Lake County launches projects to restore hitch fish habitats and improve water quality

Concerns over the Clear Lake Hitch fish population took center stage at the Lake County government meeting on March 13, 2025, as officials discussed the urgent need for habitat restoration and flood risk management. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the hitch, a native fish species, due to sediment accumulation in local creeks and the impact of hydro-modified channels.

Presenters emphasized that the current state of the waterways is detrimental to the hitch's spawning success. With less rainfall leading to low water flows, many fish eggs are left exposed on dry creek beds, significantly reducing juvenile recruitment. "We’re still going to see fish in the systems when there’s water, but we’re not going to see that success in the recruitment of the juveniles or the egg hatch," one speaker noted.

The meeting also addressed the pressing issue of stream barriers that hinder fish passage. Specific locations, such as the Kelsey Creek Main Street Bridge and Adobe Creek at Bell Hill, were identified as critical barriers that need prioritization for removal or modification. "We can't do all the projects all at once, so we have to prioritize the most high-impact fish passage barriers to address," a presenter explained.

In response to these challenges, several restoration projects were outlined, including a $1.2 million grant aimed at improving the Scotts Creek and Tule Lake watershed. This project will focus on replacing a problematic culvert that currently obstructs hitch movement and contributes to water quality issues.

Additionally, the Middle Creek Restoration Project, funded by the Army Corps, is set to restore vital hitch habitat by purchasing parcels of land. With approximately $20 million allocated, this initiative aims to enhance the ecological health of the area.

As the meeting concluded, officials underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to restore habitats and manage flood risks to ensure the survival of the Clear Lake Hitch. The community's engagement and support will be crucial as these projects move forward, aiming to create a sustainable environment for both the hitch and local residents.