Tally Ho Creek, a key tributary to Arroyo Grande Creek, has been significantly affected by channel modifications, floodplain encroachment and an increase in sedimentation. These impacts have directly affected streamside landowners and reduced the functional value of aquatic and riparian habitat, as well as increased the flood risk in the Arroyo Grande flood control channel, located downstream of the project site. 

The RCD was awarded funding from the Department of Water Resources Urban Stream Restoration Program in 2020 to restore a prioritized 220-linear-foot reach of stream channel and riparian habitat on Tally Ho Creek. The project will increase the channel’s high flow capacity, reducing pressures on the flood control channel, and prevent approximately 2,500 cubic yards of sediment and bed material over a span of 10 years from depositing downstream in the flood control channel.

Restoration activities include repair of a four-foot head cut, excavation of a low-flow channel, lowering the channel base to meet the grade downstream of the head cut, and restoring native riparian habitat by removing invasive species and revegetating with natives. By lowering the channel base, flood capacity of the channel is increased and upstream migration of the head cut would be controlled. Repairing the head cut reduces sediment mobilization, and excavation of a low-flow channel removes existing accumulated sediment. 

In 2023, CSLRCD staff and project partner Creek Lands Conservation will continue to work through the environmental review process, to provide outreach and support to the Tally Ho neighborhood, and plan to implement the restoration activities in the late summer or early fall.

CSLRCD received additional funding to enhance project activities from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Additional funds will be used to contract with the California Conservation Corps to expand invasive species management and revegetation with native species in the project area.

Partners:

City of Arroyo Grande, Creek Lands Conservation, California Conservation Corps

Funders:

Department of Water Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service

RCD Contact:

Hallie Richard, hrichard@coastalrcd.org

Creek Lands Conservation has produced a YouTube video of a Creek Relief Workshop with Tally Ho residents  in September 2023. Watch the video below.