The bridge replaces a concrete culvert that passed low flows but was inundated during storms, preventing bicycle and pedestrian traffic, and also hindering steelhead passage into San Antonio Creek. The $1.8 million project was paid for through state and federal grants for fisheries enhancement, as well as $500k from Ventura County Parks. The Channel Islands Bike Club also contributed $17k to the project.
The path was damaged during the 2005 floods, necessitating temporary reconstruction and the placement of rip-rap to prevent future streambank erosion. The new bridge will solve this problem, and allow for the natural vegetation to re-establish along this part of the river. Vegetation is important for fish and wildlife as it provides food and cover as well as shade to help keep the water cool in the hot summer months.
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| Rock rip-rap placed to protect bike path damaged in 2005 This was replaced with a new bridge in 2012 |
These types of projects, along with larger goals like removing Matilija Dam and restoring instream flows, are identified in the NOAA Steelhead Recovery Plan. And although this expensive project will help the fish, the users of the this river trail will also benefit from an all-weather crossing and the aesthetic appeal of this unique bridge.
In the news: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/mar/12/trail-bridge-opens-promising-benefits-to-people/
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