Black Canyon Riparian Restoration Project

In order to increase the ecological integrity along the Agua Fria River Corridor, the Black Canyon Riparian Restoration Project enhanced and restored approximately 22 acres of native cottonwood, willow, mesquite, and open water and marsh habitat along and adjacent to 0.5 miles of the Agua Fria River located in Black Canyon City. This project included clearing, mulching, herbicide treatment of non-native vegetative species, channel and wetland excavation, and native plant revegetation. The project will enhance native plant species and provide habitat for wildlife and native fish including Gila Topminnow and Desert Pupfish.

The following is a summary of George F. Cathey’s technical contribution to the project (as an employee of Natural Channel Design, Inc.):

Topographic Survey – Coordinated and conducted a topographic survey of the site using survey grade RTK GPS units.
Design and grading plan for:
- Small Stream and Pool System: Construct stream and pools with pond-liner underlay, and construct waterfall and spring features to provide habitat for native fish.
- Wetland Channel System: Construct wetland channel with pond-liner underlay and install a pre-cast concrete water control structure and culvert pipe to regulate water levels in the wetland channel.
- Existing Pond Improvements: Re-contour the existing pond to provide additional wetland habitat, underlay wetland areas with pond-liner and construct foot trail for public access.
Construction Package – Completed and sealed the construction package (specifications, drawings, engineer’s opinion of probable cost, and unit price table) for the habitat re-contouring plan and water control structure plan.
Permitting – Completed the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and Yavapai County “No-Riser Certification” calculations and report for pre and post project floodplain conveyance.
Record Drawings – Coordinated and conducted a post-construction survey of topographic features and visible infrastructure within the project area and produced record drawings based on this survey