TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.

Introduction and Problem Statement

1

I.1

Project Goals and Research Objectives

5

I.1.A

Project Goals

5

I.1.B

Research Objectives

5

I.1.C

Agencies Programs and Policies

6

II.

Historical Changes

9

II.1

Upper Truckee River Watershed Description

9

II.2

Original Conditions

11

II.2.A

Geomorphic Variables Measuring Land Use Impacts

18

II.3

Impacts to Ecosystem

31

II.4

Water Quality Impacts

32

II.5

References Cited

40

III.

Existing Conditions

41

III.1

Hydrology, Water Quality and Geomorphology

41

III.1.A

Hydrology

42

III.1.B

Water Quality

42

III.1.C

Geomorphology

60

III.1.D

Opportunities and Constraints

104

III.1.E

References Cited

106

III.2

Vegetation and Wetlands

108

III.2.A

Purpose

108

III.2.B

Methods

108

III.2.C

Areas and Features not mapped

109

III.2.D

Vegetation Classification for the Study Area

109

III.2.E

Floristics and Nomenclature

110

III.2.F

Plant Species Ecology

110

III.2.G

Community Types

111

III.2.H

Community Type Descriptions

117

III.2.I

Opportunities and Constraints

136

III.2.J

References Cited

137

III.3

Terrestrial Wildlife

139

III.3.A

Introduction

139

III.3.B

Methods

141

III.3.C

Agency Wildlife Management

144

III.3.D

Results and Discussion

149

III.3.E

Beaver Mediated Effects in the Study Area

162

III.3.F

Opportunities and Constraints

164

III.3.G

References

167

III.4.

Aquatic Ecosystem

171

III.4.A.

Regulatory Background

171

III.4.B

Existing Conditions

172

III.4.C

Opportunities and Constraints

180

III.4.D

References

181

III.5

Cultural Resources

182

III.5.A

Methods

182

III.5.B

Summary of Heritage Resources Survey Result

183

III.5.C

Opportunities and Constraints

194

III.5.D

References Cited

194

III.6

Land Use, Infrastructure and Regulatory Compliance

199

III.6.A

Infrastructure

199

III.6B

Land Use

199

III.6.C

Regulatory Compliance

201

III.6.D

Opportunities and Constraints

202

IV.

Alternatives Analysis and Environmental Assessment

203

IV.1

Description of Alternatives by Reach

203

1-No Action

203

2-Bioengineering Stabilization

205

3-Floodplain Excavation

205

4-Restore Original Channel Morphology and Profile

205

5-Selective Bioengineering and Revegetation

208

IV.2

Alternative Analysis

208

IV.2.A

Initial Feasibility Assessment

208

IV.2.B

Cost Estimates

215

IV.2.C

Alternatives Assessment Reaches 1 through 4

219

V.

Recommended List of Priority Projects

240

V.1

UTR River Corridor

240

V.2

Priority Project List

240

V.3

Recommended Beaver Management Plan

243

V.4

Recommended Actions in the Upper Watershed

244