About the Project
The Searsville Watershed Restoration Project involves:
- Reestablishing natural free-flowing creeks and sediment transport processes
- Establishing fish passage through a tunnel to be constructed through the base of the Searsville Dam
- Restoring streams and riparian habitats immediately upstream of the dam
- Flushing a substantial amount of sediment currently trapped behind the dam
- Replacing the surface water diversion and storage capacity through modifications to the downstream San Francisquito Creek Pump Station and Felt Reservoir
This will transform the area of the current Searsville Reservoir into a confluence valley, complete with freeflowing streams and a natural riparian forest. This project will also allow for sediment to be transported to the bay where it will help restore natural functions and fortify the shoreline.
Current Project Status
Updated May 10, 2023
Stanford formally started the state (California Environmental Quality Act) and federal (National Environmental Policy Act) environmental review processes for the Searsville Watershed Restoration Project in February 2023. The environmental application review process is being conducted by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
DWR and USACE are currently drafting their joint environmental impact report/ environmental impact study document, which is expected to be published in Fall 2023. Once the draft is published, there will be a public review period and an opportunity to provide comments on the draft document later this year.

Project Overview
Learn more about the Searsville Watershed Restoration Project.

Project History
Discover over 100 years of history related to the Searsville Dam and watershed.

Resources
Find resources and links that provide more information about the project.