Bear Creek Restoration Project

Recap of Last Night’s Community Meeting: Bear Creek Restoration Project

Last night, the community gathered to learn more about the Bear Creek Restoration Project and its next steps. Engineers from Dokken, the project’s construction company, presented details about the design, construction timeline, and expected benefits.

They explained how the project will improve flood protection by stabilizing creek embankments, upgrading stormwater infrastructure, and restoring riparian habitat. Attendees had the chance to ask questions about how the work will impact neighborhoods, local wildlife, and ongoing flood risks.

Overall, the meeting provided insight into how this important initiative will safeguard the community and support long-term environmental resilience. The City and Dokken team emphasized their commitment to transparency and collaboration as the project moves forward.

Supporting power point presentation can be found on this site.

You're Invited: Bear Creek Restoration Project Public Meeting

Join Dokken Engineering for a public meeting to learn about the ongoing Bear Creek Restoration Project.

Backed by $6 million in funding from the Department of Water Resources (DWR), this important project will restore a 6-mile stretch of Bear Creek, from McKee Road to 16th Street.

Key improvements include:

• Removing invasive plants, trash, and pollution to revitalize natural habitats

• Restoring embankments in high-priority areas identified by the City

Join the meeting to learn how these efforts will help restore and protect Bear Creek for our community and local wildlife.

August 28, 2024 - The Bear Creek Restoration Project is entering its initial phase with the support of a $6 million grant, thanks to former Assemblymember Adam Gray and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). In this phase, Interim City Engineer Rick Maddox is collaborating with Dokken and Crawford Engineering consultants to obtain the necessary state permits for important geotechnical studies along the creek bank. These studies will be essential in shaping future restoration efforts.

The funding enables key technical studies, biological assessments, environmental reviews, and permit processing, all leading to vital creek bank restoration and vegetation clearing. The first phase centers on securing state permits for geotechnical studies, which will shape the restoration plans. Community workshops will be held to keep residents informed and engaged throughout the process.

Dokken Engineering is leading the restoration efforts, which will take about 18 to 24 months. To keep the community informed, the City plans to host a series of community meetings as the project progresses. These meetings will keep residents informed about the work being done to restore and enhance Bear Creek for the benefit of all.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Jennifer Flachman, Public Information Officer

flachmanj@cityofmerced.org, 209-564-0235

Mike Dunbar, Office of Assembly Member Adam Gray

Mike.Dunbar@asm.ca.gov, 209-404-5569

Bear Creek Restoration Project

Merced, Calif. (October 24, 2022) – Assembly Member Adam Gray (D-Merced) will join the City of Merced in announcing the Bear Creek Restoration Project launch Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at 10 am at Albert Lawson Park on 28^th Street in Merced. The park is accessible between H and I Streets.

Supported by $6 million in funding secured by Assembly Member Adam Gray, the project will restore a 6-mile-long portion of the Creek from McKee Road to 16th Street in the City of Merced. The scope includes removing invasive plant overgrowth, trash, and other pollution to improve the habitat for local plants and animals and the implementation of an embankment repair program to restore all areas deemed necessary by the team.

“There is no more important issue than water in the Valley,” stated Gray. “The Merced, Tuolumne, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin rivers that flow through our district provide the lifeline for farms, jobs, and food production. Restoring and preserving the creek will significantly enhance its natural functions and create recreational opportunities for walkers, runners, and bike riders,” concluded Gray.

The project includes surveys to evaluate the Creek’s current conditions and identify areas where mitigation and restoration are needed, a vegetation survey to identify invasive species locations, and a topographical survey to identify areas of embankment that have been excavated and could become unstable should water rise.

Based on survey outcomes and the procurement of state and federal environmental permits, a habitat restoration design will be developed to support multi-season vegetation and restoration plans. Specialized construction and vegetation teams will begin work to abate invasive species and restore the Creek, creating a healthy riparian area to protect the terrestrial wildlife and aquatic habitats. Additionally, the team will implement an embankment repair program. Lastly, crews will focus on improving water quality and the overall aesthetic beauty of the Creek.

“This is a win for the City of Merced,” stated Mayor Matthew Serratto. “We thank Assembly Member Gray for his diligent work in securing $6 million in funding for a project that will increase creek access by connecting nearby community parks and multi-use recreational trails and promote stewardship with surrounding neighborhoods. This will have far-reaching environmental benefits for our community.”

Partnerships between UC Merced, Merced College, and local schools will provide opportunities for students of all ages to participate in the survey, design, and installation work. Other partner agencies include North Star Engineering, San Joaquin River Partners, and the City of Merced.

For project updates, please visit Bear Creek Restoration Project at engage.cityofmerced.org

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