Restoration project on mile section of Carmel River gets $35M funding
Celebrating the successful funding of $35 million for the Rancho Cañada Floodplain Restoration Project on the Carmel River, federal, state, and local partners gathered Friday at Palo Corona’s Rancho Cañada Unit to mark the milestone which will further return a former golf course to nature. “Today we mark a major investment in this land because it is going to be a major enhancement for our environment with this floodplain restoration project,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta, D-Carmel Valley. “A project to restore the Carmel River in this special 1-mile section in its natural state so that it reconnects with its historic floodplain habitat.” That reconnection will create a mosaic of resilient and self-sustaining habitats that provide refuge for sensitive wildlife species, such as steelhead and the California red-legged frog, and a restored park for the community. Funding has now been secured to begin construction of the restoration project next summer.