Stream and Watershed Assessments
Resource Concepts, Inc. has developed a successful process-based approach for watershed and stream assessments. Our interdisciplinary team has demonstrated success in mountainous and desert environments. Fundamental to the approach is our Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, and Mojave Desert knowledge, staff enthusiasm for working together, sharing of expertise, and creative visioning to develop sound solutions for watershed resource issues.
Featured Projects
- Markleeville Creek Stream Reclamation
- North Canyon Stream Assessment
- Bagley Valley Watershed Restoration
- Meadow Valley Wash Damage Assessment & Remediation
- CC Waterfall Fire Watershed Assessment, Recommendations, Design & Implementation
North Fork Salmon Falls Area Stream Surveys and Proper Functioning Condition Assessments
Resource Concepts, Inc. completed surveys of approximately 32 miles of stream on the North Fork of the Salmon River drainage in the Elko District, for the Bureau of Land Management. The stream surveys included measurement and evaluation of stream and riparian habitat conditions including conducting proper functioning condition (PFC) assessment. Information was collected at 32 permanent survey stations established along four separate streams within the watershed. The BLM stream survey data sheets were completed for each survey station using procedures in Aquatic Habitat Inventory and Monitoring Level III Survey Procedures – Transect Method Elko Revised Handbook 6720-1, Elko Field Office of Bureau of Land Management – Elko, Nevada – Release 1, 2002. PFC was conducted for each stream following the Riparian Area Management TR 1737-15 1998 A User Guide to Assessing Proper Functioning Condition and Supporting Science for Lotic Areas. The surveyed streams were remote with portions of the drainages located in very rugged canyon areas, which required intense hiking in rough, steep terrain.
Martin Slough Wetland
Creation Project during
initial planting, 2007.
Town of Minden/Martin Slough Wetlands Creation, Enhancement, and Water Quality Project
The Martin Slough is part of an extensive ditch system that delivers irrigation water from the Carson River to agricultural areas in Carson Valley. Plans for moving a portion of the Martin Slough and constructing a small detention basin between Lucerne Street and Monte Vista Avenue in the Town of Minden were included with approval of the Monte Vista Subdivision.
Resource, Concepts, Inc. conducted the initial site planning and resource analyses that led to the wetland/pond creation alternative that replaced the ditch and detention basin concept. RCI was retained by the Town of Minden to design plans for a natural-functioning pond and wetland ecosystem to meet the storm water and runoff needs from the Monte Vista Subdivision and create a natural riparian environment. The subdivision developer donated approximately eight acres to the Town of Minden for the wetland creation project.
Additional goals for the created wetlands and ponds included expanded stormwater storage, water quality improvement, wildlife habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds, and local passive recreation for nearby residents. Distinct emergent, wetland, shorezone, and upland grading and planting plans were developed to create habitat diversity. Plant material selections included native plants that would provide structural diversity, nesting cover, and forage.
Special design features of the project were added to accommodate the urban neighborhood setting of the project area. The design included a meandering footpath with low impact lighting, wildlife viewing areas, and an overflow structure to control the depth of water in the pond. Select focal points along the streets and both temporary and permanent irrigation systems were designed by landscape architect Sandra Wendell to supplement precipitation during unpredictable drought periods and to expand the planting pallet for a blended transition between formal landscapes and natural areas. The next phase of the project will include the construction of an outdoor educational kiosk and a footbridge. Supplemental seedings and weed control will be based on site-specific monitoring during the plant establishment period.
RCI conducted survey mapping, complete project design and permitting including revegetation plans, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, 404, and 401 permitting, construction staking, and construction management.
Project funding was provided from the Town of Minden and a 50/50 matching grant from the State of Nevada Question 1.