Large Woody Material Management Plan
Yuba River Development Project (FERC No. 2246)
Yuba County Water Agency
Agency/NGO Outline
Updated 26 August 2015
green highlights = agreed to with YCWA yellow highlight =discussed but not yet agreed to
1.0 Background
1.1 Description of FERC Project
1.1.1 Facilities
1.1.2 Reservoirs
1.1.3 Project-affected Stream Reaches
1.2 Purpose and Goals/Objectives of Plan
To optimize the use of woody material for downstream habitat benefits while ensuring public
safety.
1.3 Contents of the Plan
1.4 Description of Large Woody Material (LWM)
1.4.1 Definition
1.4.2 Importance as a habitat element
1.4.3 As a resource for habitat enhancement projects
1.5 Large Woody Material within Project Area
1.5.1 Sources and Amounts of LWM
1.5.1.1 Production from tributaries and riparian zones and wood flow events.
1.5.1.2 Volume estimates for Log Cabin and Our House Reservoirs capture.
[Note: YCWA operators estimate?]
1.5.1.3 Volume estimates for New Bullards Bar Reservoir (NBB) capture.
The amount of wood captured by New Bullard Bar Reservoir varies interannually, and exceptionally high volumes of wood have been observed in the
reservoir during certain years. The following annual estimates are based on
YCWA's use of reservoir coves for temporary storage of wood. Since 2005
YCWA has used Coves 1 and 2 (see Section xx) to store and dispose of
floating material. Cove 1 is used as the main site, and Cove 2 is used only if
necessary (i.e., if Cove 1 cannot hold all the material). Each cove has a
capacity of about 3,000 cu yds. From 2005 through 2013, YCWA has used
Cove 1 each year, and has used Cove 2 only once for some overflow from
Cove 1. Therefore, 2,500 cu yds is a reasonable estimate for the amount of
floating material collected on average each year in New Bullards Bar
Reservoir.
Substantially larger amounts have been observed in high flow years. As
reported in the Army Corps of Engineers Large Wood Material Management
Plan for the Lower Yuba River (ACOE 2011), preliminary estimates of wood
volume in the reservoir have been calculated for 1998 and 2006. Aerial
photography examinations resulted in an estimated 34,400 cubic yards of
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wood accumulation on the reservoir during 1998, and an estimated 110,000
cubic yards accumulated on the reservoir during 2006.
1.5.1.4 Results of wood surveys from YRDP relicensing studies [Note: The
following info was summarized from the two reports. YCWA please
confirm we have interpreted accurately.]
During Study 6-1, Riparian Habitat Upstream of Englebright (YCWA
2013a), large woody material (LWM) assessments were conducted at 12
sites, 7 of which overlapped with the riparian vegetation sites. At survey
sites upstream of all LWM assessment sites, a total volume of 140 cubic
yards, or 267 pieces, of LWM was counted. The Oregon Creek Celestial
Valley Sub-reach had the most LWM with 50 pieces counted. No LWM was
found in the Yuba River downstream of New Colgate Powerhouse and near
the confluence of Yellowjacket Creek. Sixteen key pieces of wood were
located during LWM surveys. Of these, six were observed to accumulate
additional LWM, four at the Oregon Creek, Celestial Valley Sub-reach site
and two at the Middle Yuba River upstream of Oregon Creek site.
Downstream of Englebright, LWM was evaluated at eight sites, one in each
geomorphic study reach, co-located with riparian habitat study sites (Study 62, Riparian Habitat Downstream of Englebright; YCWA 2013b). Results
from this study demonstrated that LWM consisted of relatively small pieces
in three general areas: bands of willow near the wetted edge of the channel,
scattered on open cobble bars, and stranded at or above the usual high flow
zone. Fifteen larger pieces (25 ft or more in length and 25 inches or more in
diameter at the largest end) were found across all study sites.
1.5.1.5 Assessment/Prioritization of LWM needs in Project-affected stream
reaches and reservoirs.
1.6 Existing permits pertaining to current LWD management in New Bullards Bar.
1.6.1 USFWS Biological Opinion
On February 4, 2004, the United States Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) released a Biological Opinion for the New Bullards Bar Reservoir
Safety and Annual Maintenance Project (BiOp) (USFWS 2004). The BiOp was in
response to a TNF October 21, 2002, request for informal consultation under Section 7
of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) regarding, among other activities,
YCWA’s disposal of LWM accumulated in the reservoir by piling and burning. The
species of concern in the BiOp were bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus),
California-red-legged frog or CRLF (Rana draytonii), Lahonton cutthroat trout
(Oncorhynchus clarki) and valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus
californicus), all of which were listed as threatened under the ESA in 2002.
1.6.2 Burn Permits
Annual burn permits were historically issued to YCWA by the Forest Service for
burning of LWM.
2.0 Management of LWM within Project Area
2.1 Historic Management Actions
2.1.1 Our House and Log Cabin Diversion Dams [Note: need description from YCWA]
2.1.2 New Bullards Bar Reservoir [Note: The following text for 2.1.2 is from the FLA
NBB Floating Material Plan – YCWA please review]
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On or after March 16 or each year, YCWA has typically collected floating material by
capturing portions of the material in enclosed floating log booms and dragging the
material by boat to the storage areas described in Section 2.3.1.3. The goal of these
collections was to ensure that New Bullards Bar Reservoir was substantially free from
floating material by the beginning of each recreation season (i.e., by the Memorial
Day holiday weekend).
2.2 Management Guidelines for Our House and Log Cabin Diversion Dams
Licensee shall allow, provided conditions permit safe and reasonable access and working
conditions, mobile instream large woody material to pass the Our House and Log Cabin
diversion dams into downstream reaches. All sizes of large woody material greater than 8
inches in diameter and up to 36 feet in length shall be allowed to pass downstream past the
dams. If it is reasonably necessary to decrease the length of large woody material to allow
handling to implement this condition, then Licensee may cut such woody material to the
minimal extent necessary to allow safe passage over the dam. Smaller sized LWM will also
be allowed to pass beyond the dams. All root wads will be allowed to pass downstream
unless the Licensee determines that a root wad presents a risk to the safety of the dam.
Notwithstanding this requirement, if the Commission or the California Division of Safety of
Dams requires Licensee to remove large woody material from the dams or dam spillways,
then Licensee shall do so; and if a federal or state agency or Yuba County expresses a
concern about the potential effects of this condition on the safety or maintenance of
downstream bridges, then Licensee shall initiate Section XX of this Plan and all its
requirements to discuss alternatives to this measure that will achieve LWM passage at Our
House and Log Cabin Diversion Dams while maintaining the safety of downstream bridges.
Licensee shall not be required to maintain or otherwise fund maintenance of downstream
bridges or culverts, or otherwise be responsible for damages to downstream bridges due to
passage of large woody material.
2.3 Management Guidelines for New Bullards Bar Reservoir
2.3.1 Collection and Storage
2.3.1.1 Collection Procedures
YCWA shall begin to collect the floating material by capturing portions of the
material in enclosed floating log booms and dragging the material by boat to
the storage areas described in Section xx.
The boats used for the collection of floating material shall be placed on the
reservoir at Cottage Creek Boat Launch, moored there during the work, and
may be removed or moored there when the work is complete.
For boats or booms that are newly introduced to the reservoir or have been
used in other waterbodies, YCWA shall inspect the boats and booms for
aquatic invasive species prior to launching these boats or booms in the
reservoir. If any signs of aquatic invasive species are found, the boats and
booms shall be decontaminated as described in the AIS Management Plan
prior to launching in the reservoir.
The boats dragging the material shall fly flags which will advise recreation
boaters of unsafe conditions in the vicinity of YCWA’s boats.
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Material that naturally settles on the shoreline as New Bullards Bar Reservoir
lowers prior to collection shall remain on the shoreline – YCWA is not
required to collect, store or dispose of this material.
2.3.1.2 Storage Locations [Note: include maps from FLA NBB Floating
Material Plan].
2.3.1.2.1 USFWS Consultation
LWM shall not be stored in designated Critical Habitat for
California red-legged frog or other Federally listed species until
after FERC/YCWA has concluded ESA consultation with USFWS.
2.3.1.2.2 Coves 1 and 2
Cove 1 and Cove 2 are accessed by traveling 2.5 mi from County
Road 158 along Garden Valley Road (USFS Road 0125-013),
which is gated by the Forest Service at two locations and is closed
from January 1 through August 31. The first gate is located on
Garden Valley Road at the intersection with County Road 158, and
the second gate is located on Garden Valley Road just off Pepper
Road (USFS Road 0125-013-02). From Garden Valley Road,
Cove 1 is accessed over a 0.1-mi long skid road, which is opened
and put to bed by YCWA each year it uses the skid road. The skid
roads do not have a Forest Service road designation.
Cove 1 is YCWA’s preferred storage location and is adequate to
store floating material in normal years. The cove is relatively flat
and encloses an area of approximately 2.4 acres (ac). YCWA
expects that Cove 1 can store approximately 3,000 cubic yards of
debris, and would be used every year. The nearest sensitive area to
Cove 1 is the Garden Point bald eagle nest at Tractor Cove, which
is located approximately 0.25 mi northeast of Cove 1. Cove 1 is
not associated with any known bald eagle wintering night roosts,
or expansion territories identified. YCWA’s relicensing studies
found one cultural resources site 0.2 mi away from the cove, and
not along the skid road. YCWA’s relicensing studies did not
identify any other sensitive areas along, within or adjacent to the
skid road and Cove 1.
Cove 2 is YCWA’s preferred first option to store material when
Cove 1 cannot store all the material collected on the reservoir in a
year. The cove is relatively flat and encloses an area of
approximately 1.3 ac. Based on recent experience, YCWA expects
that Cove 2 can store approximately 3,000 cubic yards of debris.
The cove is accessed by a 0.1-mi long skid road from the skid road
that accesses Cove 1 (Figure 2.2-3). YCWA will open the skid
road and put it to bed each year YCWA uses Cove 2. The nearest
sensitive area to Cove 2 the Garden Point bald eagle nest described
above, which is located approximately 0.3 mi northeast of Cove 2.
Cove 2 is not associated with any known bald eagle wintering
night roosts, or expansion territories. YCWA’s relicensing studies
found one cultural resources site 0.3 mi away from the cove, and
not along the skid road. YCWA’s relicensing studies did not
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identify any other sensitive areas along, within or adjacent to the
skid road and Cove 2.
2.3.1.2.3 Cove 3
In years when amounts exceed the capacities of Coves 1 and 2,
LWM may be stored in Cove 3 following the measures provided
by USFWS during consultation. [Note: ideally, we would work
out these measures during our discussions of this plan over the
next several months].
The nearest sensitive area to Cove 3 is a cultural resource site
about 0.1 mi from the site and not along the access road. Cove 3 is
also adjacent to a California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis
occidentalis) Protected Activity Center. An area of documented
occurrences of CRLF occurs approximately 0.7 mi west. Cove 3 is
within designated CRLF Critical Habitat Unit YUB-1 (75 Federal
Register 12815), which contains other potentially suitable habitats
for CRLF. Little Oregon Creek bisects the Critical Habitat Unit
and terminates near Cove 3. Although use of Little Oregon Creek
or Cove 3 by CRLF has not been documented, a competing and
predatory introduced species, American bullfrog (Lithobates
catesbeianus), has been observed by Forest Service in the creek
and in the vicinity of Cove 3. In addition, Cove 3 is located within
0.5 mi of a bald eagle night roost, and adjacent to the Burnt Bridge
expansion territory.
2.3.1.2.4 NBB Reservoir Surface
Temporary storage of LMW may be allowed on the reservoir
surface, as long as precautions are taken to prevent a recreational
hazard.
2.3.2
Transport Downstream – Adaptive Management Strategy – Pilot Study
2.3.2.1 LWM Placement
 Within five years of License issuance YCWA shall place below the NBB
spillway 100 pieces of LWM with a minimum length of 25 feet (unless
rootwad is attached) and a minimum diameter of 12 inches. The area of
placement will be referred to as the LWM placement area.
 90 LWM pieces will be placed without anchors or attachments in the lower
water channel and flood plain surfaces in the LWM placement area as
widely dispersed as feasible.
 At 2 sites on the North Yuba River below NBB dam, the Licensee will
anchor 10 pieces of LWM using the largest size class available. Site
selection and anchoring techniques will be made in consultation with the
State Water Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Forest
Service.
 LWM shall be provided by collection at NBB reservoir, or other sources
agreed to by applicable agencies. Licensee will prioritize selection of the
largest pieces of wood and ones with attached rootwads. During LWM
placement, the Licensee shall implement appropriate measures to prevent
the introduction of invasive species.
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 The LWM shall be marked (e.g., marker tag or paint) in order to inform the
monitoring phase of the Pilot Study.
2.3.2.2 LWM Monitoring in NBB Reach
 Photo points will be established for the LWM placement area and the two
anchoring sites. Photos will be taken during each monitoring event.
 After first spill event of 2000 cfs, when feasibly possible and safely
accessible, the Licensee shall monitor the locations of LWM in the NBB
reach. Monitoring will continue after each subsequent spill event over
2,000 cfs for up to four spill events or until all LWM (including the
anchored sites) has been flushed from the NBB reach, whichever occurs
first.
 During each monitoring event, YCWA shall: 1) estimate the amount of
LWM remaining in the LWM placement area, 2) survey the NBB reach,
documenting with GPS and photographs the locations and amount of
LWM, and 3) document changes to the anchored sites, including:
o
o
o
o
LWM pieces displaced and additional LWM recruited
Depth of associated scour pools
Estimated volume of gravel retained
vegetation recruitment (methods to be determined during
LWM Plan development with YCWA)
2.3.2.3 Pilot Study Consultation
 Within 1 year following completion of monitoring, YCWA will consult
with the State Water Board, CDFW, BLM, Forest Service, Foothills Water
Network, and other interested entities on the results of the monitoring.
 Consultation will include a presentation on the monitoring results,
distribution of raw data collected, a discussion of the new flood control
outlet’s as-built use and capacity, and a discussion regarding the
feasibility and projected benefits of continuing LWM placement in NBB
reach. Consultation will consider the contribution of LWM from the NBB
reach downstream reaches.
 Dependent on projected costs, benefits, and feasibility, future management
actions will be collaboratively determined by the agencies and
YCWA. The agencies may defer recommending management
actions until after the new flood control outlet is constructed and
tested.
 Future management actions could include but are not limited to: 1)
discontinuing placement of LWM in NBB Reach, 2) additional pilot
projects for LWM placement in NBB reach, 3) a long term management
action for LWM placement in NBB reach.
2.3.2.4 Cutting Requirements
Licensee may cut such LWM to the maximum size necessary to allow safe
passage over the dam or safe transport.
2.3.2.5 Transport Methods
LWM shall be transported to downstream reaches by one or more of the
following means:
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 Passage over the dam spillway [Note: YCWA has indicated this is not an
option due to dam safety concerns].
 Transport by truck or helicopter to river reaches below dam.
 Collected by ACOE or other entities conducting restoration work on the
Yuba River. Licensee, with Forest Service approval, shall facilitate access
to LWM collected on NBB Reservoir for restoration efforts.
2.3.3
Removal/Disposal of LWM
After all required LWM has been transported downstream (see Section 2.4.2,
above), the remaining wood may be disposed via removal by truck to YCWA
lands, burning in place, or other agreed upon methods. The relative amount of
wood to be disposed of by each method shall be discussed with the Forest Service,
each year, prior to disposal, and may be based on current fire risk, air quality,
aquatic invasive species concerns, etc.
 LWD may be removed via truck using the Dark Day boat launch access,
outside of the primary recreation season (Note: specific dates to be
discussed).
 On NFS lands, only the Forest Service has the authority to burn on
National Forest Service Lands. On YCWA lands, wood shall be burned
with appropriate permits and after approval by Forest Service, USFWS,
and CDFW.
 In years when LWM amounts exceed cove storage areas, LWM may be
burned on the surface of the lake in cooperation with the Forest Service.
[Note: need to discuss jurisdiction here – may also need to include SWB].
2.3.4 Consistency with other Project plans and Limited Operating Periods
 All LWM disposal shall be consistent with the Bald Eagle Conservation Plan
developed for the new license to comply with the Bald and Golden Eagle
Protection Act.
 All LWM management shall occur outside of defined limited operating periods for
the protection of fish, wildlife, and recreation resources (Note: specific dates to be
discussed by resource area).
 Any mechanical transport of LWM within the Project area shall follow BMP’s to
minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species, (e.g., wood will be held for an
appropriate time period on land to dry prior to transport).
2.4
Emergency Provisions
3.0 Maintenance and Monitoring
3.1 Short-term
3.2 Long-term
3.3 The potential benefits of the LWM plan for creating habitat complexity in all the river
reaches will be assessed through monitoring and additional steps may be taken if needed
(e.g., anchoring of LWM along each reach). For Our House and Log Cabin Diversion Dams,
also include information on how often wood had to be cut to pass over the dam.
4.0 Consultation and Reporting [Note: add language on reviewing monitoring data (see Aquatic
Monitoring plan) and revisiting the need for placing and/or anchoring LWM].
5.0 Plan Revisions
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Licensee, in consultation with the Federal and State Agencies, as appropriate, may review, update,
and/or revise the Plan, as needed, if significant changes in the existing conditions occur. Changes
may be implemented if monitoring feedback indicates that resource objectives are not being met.
Any updates to the Plan would be prepared in coordination and consultation with the Federal
Agencies. A minimum of 60 days would be allowed for the Agencies to comment and make
recommendations before Licensee files the updated Plan with FERC. Licensee will include all
relevant documentation of the coordination/consultation with the updated Plan filed with FERC. If
Licensee does not adopt a particular agency recommendation, the filing will include the reasons for
not doing so, based on Project-specific information.
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6.0 References
City of Rochester Hills. 2007. A primer on large woody debris management. Prepared for City of
Rochester Hills by J.F. New & Associates, Ann Arbor, MI. JFNew Project # 060678.
http://www.rochesterhills.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/255
Pacificorp Energy. 2011. Woody Debris Management Plan. Conduit Hydroelectric Project
Decommissioning (FERC Project No. 2342).
http://www.pacificorp.com/content/dam/pacificorp/doc/Energy_Sources/Hydro/Hydro_Licensing/Condit/
20110315WoodyDebrisMgmtPlan.pdf
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2011. Lower Yuba River large woody material management
plan. Sacramento District, Sacramento, CA.
http://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Portals/12/documents/usace_project_public_notices/Public%20LWMMP
%20Signed%20EA%20.pdf
USFWS 75 Federal Register 12815 [Note: need complete citation]
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2004. Biological Opinion for the New Bullards Bar Reservoir
Safety and Annual Maintenance Project.
Yuba County Water Agency. 2013a. Technical Memorandum 6-1, Riparian Habitat Upstream of
Englebright Reservoir. FERC Project No. 2246. May.101pp + Appendices.
Yuba County Water Agency. 2013b. Technical Memorandum 6-2, Riparian Habitat Downstream of
Englebright Reservoir. FERC Project No. 2246. June. 92pp + Appendices.
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