The Rancho Cañada Floodplain Restoration Project provides an example of how to implement a large process-based restoration project in a constrained system. A Stage 0 design is not an option due to the upstream housing development. However, the channel evolution state that provides the second highest level of ecological benefits according to Cluer and Thorne (2013), Stage 8, is possible here. Therefore, the designs include excavating over 600,000 cy of sediment to recreate a wide floodplain inset within the former golf course. 

 

This walking tour of the Rancho Cañada Unit of the Palo Corona Regional Park will include speakers from the NMFS, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, Trout Unlimited, California Coastal Conservancy, Applied River Sciences, and others who will provide an overview of the project and tour of the restoration site. On site presentations will include inspiration, lessons learned, and challenges overcome with focus on restoration of stream channel and active floodplain including: