Tally Ho Creek Restoration

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.

A construction scene with an excavator, two workers in safety vests, and rocky terrain surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky. — Rock Weir Installation

Construction workers lay erosion control mats on a muddy ground near trees. — Installation of Soil Lifts

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. Restoration activities were completed in August and September 2023 and the grant term ended in June 2024. CSLRCD received additional funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to contract with the California Conservation Corps to expand invasive species management and revegetation with native species in the project area.

The project increased the channel’s high flow capacity, reducing pressures on the flood control channel, and preventing 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 is controlled. Repairing the head cut reduced sediment mobilization, and excavation of a low-flow channel removes existing accumulated sediment.

A flowing stream runs through a grassy area with small colored flags and erosion control measures in place. — First rains following the restoration

Stream with rocks, surrounded by greenery and trees under a clear blue sky. — Spring flows and flowers bloom

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.