro Creek. This publicly accessible structure will include an educational center with the main focus being the importance of the Creek for steelhead. We propose to integrate this educational center with programs developed at schools within the watershed. This would include Alma Heights Christian School, Ortega and Cabrillo Elementary Schools, and Terra Nova High School. The cost of this structure and educational center is currently being evaluated by the San Mateo County, but is estimated to be $125,000.
Securing sites within the watershed to protect valuable streamside habitats
We propose to purchase and protect important parcels to restore habitats, possibly to establish recreational or education facilities and generally to maintain critical open space. We envision the possibility of a community garden on one site that might be available for acquisition. Because of the sensitive nature of real estate values and private property rights, we will keep confidential the particular sites under evaluation by the team. However, there are locations suitable for acquisition that will allow for important habitat restoration in conjunction with the creation of community amenities. This could be visitor access, community gardens, and demonstration sites for stream side restoration and bank protection - all of which would assist with public education about the importance of steelhead habitat protection. Cost of this action is highly dependent on market values, willing sellers, and the particular sites available.
Monitor the effectiveness of steelhead protection efforts
We propose to install fish-counting devices in one or more places along the stream to monitor either the number of adult steelhead returning to the creek to spawn each year or the number of out-migrating smolts (juvenile steelhead).This will provide the baseline information on the status of the steelhead population in the SPCW. Then, the data and information can be used as a basis for understanding possible response to habitat restoration and fish barrier removal projects, and to unknown future factors affecting steelhead populations.. The data can also be used for public awareness and education programs. The SPCWC is currently costing out the fish monitoring program, but we estimate that perhaps $150,000 will cover start up costs. There will be annual costs thereafter to cover maintenance, data analysis and reporting.