Alameda Creek Mouth
Alameda Creek currently has no real estuary, wetlands
or brackish transition habitat from the fresh water outflow of the creek
to the saline waters of the bay. Restoration of brackish estuary habitat
and tidal wetlands at the mouth of Alameda Creek can provide refuge, food
and the opportunity for migratory fish to successfully complete their
life cycle and survive in the ocean environment.
Salt Ponds Restoration
Multiple agencies are restoring former salt ponds near the mouth of Alameda Creek to tidal marsh as part of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration. Although initially focused on restoring habitat for birds, the restoration gives an opportunity to restore brackish water estuary habitat near the outlet of Alameda Creek that could be critical to growth and survival of salmonids. The Alameda Creek Fisheries Restoration Workgroup will coordinate with other agencies on estuary restoration to improve habitat for steelhead rearing and smolt growth.
The Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District is evaluating a project to integrate lower flood control channel improvements with the large-scale restoration of the adjacent South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project. The District is evaluating alternatives for connecting the Alameda Creek Flood Control Channel to adjacent salt ponds in a way that facilitates the restoration of tidal wetlands, allows steelhead trout access to restored wetlands for rearing habitat, and reduces flood hazards.
Read the Alameda Creek Alliance's June 2017 comments on the Eden Landing Salt Pond Complex restoration.
View the Phase 2 Eden Landing Final Environmental Impact Report
June 2021 Update
Design and permitting is underway for the 1st stage of the Eden Landing 2 restoration, adjacent to lower Alameda Creek. Construction is expected to start by late 2022. The project will breach four bayside salt ponds to convert them to fully tidal marsh, using three levee breaches connecting to the Old Alameda Creek channel. Four southeastern salt ponds will be converted to muted tidal wetlands. Three inland ponds will be managed for shorebird habitat. The project will also involve levee enhancements as well as extending the Bay Trail through the project area to connect to the Alameda Creek Trail.
A few years after the first stage, a 2nd stage of restoration will connect the restored tidal wetlands with Alameda Creek in the flood control channel. A full breach (up to 100 feet) will connect Pond E2 with the flood control channel; and culverts will provide additional connections into the muted tidal ponds.
View a June 24, 2021 presentation update on the South Bay Salt Ponds restoration.