The Central Valley Flood Protection Board must make a significant choice regarding the maintenance and modernization of levees in the Sacramento area.
That’s what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working on, but it will require clearing trees and other vegetation in the process.
One faction is resisting.
“The amount of riparian vegetation that’s been removed in the last 50 years is amazing. We’re down to less than 10 percent of what we had 50 years ago,” Pete Spaulding of American River Trees stated.
The grassroots group American River Trees is dedicated to preserving the declining riparian forest in Sacramento. But according to the Corps, levee repairs are essential in one of the most flood-prone areas in the nation.
“We studied it. We wrote up a report. We sent it to Congress, and they’ve ordered us to do this,” said Corps Colonel Chad Caldwell.
Since our last report on this project in January 2024, the Corps has lowered the levee’s additional protections from approximately 11 miles to six miles between Howe and Watt avenues. Hundreds of trees, animals, and riverine residents can be found within those six miles.
“I live by the river. I understand I’m at risk for flooding,” concerned resident Jacqueline Delu stated. “The river itself and the trees and the plants and animals who live there have no voice.”
What was supposed to be a few-hour meeting ended up lasting about eight hours.
“We know that there needs to be work done to prevent erosion along the parkway. We’re challenging the designs that have been chosen and construction methods that have been chosen,” Spaulding stated.
According to American River Trees, the Corps’ research is out of date. They want to employ less damaging, natural techniques that have since improved thanks to bioengineering technology.
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“It’s all using vegetation to control erosion and to stabilize banks,” Spaulding stated.
“The elephant in the room, the final document states there will be between 675 and 715 trees in the footprint total. However, we are going to protect over 1,500 trees,” Caldwell stated.
The final document that was presented at the board meeting on Friday was not approved by American River Trees. Citing the small number of old-growth heritage oak trees that are in danger of being cut down, they are requesting more in-depth research.
“What we don’t want to do is lose the bank, the levees and the people. The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency’s executive director, Rick Johnson, stated, “So, yeah. Unfortunately, we are going to lose some trees, but we are also going to stabilize that part of the river so it can grow back.”
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However, according to American River Trees, removing the trees now will worsen the climate crisis.
“You don’t have the healthy forest for supporting all types of wildlife, for cleaning the air. You don’t get that in just five or 10 years. That takes generations to achieve,” Spaulding stated.
Although a final date for the board’s vote has not yet been set, it is anticipated to happen shortly. The work might start this fall if the project is approved.
