Fernandez Ranch Creek Restoration and Public Access

Martinez, CA

Muir Heritage Land Trust
2009-2010

Hanford ARC was selected to construct several major components of the Fernandez Ranch Creek Restoration and Public Access project.  Our scope included trail construction, minor creek restoration, revegetation, and public staging and picnic area construction.  The project was designed by Restoration Design Group of Berkeley, Ca. and managed by Overaa Construction of Richmond, Ca.

Trails: The trail component involved construction of approximately 4 miles of multi-use trail in the watershed.  The trails pass through hilly terrain, with several ephemeral stream crossings, switchbacks, stairs, two bridges and three boardwalks. 

Approximately ½ mile of the trail is improved with gravel surfacing for ADA access.  For the trail construction, we used a SWECO trail bulldozer, and a small tracked bobcat, and substantial hand labor.  The trails included a number of drainage dips and lenses, and on some of the steep terrain, we constructed retaining walls.

Creek Restoration:  Hanford ARC completed stream restoration on two sites within tributary channels to Rodeo Creek, which is the main stream channel running through the ranch.  One of the sites was an old stock pond that had filled with sediment along Fern Creek.  At this site we excavated a new stream channel alignment through the sediment and constructed a drop structure at the dam site to correct a head cut.  The second site, on Slot Creek, involved stabilizing a head cut with rock.  Both sites were planted with willow cuttings and container plants as part of the greater revegetation effort on the ranch.

Erosion control and revegetation:  RDG identified several sections of Rodeo Creek that were severely eroding.  The creek has incised rapidly over the last 100 years resulting in nearly vertical banks and dramatic bank failures.  The segments addressed as part of this project exceeded the problems on the balance of the stream channel.  To address these areas, RDG planned to layback slopes and install bioengineering techniques.  The slopes were graded under a separate contract.  Hanford ARC installed the bioengineering work, including a brush mattress and willow staking.

Following the grading, we seeded native grass, and placed straw, coir fabric and wattles on the slopes.  We then installed approximately 7,000 container plants and seeds (acorns and buckeye) on the slopes and at the top of the bank.  We planted wetland species on the small floodplain at the toe of the slopes.

Irrigation:  Ensuring a watering system for the newly installed plants proved problematic.  There is little groundwater in the valley, and the streams are ephemeral. 

MHLT and RDG chose an irrigation system that included drip irrigation, storage tanks and multiple sources.  The system is fed by a small well and pump operated by a windmill, a spring, and the option to charge with a water truck.  This flexible system will ensure that water is available to the project until the plants are established.

Trail staging area:  Development of the ranch for public access included the need to create a staging area for parking and as a trailhead.  RDG designed this around a historic corral.  Our scope in this area includes rebuilding the corral, installing rail fencing, bollards, a picnic area, wheel stops, and other amenities.  Across a bridge installed by Overaa, there are additional picnic areas, including one located on an old homestead site, benches and signage.