The City Council has approved an agreement with Ducks Unlimted to use a $220,000 grant to support the restoration of Barry Reservoir, with a city contribution of $14,000. Ducks Unlimited, the non-profit leading the project, will work to deepen the reservoir, which currently has an average depth of only two feet.
According to a Ducks Unlimited biologist, The buildup of silt has accumulated since the reservoir was formed in the early 1940s resulting in the cause of its current shallow state.
The restoration project will involve excavating the reservoir and using the removed silt to build up embankments, create habitat islands, and reinforce the south-end levee. The biologist noted that any excess silt will need to be stored in a designated area once planning is finalized. Construction is expected to take one season, beginning next summer or fall, depending on weather conditions.
Neighbors of the reservoir can rest assured as Councilmember Patrick Parrish brought forward a community concern about an increase in birds to the area once work is completed but it was noted there should be no worries about a duck nuisance to the area. DU Biologist suggests that you will see “more geese at the golf course” than you will given the relatively small area of the reservoir.
During discussions with the City Council, there was interest in enhancing the area around the reservoir to create a recreational space for the community. Mayor Mendy Schuster recalled how the Trussel family once allowed children to ice skate on the pond and expressed a desire to see winter activities return, along with other year-round opportunities such as sledding, fishing, biking, and educational gardens. Councilmember Brown also suggested the addition of an archery course.
However, City Manager Dan Newton cautioned that while there is enthusiasm for transforming the area into a recreational hub, the city is “a long way” from implementing such developments due to the current workload and other long-term projects.
The City of Susanville purchased the Barry Reservoir about three years ago for $600,000 from the Fitzgerald family, with the intent to increase water storage capacity, particularly for fire suppression.
