Restoration Projects Statewide Order Draft Program Environmental Impact Report

The purpose of this Project is to restore the stream banks and floodplain along a stretch of the Susan River by reducing erosion and sedimentation in Wendal, Lassen County. Development and land use directly along the Susan River has disconnected the floodplain and concentrated flow, creating incised channels prone to bank collapse and erosion. These impacts have lowered the water table, converted wet meadow vegetation to upland plants, reduced riparian habitat, and destabilized banks, causing erosion and sedimentation. Project activities include the use of mechanical construction equipment to install J-hook Vanes, which will dissipate energy and concentrate flow to the center of the channel reducing bank erosion, and grade incised areas of the stream to allow for more spread-out flows, as well as manual work to install flashboards used for a diversion. Temporary impacts include channel and floodplain disturbance resulting from J-hook vane installation and grading, as well as soil and vegetation disturbance during construction activities. The Project will impact a total of 0.42 acres, 607.5 linear ft. of stream channel, and 1.76 acres, 395 linear feet of wetland. This Project is expected to enhance a total of 53 acres and 7,000 linear feet of aquatic resources. Implementation is expected to occur during the late summer/fall of 2026, with any adaptive management needs occurring during the following field seasons.