We’re on it!
By Kincade Stirek, Conservation Assistant
For the past 20 years, we’ve been transforming the health and resiliency of close to 200 sites like the Middle Martis Wetland. Year by year, project by project, TRWC has worked to restore, preserve and protect precious watershed parcels that sustain The Truckee.
When it comes to commitment to the vibrancy of this amazing place we call home, we’re on it. We do it for the bugs, the fish, the fauna and flora. We do it for the bird-watchers, bicyclists, hikers—and all of us. And that includes you.
Restoration projects like our Middle Martis Wetland—which supports 40 acres of meadowland—require multifaceted expertise along with ongoing financial support. And they take the generosity of those who believe what we believe:that nature and people can thrive together for generations to come.
The Middle Martis Wetland project, lead by Beth Christman, is a perfect example of how TRWC is transforming the sustainability of our area. Drive by the site (about 5 miles south of Truckee on Highway 267) to see for yourself. Right now, we’re redirecting the flow of Martis Creek to counteract damage from the construction of Brockway Road (now 267) in the 1800s.
We are returning Martis Creek back to it’s original alluvial fan shape—made up of multiple stream channels—as opposed to the single channel caused by decades of abuse. Once the erosion is cleared, (at which point things may look even worse for a while) we’ll begin the re-establishment phase. And this is where we’ll need boots-in-the-water volunteers on Truckee River Day 2016 (Sunday, October 16) from you and everyone you know. Register here.
Once restored, The Middle Martis Meadow Project will:
• Restore 40 acres of meadow & 2 acres of riparian wetland
• Reduce erosion to improve water quality
• Improve passage for fish in the existing stream channel
• Reintroduce bugs, birds and beauty to the wetlands
• Restore sedge and willow species to riparian areas south of 267
Keep an eye on this Middle Martis Wetland progress bar on our website to track the project’s development. And see where your contribution can dramatically impact the outcome.
Middle Martis Restoration Progress
The Watershed Council leads this important coordinated effort in partnership with Caltrans, Northstar California, Northstar Community Services District, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Truckee Tahoe Airport District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Additional funding comes from the donors of the Truckee River Watershed Council, American Rivers, CA Dept Fish and Wildlife, CA Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, Liberty Energy, The Martis Fund, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Overall Family Foundation, and the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation.
To play your part in this environmentally critical step, register here to volunteer at Truckee River Day 2016. Or contact Michele Prestowitz at mprestowitz@truckeeriverwc.org to find out more.
If you can’t attend this 2016 watershed event, but want to donate, contact Brenda Gilbert at bgilbert@truckeeriverwc.org.
Either way, you’ll feel empowered knowing you were on it!