Powerhouse Riffles Restoration Project (Restoration Management Permit No. RMP-2026-0028-R4)

The Powerhouse Riffles Restoration Project, identified by Restoration Management Permit No. RMP-2026-0028-R4, was issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on June 12, 2026. Under this permit, the Turlock Irrigation District is authorized to restore high quality salmonid spawning habitat within a 2,500-foot reach of the mainstem Tuolumne River. Located in the unincorporated community of La Grange in Stanislaus County, the project site is situated approximately 2,200 feet downstream of the La Grange Dam. The CDFW has designated this as a Qualifying Restoration Project pursuant to section 1671(d)(1) of the Fish and Game Code, as it is expected to provide substantial cumulative benefits to native fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Public Resources Code section 21080.56, with the Turlock Irrigation District serving as the lead agency. Administrative oversight is provided by Megan Rooney, an Environmental Scientist with the CDFW. The project area is specifically defined by several Assessor Parcel Numbers and legal descriptions covering Sections 18, 19, 20, and 21 of Township 3 South, Range 14 East. This initiative is conducted pursuant to section 1670 of the Fish and Game Code to ensure the restoration of critical aquatic habitats.