Identification of an ecologically based floodway: the case of the Cosumnes River, California

The opportunities for restoring natural floodplain function along the Cosumnes River in California, USA, were evaluated by integrating traditional methods of engineering floodplain analysis with geomorphological analysis. The specific goal for floodplain restoration was the re-establishment of physical processes that would lead to the creation of cottonwood forest, and ultimately the generation of riparian oak woodland, while preserving or reducing current off-site flood hazards. Long-term trends, current hydraulic conditions, anticipated ecological value, and expected future conditions were evaluated to identify an appropriate floodplain restoration goal for the river.