Projects & Accomplishments

Preserving and protecting the Mill Creek watershed since 1994.

A key priority for the Mill Creek Conservancy has been to support the stream’s unique status as prime habitat for threatened spring-run Chinook salmon and steelhead. Our past achievements in this regard have included passage of the Deer and Mill Creek Protection Act (AB1413); improving passage over two fish-friendly irrigation diversion structures; negotiating cooperative agreements with the Los Molinos Mutual Water Company to ensure adequate transport flows for in-migrating salmon and steelhead; establishing wells as sources of ground water to supplement stream flows when needed; and numerous habitat improvement projects with The Nature Conservancy and Los Molinos School District.

Our Continuing Efforts to Preserve and Protect Mill Creek

  • Established land owner based 501c 3 organization in 1994

  • Defended Mill Creek Watershed against State Wild and Scenic designation without resource protection management plan – 1994

  • Instigated and passed Mill and Deer Creek Protection Bill (AB1413) with Congressman Bryon Sher – 1995

  • Initiated and completed the Mill Creek Watershed Management Strategy Plan – 1995 – 1997

  • Supported TNC Conservancy programs in Mill Creek Watershed – 1996 to Present

  • Secured GIS grant to create comprehensive watershed maps of the Mill Creek Watershed – 1996

  • Submitted comments supporting listing of Steelhead as Endangered Species – 1996

  • Lower Mill Creek Watershed Restoration Project – 1996 -2000
    Brown and Runyon site riparian enhancement projects with TNC and LMUSD students working on local sites

  • Community Watershed Stewardship meeting in Los Molinos – 1996

  • Presentations to State Fish and Game Commission regarding salmon & steelhead - 1996

  • Coordinated Agencies regarding 1/1/1997 storm event

  • Coker site / USFWS restored area Mill Creek – 1997

  • Lassen Foothills Project – TNC & MCC coordination – 1997 to Present

  • Presentations to State Fish and Game Commission regarding salmon & steelhead – 1997

  • Assisted & supported DWR monitoring on Mill Creek - 1997

  • Defined WAC priorities – 1998

  • Comments to Fish and Game Commission regarding Strategic Plan – 1998

  • Lassen Watershed Project completed by LMUSD / MCC – 1998

  • TNC/MCC/LMUSD Restoration project for Mill Creek Hatchery Site – 1998

  • Monitored CalTrans project on Mill Creek - 1998

  • Environmental Assessment / USBOR/OCID/MCC  - 1998-2000

  • MCC membership survey – 1999

  • Presentations at American Farm Bureau & National Watershed Conferences – 1999
    Commented on USFWS Programmatic Environmental Assessment – 1999

  • Commented on CALFED program – 1999

  • Monitored and completed riparian restoration projects 1999-2000

  • Annual meeting and restoration tour – Brown property – 2000

  • Filed objections to Pfendler Lot Line adjustment – 2000

  • Partnered with TNC to clean up Old School Farm Site – 2000

  • TNC/MCC/LMUSD grant for Dana site restoration – 2000

  • Supported USFS Mill Creek Road Restoration Project – 2000

  • Commented on Tehama County Williamson Act issues – 2000

  • MCC Lower Mill Creek Revegetation Plan & GIS data completed – 2001

  • MCC assistance with Fluvial Geomorphic Study by Dr. Kondolf – 2001

  • MCC received and implemented ongoing RAC grant for Feral Cattle removal – 2002+

  • MCC annual meeting Black Rock – 2002

  • MCC / USFWS Hydroacoustic study – 2003

  • MCC hosted Environmental Water Program - 2003

  • BoR grant for Lower Mill Creek Restoration – 2004 +

  • Cal Fed funding support letter for fish monitoring - 2004

  • Assisted Cal Poly with grant – 2005

  • Water Use Efficiency Study draft completed – 2006

  • MCC prepares 10 review of MCWMSP – 2006

  • Commented to Tehama County on Droz subdivision - 2006

  • MCC 10 year review and work program – 2007

  • MCC watershed membership survey - 2007

  • Mill Creek Management Committee – BOR grant – 2008-2010

  • Surface Flow Criteria for Salmon Passage F&G - 2009

  • Supported LMMWC conservation grant - 2009

  • Supported LMMWC conservation grant - 2009