Windy Springs Meadow Restoration

The Windy Springs Meadow Restoration project, managed by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board in Tulare County, California, focuses on restoring the natural hydrologic and ecological functions of a 2.99-acre area. The project aims to correct historical alterations caused by channelization, meadow berm construction, and ranching infrastructure to benefit the meadow, its associated springs, and an intermittent tributary. Key activities include removing artificial containment structures from two springheads, reestablishing natural spring outflow channels through cobble placement and bank grading, and removing or lowering man-made berms to restore surface sheet flow and expand wetland hydrology. To stabilize disturbed soils and fill anthropogenic depressions, the project will reuse native vegetation and salvaged meadow sod. Classified under NAICS code 237990, the project is designated as a forecast and qualifies for a categorical exemption as a Small Habitat Restoration Project under section 15333 of the California Public Resources Code. The primary objective is to achieve a gain in area and function for both stream and meadow habitats. The project is located at coordinates 36.026, -118.102, with administrative oversight provided by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 5 - Fresno.