California Trout wins $4 million grant for Cannibal Island restoration work

California Trout wins $4 million grant for Cannibal Island restoration work LOLETA, Calif. — A major restoration project in the lower Eel River estuary is moving closer to construction after California Trout received a $4 million grant to advance work on the Cannibal Island Unit. The funding will support restoration of the 850-acre Cannibal Island Unit in the lower Eel River estuary, an area that once contained some of the most productive wetland habitat on California's North Coast. The award advances the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter, Drier Future and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s goal of conserving 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 to protect biodiversity and help California adapt to the impacts of a changing climate. Christine Davis, regional manager for California Trout’s North Coast, said planning is nearing completion and implementation is expected to follow. “Now we’re in 2026, and we’re finishing up planning, and we’re getting really excited to go into actually implementing the project, which means going in with equipment and moving the dirt around, so the tidal flows and the full tidal prism can be restored. And that’ll happen around June 2027 next year,” Davis said. The Wildlife Conservation Board awarded the $4 million grant for the Cannibal Island Unit restoration project. Davis said the funding will help increase water flow through the estuary over the next two years. “Create some off-channel habitat ponds for sensitive species like coho salmon, and it will buffer some of the remaining agricultural areas, so adjacent landowners can still graze their cattle,” Davis said. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is also a partner on the project. As they own the Eel River Wildlife Area where the project is being conducted. The project will help restore habitat, increase biodiversity and expand opportunities for public access and recreation, according to Shawn Fresz, lands and wildlife program manager for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Davis said work is still needed, including new public-access features planned after restoration is complete. “And now with this new project, there’ll be a short access trail, where the public can come and walk out on the edge of this levee here along the slough and see the restoration directly after it’s been completed,” said Davis. “One of them will be ADA accessible, and there’ll be an interpretive panel and a nice place to take a picnic lunch. There’ll be a picnic table and just kind of learn about restoration in the estuary. So that’s the plan.” With the $4 million investment, the project is moving into contracting for the first phase of construction, with work set to begin in June of next year. California Trout representatives said they hope to have the entire project completed by 2028. --