Back in November 2023 I wrote an article for this newsletter about a project being planned on Alameda Creek. The goal of this project is to remove the last major barrier to Chinook salmon and steelhead passage on Alameda Creek. The barrier in question is a protective erosion-control concrete pad over a PG&E gas main that crosses the creek just south of the Interstate 680 crossing near SR 84. The exciting news is that this project got started June 2025 and is planned to be complete by October! Before the barrier removal began, biologists from PG&E, CalTrout, East Bay parks, SFPUC, and volunteers used nets to rescue each fish, frog, and other native and nonnative freshwater species in the work zone and move them one by one to other locations where water runs cool and clear. Now, PG&E will remove the concrete barrier and relocate the pipeline about 100 feet downstream and bury it approximately 18 to 20 feet beneath the creek bed. CalTrout and others will replant and work to restore the affected area to a natural flow as well as monitor the creek during and after the gas line is relocated. The result will be to open up another 20 miles of creek upstream—greatly increasing spawning and rearing habitat and also enhance the overall health and resilience of the Alameda Creek ecosystem. This collaborative project, known as the Sunol Valley Fish Passage Project, was launched by California Trout (CalTrout) and PG&E with several other entities, including the Alameda Creek Alliance.
For an interesting read about the history of Alameda Creek Alliance and the creek they have worked to restore for 28 years, check out this article in Bay Nature: After 28 Years, Alameda Creek Opens Up To Fish
Thanks to Mary Hermansky of the SCFF conservation committee for sending me this article. And thank you club members for your support of the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club that enables us to contribute to organizations like Alameda Creek Alliance and CalTrout.
Another source of information for this article: CalTrout and PG&E Kick Off Construction on Alameda Creek Fish Passage Project
Posted on July 21st, 2025