ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
3.	Consider Contract with CSUMB for Carmel River Cross Section Survey and Large Wood Inventory
Meeting Date:		June 12, 2017	Budgeted:	Yes
From:		David J. Stoldt,	Program/	Erosion Protection
		General Manager	Line Item No.:	2-2-2 Carmel Riverbed Topographic Data
Prepared By:		Larry Hampson	Cost Estimate:	$20,000
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on June 12, 2017 and recommended ____________.
CEQA Compliance: This action is categorically exempt under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15306.

SUMMARY: MPWMD has cooperated for several years with the California State University at Monterey Bay (CSUMB) to gather and analyze Carmel River data. The Division of Science & Environmental Policy has provided a proposal attached as Exhibit 3-A to gather geomorphic data in the active channel from the Carmel River Reroute to the lagoon. These data will be incorporated into the long-term database the District has developed to monitor and analyze the District’s efforts to manage and restore streambank stability, vegetation, and fisheries habitat within the riparian corridor.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends authorizing the General Manager to enter into an agreement with the University Foundation at CSUMB for a not-to-exceed amount of $19,000. Staff requests an additional $1,000 in contingency funding for unforeseen conditions. If this item is approved with the Consent Calendar, the General Manager would be authorized to expend up to $20,000 for this work. This item is contingent on approval of the FY 2017-18 budget.

DISCUSSION: CSUMB students have surveyed the Carmel River for large wood abundance and changes in channel geometry on several occasions since 2003. Observations in January and February 2017 by several people familiar with the watershed showed that rainfall events caused significant slides and debris flows. Flooding, bank erosion, and sediment deposition is evident in the lower 20 miles of the river. Replicating previous survey work will document the changes to the channel from high flows this past winter and will help inform the Los Padres Dam study as well as long-term management of the Carmel River.

California Environmental Quality Act Compliance (CEQA): Guidelines Excerpt

15306. Information Collection

Class 6 consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These may be strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded.

EXHIBIT

3-A April 28, 2017 PRE-PROPOSAL

file:///U:\staff\Board_Committees\Admin\2017\20170612\03\Item-3.docx