The unincorporated coastal community of Pescadero frequently experiences flood events that impact access to the area, as well as pose a safety hazard to both residents and visitors. Wildlife is also affected by these incidents, as the accumulated sedimentation in the reach is a significant passage impediment to migrating salmonids. San Mateo Resource Conservation District commissioned Verdantas (formerly cbec eco engineering) to perform a study to develop solutions to enhance in-channel and off-channel habitat, while also reducing the frequent flooding of Pescadero Creek Road at Butano Creek. The project encompassed portions of the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, managed by California State Parks, and the reach of Butano Creek upstream of the Marsh that is privately owned. A number of listed species (e.g., steelhead, tidewater goby, red-legged frog, and San Francisco garter snake) use the creek, floodplain, marsh, and lagoon areas, therefore successful solutions to the flooding must also enhance conditions for them. 

Components of solutions developed and evaluated included: channel dredging, channel realignment, roadway bridge modification, vegetation removal, floodplain lowering, floodplain reconnection, and large wood addition. The initial project led to the implementation of several positive and successful actions, including the Butano Farms Floodplain Restoration Project (completed in 2016), and the Butano Creek Channel Reconnection and Resilience Project (completed in 2019), both designed by Verdantas. In addition, Verdantas supported a feasibility study of road improvements and a potential causeway. 

Tasks undertaken on these related projects included: topographic and bathymetric surveys; DEM development; hydrodynamic and sediment transport modeling; bedload and suspended sediment monitoring; flow and geomorphic monitoring; alternatives assessment; extensive stakeholder outreach and meeting facilitation; design calculations leading to 65% and 100% construction documents; cost estimates; grant and permitting support; development of basis of design and technical reports, and construction observation, and post-project monitoring.