Lower Sardine Meadow Adaptive Management Project

The Lower Sardine Meadow Adaptive Management Project, managed by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region, focuses on improving long-term meadow stability and ecological function in Lower Sardine Creek Meadow, a tributary to the West Walker River. Located in Bridgeport, Mono County, within the Bridgeport Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the project aims to reverse damage caused by historical grazing, road construction, and recreational use. These activities led to channel incision, concentrated flow, and reduced floodplain connectivity, which altered the natural hydrology of the area. While previous restoration efforts addressed large-scale incision, this project implements adaptive management to address localized areas identified through post-project monitoring and site visits. The project is classified under NAICS code 541620 and is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15333 for Small Habitat Restoration Projects, as it is determined not to have a significant environmental impact. Key administrative contacts include Engineering Geologist Meghan Walsh of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, along with coordination from the USDA and American Rivers.