Robinson's Riffle Feather River Restoration

The Robinson's Riffle Feather River Restoration project is an environmental implementation effort located within the Oroville Wildlife Area near Oroville in Butte County, California. Managed by the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency, the project aims to restore river habitat by excavating approximately 51 acres adjacent to the Feather River to remove relict tailings. This process is designed to create seasonal floodplain and side channel habitats. The excavated material will be screened to produce coarse gravel and sediment, which will then be used to enhance the river channel by creating a complex mosaic of riffles, pools, and gravel bars. The project has received approval from the Wildlife Conservation Board and is associated with the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and Streamflow Programs under the Budget Act of 2024. A Notice of Determination issued in November 2025 certifies compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, noting that a Negative Declaration was prepared and no significant environmental effects are expected. While the specific contract value and period of performance are not provided, the project is identified by WCB Project Tracker ID 2025102. Administrative oversight is provided by the Sutter Butte Flood Control Agency, with Michael W. Bessette serving as the primary contact.