Rep. Panetta Announces New Federal Investment in Local Floodplain Restoration Project
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced a $6,000,000 federal grant awarded to the California State Coastal Conservancy for ongoing work on the Rancho Cañada Floodplain Restoration Project. The grant was awarded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Coastal Zone Management Program to help restore a one-mile section of the Carmel River that is critical to connecting the historic floodplain habitat.
The Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, in collaboration with numerous federal, state, and local government agencies and non-profits, is beginning the restoration of a migration and spawning habitat for South-Central California Coast steelhead and other species. The project will also enhance multiple wildlife corridors and create new opportunities for nature-based environmental education and recreation. The reconnected, lowered floodplains will create a self-sustaining, climate-resilient river system that can respond to a changing climate.
“California’s 19th Congressional District is blessed with immense beauty and bounty that is threatened by the impacts of a changing climate and habitat loss,” said Rep. Panetta. “Through this new federal investment, we will empower community partners in their work to restore the Carmel River watershed’s floodplain which is essential to sustaining the wide variety of wildlife found in our home. I’m continuing to ensure the federal government plays its part in the stewardship and conservation of our natural world so that we can share its wonder with the next generation.”
The Carmel River watershed contains over one hundred stream miles of high-quality spawning grounds, but virtually no floodplain. A natural floodplain is vital to the survival of local fish and native vegetation, while also providing a slow-water refuge during high-flow events. The project implements the recommendations of the Steelhead Recovery Plan, issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries). The project will also strive to accommodate the existing public trails on the property and will consider other public access amenities that are compatible with habitat protection.
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