Redwood Creek Estuary Restoration

Continuing Authority, Section 1135

PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The Redwood Creek estuary is located in Humboldt County, CA. It is well documented that the Redwood Creek Federal levees have reduced the size, complexity, and ecological function of the Redwood Creek estuary, while exacerbating flooding and invasive species plant expansion in the agricultural lands behind the levees. This project represents a significant opportunity to restore hydraulic, sediment and floodplain processes necessary to restore and sustain ecological function in lower Redwood Creek. Such restoration is critical for improving critical habitat for ESA-listed species such as the Chinook, coho and steelhead salmonids as well as other fish and wildlife that are native to this watershed. These restoration opportunities have been studied by federal, state, and academic scientists and there is strong consensus that a restored estuary will directly benefit habitat for fish and wildlife. The Redwood Creek estuary also lies within the ancestral territory of the Yurok Tribe and has provided marine and freshwater resources to their people since time immemorial.

TOTAL FUNDING

            TOTAL COST                                                                            $  14,067,000

            FEDERAL COST                                                                       $  10,140,000

            NON-FEDERAL COST                                                               $  3,927,000

            TOTAL FEDERAL COST THROUGH FY 2025                            $  1,160,000

            FY 2026 BUDGET                                                                     $  0  

            COST TO COMPLETE                                                               $  8,980,000

FY 26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Updates are in progress. Check back soon for more information.

FY 25 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Initiation of feasibility study
• Successful planning charettes that leveraged expertise from local, state and Federal partners to develop a collaborative foundation of the planning study.
• Development and screening of alternatives to determine the study’s tentatively selected plan.

ISSUES AND OTHER INFORMATION

• The ecological damage and negative interior drainage impacts caused by the Federal levees have brought together a formal collaborative of stakeholders in support this study.
• The study footprint includes private, state and Federal lands. The study team is working collaboratively with the NPS, State of California and private landowners to ensure that real estate availability is woven into the alternative development, screening and selection process.
• Engineering With Nature principles will be leveraged to restore the estuary while meeting the flood risk management requirements related to the authorized project.

CONGRESSIONAL INTEREST­

• 2^nd District, Rep. Jared Huffman

POINT OF CONTACT

• Deputy for Project Management, Thomas R. Williams, 415-503-6560

Updated on 20 February 2026