Patterson Creek Fish Passage and Stream Maintenance Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025110077
Public Agency
California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region 1
(RWQCB)
Document Title
Patterson Creek Fish Passage and Stream Maintenance Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
11/4/2025
Document Description
This Project will remove high-flow deposited fine sediment material from within a reach of lower Patteson Creek, a tributary of the Scott River, to facilitate passage for coho salmon across a more diverse range of flows than is currently possible. The channel of lower Patterson Creek has been filled with fine grain decomposed granite originating from the upper watershed. Those materials have reduced the capacity of the stream channel, causing flows to leave the channel and activate the floodplain, which is currently managed as a pasture. In unmanaged settings, floodplain connectivity is a beneficial natural process, however, at this site it presents land management issues for the landowner and does not address the limiting factor for coho salmon, that being lower flow passage to upstream spawning and rearing habitat. By reestablishing channel capacity, this Project will provide passable conditions for fish during a broader range of stream flows.
Contact Information
Name
Jacob Shannon
Agency Name
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 33; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 15333
Reasons for Exemption
This Project will reestablish fish passage in Patterson Creek, tributary to the Scott River, for the benefit of coho salmon and does not exceed five acres in total project size.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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