Main Stem Van Duzen at the Weares

In November 2003, the Weare family moved into their property in Carlotta contiguous to the main stem of the Van Duzen River.  The property is located on the Main Stem approximately 10 miles east from the mouth of the Van Duzen as it enters the Eel River.   During the winter rainy season, the main stem Van Duzen at the Weare’s property rose 12 feet endangering the property.

In Summer of 2005, in coordination with the Eel River Watershed Improvement Group and the California Dept. of Fish and Game, the riverbed was rocked and riprapped to prevent further flooding. 

Construction of diverters helped scour the pools for salmon to hold in during migration, deepened the channel, and caused the river to meander so it was not a straight ditch.

The Weares who are very community oriented have been an integral component of the Van Duzen Watershed project. Their location near the main stem and its relationship to our other site on the main stem at Rainbow Bridge have provided the project with key data analysis of the Van Duzen.

In October of 2006, three levels of staff plates were installed at the Weare’s for the Van Duzen Watershed Project. Mr.Dave Heaton, geologist, led the installation and conducted cross sections at the site.

Dave Heaton sets up transect for staff plates and cross sections.

                   Ed Brenneman and Paul Trichilo organize staff plate locations.

Sal Steinberg taking cross sections

Laura Weare, landowner, and her dog, Hula,supervise the building of the monitoring station.

Bill Weare, Landowner

For more information regarding data and analysis at the Main Stem Weare’s, access the Monitoring Reports at www.fovd.org