Crews Dig Deep To Promote Flooding Along American River
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Crews are digging deep along the American River in Sacramento in hopes of making an area already prone to flooding able to flood even more.
There have been some strange sounds coming from the banks of the American River in the past few weeks. More than a few people have noticed tons of dirt being moved, large pieces of wood sticking straight out and crews in unusual positions.
The nearly $3 million project is designed to give fish and wildlife the edge when it comes to surviving.
The plan is to create a wildlife habitat allowing fish and other species to use for rearing before heading down the river to the ocean. They're hoping birds and other wildlife will be attracted to the stretch that's being lowered 20 to 25 feet.
Having the area that normally floods every 10 years hopefully flood each year will create a habitat for wildlife.
After the winter months, crews will come back and replant the site, creating even more habitats. Grasses, shrubs and trees will all be carefully selected.
The removed dirt will be used to create a seepage berm to help protect the levee system.
The excavation is expected to wrap up by the end of November.