2026
Comparably’s Best Company Outlook
California and Pacific Islands • Monterey County, California
Carmel River Floodplain Restoration
SWCA is currently providing environmental services to model, design, and permit restoration of an approximately 1-mile reach of the Carmel River in the Rancho Cañada Unit, Palo Corona Regional Park.
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Half Moon Bay
60 Stone Pine Road
Suite 201
Half Moon Bay, California 94019
Suite 201
Half Moon Bay, California 94019
Details
Description
SWCA is modeling, designing, and permitting restoration of a 1-mile reach of the Carmel River in Monterey County, California. The project goal is to restore migration and spawning of steelhead in the Carmel River watershed. The project team provided biological and cultural resources assessments; field investigations, including establishing a survey control, conducting a topographic survey and LiDAR flight of the project area, mapping fish habitats, mapping geomorphology, mapping vegetation, and conducting a bathymetric survey; permit preparation; conceptual, 30%, and 60% design; environmental review; grant writing assistance; and extensive public outreach to incorporate community feedback into the design and restoration process.
Markets
Strength in Numbers: Purpose-driven team unites to advance restoration plans for a California coastal watershed
SWCA Contributes to Ecological Restoration and Channel Stabilization Plans on the Rancho Cañada Unit of the Carmel River Floodplain
Originating in the central mountains of California, the Carmel River flows northwest through redwoods and evergreens, shrubby woodlands, and coastal prairie before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The Carmel River contributes to a precious coastal watershed but years of agriculture, land development, and storm erosion constrained the river. Near the mouth of the river, residents experienced major flooding events in the 1990s. When the river wasn’t overflowing, it was only a trickle due to overdraft of the aquifer beneath it. Advocates have pushed to restore the floodplain and reduce flood risk for decades. Now, the Rancho Cañada Floodplain Restoration Project, on a unit of the Palo Corona Regional Park, is reviving the river.
Meet the Experts
Natural Resources Director
Seth Dallmann
Seth has over 15 years of experience with natural resources management and specializes in linear utility projects. He has provided environmental review, permitting, and construction compliance for numerous pipeline projects.
