Okie Hillclimb Restoration (Hollister Hills SVRA)

The following photos show before and after images of the Okie Hillclimb restoration project at Hollister Hills SVRA. Okie Hillclimb existed in an area of the hill called the "fall line" where water naturally drains off the hill. Accelerated erosion caused by a number of factors resulted in gullying which created a resource concern.

Okie Hillclimb Restoration Photos

The restoration process involved making perpendicular cuts into the gullys (called "keying in"). Using large bulldozers and excavators, the gullys were filled in with sediment from the bottom of the hill. The soil was compacted with heavy equipment and recontoured. Approximately 4 to 6 inches of top soil was left loose to promote seed germination and plant growth. 

Park staff utilized "Best Management Practices" (BMPs) to control erosion during restoration. Examples of BMPs erosion control include the use of straw wattles and rice straw scattered over the seed. In addition, brush trimmings were used to help the restoration project blend into its surroundings. These trimmings, plus fencing, kept riders out of the area during the restoration process. The trail is in the process of being redesigned to provide a more sustainable trail.