Markleeville Creek Floodplain Restoration Project

Alpine County and Alpine Watershed Group 

The Alpine Watershed Group (AWG) is partnering with Alpine County to design, construct, and maintain a restoration project on a section of Markleeville Creek in Markleeville. The restoration site was a former US Forest Service Guard Station, and approximately five acres of the site have been identified for restoration. 

The project goals are as follows:

- Restore the natural stream channel and floodplain functions to enhance fish and wildlife habitat, treat stormwater runoff, and reduce damaging effects of flooding.

- Provide public access and recreation features including walking trails, interpretive signage, and parking. 

Project Description:

Markleeville Creek is a major tributary to the East Fork of the Carson River. The Markleeville Creek Restoration Project is intended to re-establish the natural meandering form and functionality of Markleeville Creek at the site of the former US Forest Service Markleeville Guard Station. The project will re-create the natural floodplain and riparian streamside habitat by removing the unnecessary floodwalls and artificial fill material, improving in-stream habitat with bioengineered habitat, and revegetating the site with native species. In addition to addressing the environmental restoration improvements, the project will also enhance public access for recreation such as walking paths, picnic sites, informational placards, and parking.


Aerial view of creek from drone.
MCRP Rendering

Coordination Requirements

Markleeville Creek Bridge Replacement

During development of this project, Caltrans and Alpine County will also be coordinating the replacement of Markleeville Creek Bridge.

Sewerline Upgrade Project

The Markleeville Public Utility District (MPUD) will be upgrading the existing sewer line. This will require coordination between projects for staging areas and timing.

Project Funding

The Markleeville Creek Restoration Project will be funded through California’s Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) program and Caltrans.

Schedule

The following schedule is a tentative estimate and is subject to revision:

Schedule Infographic of Coinciding Projects

Related Documents:

Addendum to Initial Study and mitigated Negative Declaration

Appendix - Biological Resources

Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan

California Environmental Quality Act documents

Design Plans

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