Carriger Creek is studied by the Sonoma Ecology Center and the Southern Sonoma County Resource Conservation District.
Steelhead migration and
spawning occur in Carriger Creek. Ongoing stream bank stabilization and riparian revegetation is being conducted in the creek to prevent erosion and enhance fish and wildlife
habitat. The major correction required was compensation for a poorly conceived concrete ford historically constructed for access to the
Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve; this concrete structure led to severe downstream downcutting and resultant denial of fish passage. According to the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Carriger Creek was a "renowned steelhead fishery" prior to the ecological damage of human modification of the streambed. Besides eliminating the downcutting by creating a
fish ladder, restoration work will also result in use of
rip-rap for certain streambank stabilization. ==See also==