By-Day Creek and Slinkard Creek Beaver Dam Analog and Streambank Repair Project (Notification of Lake or Streambed Alteration, No. EPIMS-MOO-66314-R6)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has executed Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement EPIMS-MOO-66314-R6 for the By-Day Creek and Slinkard Creek Beaver Dam Analog and Streambank Repair Project. Located in Mono County, California, the project focuses on process-based and technical watershed-scale restoration across 1.34 miles and 1.63 acres of By-Day Creek and Slinkard Creek. The primary objective is to improve aquatic habitat for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout populations by stabilizing streambanks, restoring hydrologic connectivity, reestablishing natural geomorphic processes, and enhancing aquatic and riparian habitat complexity. Key project deliverables include the installation of up to 150 beaver dam analogs, streambank stabilization at two locations, the repair of two failed stream-road crossings, culvert removal and gully rehabilitation, and meadow crossing restoration at one location. The project is managed by Lindsay Britton of California Trout, with Dana Scott serving as the Environmental Scientist for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This effort is supported by a Notice of Exemption based on categorical exemptions for the protection of natural resources and small habitat restoration projects.