Habitat & Streams

Human-built structures such as road crossings and dams impact migratory fish species by restricting access to potential spawning and rearing habitat and have led to declines in local salmonid populations. The RCD and our partners are working with private landowners and public agencies to remove or improve these barriers wherever possible.

Habitat surveys are conducted to document the amount and quality of stream habitat available to native fishes, amphibians, and other aquatic organisms. Over the past 20 years, the RCD has surveyed all salmonid streams in the Napa River watershed, primarily with funding from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

RCD monitors stream stage (water level) and discharge (flow) to better understand how and when water drains off the landscape, and to provide water users, flood managers, and wastewater dischargers with good information for operation of water infrastructure.

To conserve and restore forest resources, soil, and water quality, Napa RCD has initiated a Re-oaking effort. Re-oaking conserves this ecological heritage by granting technical assistance and community support to land managers to assist with planting and protection of native oak trees.