This project completed restoration and enhancement activities on the Hedrick Ranch, a 223-acre riparian preserve along the Santa Clara River. Approximately 94 acres of the site lies in the upper floodplain terrace and the balance of 129 acres lies in the river channel active over the past 10 years. The project implemented the recommendations of … Continued
This project removed invasive Arundo donax from a 5-acre parcel adjacent to the Ventura River and revegetated the acreage with native riparian species. Giant cane (Arundo donax), has displaced native riparian vegetation critical for wildlife habitat. Many special-status wildlife species, including the southern steelhead, occur in the watershed and benefit from the removal of giant … Continued
This project performed various studies to evaluate the feasibility of removing Matilija Dam on the Ventura River to restore natual water and sediment flows, and provide access to upstream steelhead trout habitat. Matilija Dam is responsible for a variety of adverse effects on stream ecology and wildlife. The sediment trapped by the dam has deprived … Continued
This project prepared a feasibility study for removal of Matilija Dam on the Ventura River. Since a dam of this type and size has never before been decommissioned, many areas of study are required to ensure success. The first step is to establish a “baseline”, a detailed description of currently existing conditions in the watershed. … Continued
This project restored a coastal wetland and one mile of a stream corridor at Prisoners Harbor and Canada del Puerto, the primary access point for Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island sits at the mouth of Cañada del Puerto, a seasonal creek. Historically, the Prisoners area was once … Continued
This project removed non-native invasive weeds, Arundo donax, from the bed, banks, and overbanks of Carpinteria Creek and its tributaries. The Santa Barbara County Weed Management Area worked with the Carpinteria Creek Watershed Coalition on the rehabilitation of Carpinteria Creek for steelhead habitat. Arundo donax can grow to 30 feet tall and create dense thickets … Continued
Restored and enhanced 33 acres of the salt marsh known as Basin 1/South Marsh. Carpinteria Marsh is located immediately west of Carpinteria, approximately 12 miles east of Santa Barbara. It encompasses approximately 230 acres and is separated into the following subareas: Basin 1, Basin 2, Basin 3 and South Marsh as shown in Figure 2. … Continued
This project prepared an enhancement plan for restoration of Basin 1, approximately 230 acres in Carpinteria. Carpinteria Marsh is located immediately west of Carpinteria, approximately 12 miles east of Santa Barbara. It encompasses approximately 230 acres and is separated into the following subareas: Basin 1, Basin 2, Basin 3 and South Marsh as shown in … Continued
This project consisted of removing three primary barriers to upstream fish migration in the lower watershed of Mission Creek, those at the Caltrans channel, Tallant Road, and the Hwy 192 Bridge. The photo above shows the lower channel of Mission Creek after barrier removal. The removal of these barriers created five miles of new habitat for … Continued
This project prepared a restoration plan for the removal of invasive species, revegetation of native plants, implementation of stormwater best management practices, and installation of interpretive trails and exhibits along Mission Creek. The Mission Creek Museum Area Restoration Project is intended to improve habitat and water quality along a 1,200-foot-long stretch of Mission Creek in … Continued
This project implemented the San Jose Creek Restoration Plan, while also preparing an enhancement plan for four Santa Barbara County watersheds. The project supported the development of “an integrated, cooperative watershed restoration program” for the south coast and allowed the Santa Barbara based Community Environmental Council to coordinate the preparation of design and preliminary engineering … Continued
This project restored two acres of environmentally sensitive habitat, including wetlands, from usage as a county road yard to a peaceful nature preserve. Officially begun in 1995, the project was a unique grassroots community effort to restore a degraded environment to its natural state as a valuable biological resource. Located in rural Summerland, this site … Continued