Powerhouse Riffles Restoration Project

The Powerhouse Riffles Restoration Project, managed by the Central Valley Flood Protection Board for the state of California, focuses on the construction and restoration of a 2,500-foot reach of the mainstem Tuolumne River designated floodway. Located in Stanislaus County near the community of La Grange, the project aims to enhance native fish and wildlife habitat through the placement of 25,452 cubic yards of clean spawning gravel to create 4.8 acres of low-gradient riffle complexes and gravel bars. Additional structural enhancements include the installation of 80 habitat boulders and 49 large wood logs with attached rootwads securely embedded into the riverbanks. The project is classified under NAICS code 237990 and is currently listed as a forecast with a posted date of July 2, 2026. To protect sensitive areas and ensure environmental compliance, all in-channel earthwork and encroachment installations must be performed during the low-flow season from June 15 to October 31 using specifically configured temporary gravel access routes. The project has been granted a Notice of Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code Section 21080.56, as it is designated for habitat restoration benefiting California native species.