RCD’s Environmental Scientist M. Perales Ph.D Conducting a Fish Passage Barrier Assessment
The Napa River watershed is a vital home to migratory fish like steelhead trout, chinook salmon, and Pacific lamprey, whose life cycles depend on travel between the ocean and freshwater streams. Unfortunately, human-made barriers such as dams and undersized culverts can disrupt their access to critical habitats, threatening their reproduction and survival.
To address this, the Napa River Watershed Fish Passage Restoration Program was launched with a clear mission: enhance habitat connectivity for these species by removing or reducing the impact of artificial barriers. This work builds on decades of collaborative efforts, including the 2011 Napa River Fish Barrier Plan (Koehler & Blank, 2011), which identified 19 key barriers and led to the remediation of six, with five more in progress.
In 2024, Napa RCD was awarded $6.7 million by NOAA to support this work.
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, NOAA is supporting efforts to help restore access to healthy habitat for migratory fish across the country.
At Napa RCD, the project is currently focused on addressing five high-priority fish passage barriers in the Napa River watershed. This includes resolving a significant barrier at Sulphur Creek, as well as developing remediation designs for barriers on Soda and Pickle Creeks. Additionally, Napa RCD is collaborating with the Napa County Flood Control District to remove smaller obstructions throughout the watershed and undertaking a comprehensive watershed-wide assessment to prioritize future fish passage restoration efforts.
Fish Passage Barrier Assessment Monitoring at Sulphur Creek
The goal is to create a pipeline of projects that will open up more habitat for these species, fostering healthier fish populations and a more vibrant ecosystem. While counting fish is challenging due to their elusive nature, the true measure of success lies in the quantity and quality of habitat restored. By removing barriers and reconnecting streams, this program supports a thriving Napa River watershed where fish, wildlife, plants, and people can flourish.
As Martin Perales, Ph.D., Environmental Scientist at Napa RCD, recently shared:
“My love for thriving ecosystems shapes both my approach to work and my vision for the Napa River Watershed. I envision a vibrant river corridor that benefits both people and nature—one that provides the space and water needed to sustain abundant fish, wildlife, and plant life, while also offering a place for people to enjoy and explore.”
The Napa River Watershed Fish Passage Restoration Program is part of the journey towards a brighter future for the watershed where we can realize a similar vision.
RCD Staff Conducting Field Work in Napa River. Photo Credit: Andrew Lincoln
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