Fishery Habitat Characterization and Identification of Restoration Opportunities: Stevens Creek

The Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) seeks qualified firms to conduct comprehensive fishery habitat characterization, eco‑hydraulic modeling, and bio‑energetics analysis for steelhead in the Stevens Creek watershed. The work will generate spatially‑explicit habitat capacity models, integrate thermal limits, and identify restoration opportunities, supporting long‑term flow‑management and biodiversity goals. • Conduct field surveys and topographic (LiDAR/photogrammetry) data collection to produce high‑resolution DEMs and habitat datasets across multiple reaches. • Develop 2‑D hydraulic models (HEC‑RAS, River2D, or equivalent) at multiple flow regimes and translate outputs into habitat‑suitability and viable salmonid population metrics. • Apply bio‑energetics modeling (e.g., inSALMO) to assess population dynamics, productivity, and flow‑temperature interactions; deliver quantitative flow‑habitat relationships and restoration recommendations. • Provide detailed technical reports, GIS deliverables, project schedule, and required administrative documentation, with optional supplemental LiDAR for Guadalupe River and identification of up‑to‑three restoration sites.