Aerial view of final design as proposed by Big Valley EPA and FlowWest. The roughened grade would include a 4% slope and welded boulder weir, to slow flow, create rifles that hitch can pass over/ through and still protect the stream and bridge footings.
Ironically, the Kelsey Creek Fish Passage Structure acts as a barrier to native fish, including the Clear Lake Hitch. The Clear Lake hitch, or Chi, as named by the Xa-Ben-Na-Po Band of Pomo Indians and other local indigenous tribes, are a culturally and biologically important species found only in Clear Lake and its tributaries. In addition to the physical barrier, the water velocity in Kelsey Creek is unnaturally high due historic gravel mining and the channelization of the creek. Barriers to spawning habitat contribute to the perilous conditions for the Chi, who are at the brink of extinction.
The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians, with consultants at FlowWest, have been working to improve the physical habitat for the Clear Lake Hitch in Kelsey Creek in Kelseyville. Big Valley has been able to secure funds for implementation and FlowWest has prepared all the state, federal, and local permits, including a majority of CEQA and USACE approval. Construction for the project will likely begin in 2023/2024.
Read all about our featured work in the Lake County News here: Lady of the Lake: Merry Fishmas
Current Fish Passage
Initially created by well-intentioned locals, the current fish passage carries too much velocity for the fish to use.
