The Merced River, a major tributary to the San Joaquin River, has been significantly altered by dams and in-channel and floodplain mining, which has resulted in loss and degradation of habitat for native species. With funding from CALFED and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Anadromous Fish Restoration Program, Stillwater Sciences is working jointly with the Merced County Planning and Community Development Department and various subcontractors (Merced County, McBain & Trush, EDAW, and Chico State University) to develop a long-term, large-scale restoration and monitoring program for 52 miles of the river, extending from Crocker-Huffman Dam to the confluence with the San Joaquin River.

Investigations were conducted on both river-wide and site-specific scales and included reconnaissance-level field work as well as detailed site surveys. Incorporating available and newly collected data, Stillwater Sciences developed GIS coverages and hydraulic and sediment transport models using state-of-the-art methods. In Phase I of the project, Stillwater Sciences and the County established the Merced River Stakeholder Group and the Merced River Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). In Phase II, Stillwater Sciences conducted baseline geomorphic and ecological analyses and identified social, infrastructural, and institutional issues and concerns that defined opportunities and constraints for restoration in the Merced River corridor. In Phase III, Stillwater Sciences completed field and modeling efforts, and in collaboration with the Stakeholder Group and TAC, developed an overall Merced River Corridor Restoration Plan. The restoration plan identifies and guides the restoration of critical geomorphic and ecological processes in the Merced River. This strategy ensures the continuing long-term effectiveness of site-specific restoration projects and provides long-term benefits to ecosystem processes, riverine habitats, and native species.

For Merced River Corridor Restoration Plan reports, please see our project website.