Haystack Channel Project

Project Information

The Haystack Channel Capital Upgrade Project is aimed at addressing critical erosion and public safety issues. Initiated by the City after nearby residents raised concerns about severe erosion near residential areas, the project aims to protect surrounding homes, sidewalks, roads, and utility infrastructure from flood-related damage.

Why the Upgrades are Necessary

Erosion along the Haystack Channel has worsened over time, posing risks to private property, public walkways, and even underground utility systems. Without intervention, nearby homes and community spaces face potential damage from heavy rainfall, which could further weaken the channel. In July 2024, a major rain event underscored this need, causing damage significant enough to require emergency repairs.

Project Development Process

The City began planning by creating a Capital Improvement Project and engaging engineering and environmental consultants to explore solutions. Here’s the timeline of key actions:

• May 7 & June 4, 2024: The project was presented to the Planning Commission.
• June 26, 2024: A community meeting was held to gather feedback and present four initial options, ultimately narrowing down to two feasible plans.
• July 14, 2024: Heavy rainfall prompted emergency repairs, costing approximately $200,000.
• November 7, 2024: A community meeting was held at the Palm Desert City Hall Council Chamber. Our Capital Project team, our engineering consultant, and our environmental consultant provided an in-depth presentation about the project, covering the scope of improvements and how they will enhance our community’s infrastructure. Residents had the opportunity to engage directly with the team, ask questions, and gain insight into the project’s timeline and benefits. If you missed the meeting, you can view the presentation at the link below:
  • November 7 Community Meeting Presentation
• December 12, 2024: The Channel design was presented at a City Council Study Session. Councilmembers provided feedback and direction on the design.
• January 7, 2024: Planning Commission voted to recommend City Council adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. The Commission stressed the importance of balancing safety and aesthetics, noting that the final project recommendations presented to the City Council should include a landscaping budget to allow planting of additional landscape within the right-of-way along Haystack Road while native plants regrow within the section of the channel east of Heliotrope Drive.
  • Planning Commission Agenda
  • Planning Commission Recording
• February 13, 2025:
  • At a public hearing at City Council, the following actions were taken:
    • Adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
    • Approve the preliminary design of the channel improvements with consideration to include landscaping along Haystack

Next Steps - As of October 2025

The project scope has been expanded to include new landscaping along the south edge of the naturalized channel. Landscaping will be installed between the sidewalk and the channel, with additional planting added between the sidewalk and street curb.

The City is currently working with Southern California Edison (SCE) and the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) to relocate utilities within the project area. Once coordination is complete, project plans will be submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for review.

Proposed Improvement Options

At this stage, two main approaches remain under consideration for long-term improvement:

1. Natural Slope Reinforcement

• Method: Sand and natural materials are used to stabilize the channel slopes.
• Pros: Lower initial costs.
• Cons: Requires ongoing maintenance and poses a higher risk of erosion during a 100-year storm event.
• Impact on Vegetation: Less initial impact but more disruption over time due to frequent maintenance needs.

2. Boulder & Soil Slope Stabilization with Maintenance Access

• Method: Reinforced boulder and soil slopes provide a more durable structure, coupled with an access road for easier maintenance.
• Pros: Offers enhanced protection in extreme storms, with predictable outcomes and minimal long-term erosion risk.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost but lower annual maintenance costs.
• Impact on Vegetation: Greater initial impact during construction but lower long-term disruption.

Additional Green Belt Improvements

For the green belt area (Highway 74 to Heliotrope), the City plans to install an underground infiltration system with perforated pipes to prevent erosion and standing water, which can attract mosquitos. Grass will be restored after installation, maintaining the green belt's appearance while addressing drainage issues. This section of the channel, Highway 74 to Heliotrope will remain grass.

What’s Next?

The City will continue to seek community feedback and evaluate these two options to determine the best balance between cost, long-term maintenance, and environmental impact. Through this process, we are committed to safeguarding public safety, preserving the community’s natural landscape, and ensuring that infrastructure remains resilient against future weather events.

The Haystack Channel After Recent Emergency Repairs Due to the July 2024 Storm.

Please see the images below of the channel as of September 2024. This is after recent restoration work due to erosion from the July 2024 storm. Information about the repair process can be found below.

Planning Commission Documents About this Project:

May 7th - Planning Commission Meeting

Documents presented at the May 7th Planning Commission Meeting are located in the right-hand panel under "Documents."

June 4th - Planning Commission Meeting

Documents presented at the June 4th Planning Commission Meeting are located in the right-hand panel under "Documents."