Ventura River Ecosystem

Matilija Technical Advisory Committee

2012-01-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

January 12-13, 2012 - Matilija Technical Advisory Committee meeting

The Matilija Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) met for two days to familiarize the members with the project and kick off discussions on moving forward with the next steps. (See Matilija Dam - Next Steps)

Matilija TAC field trip - Foster Park

The TAC was formed following the recommendations of last year's Fine Sediment Study Group Report. The goals are to:

(1) Assess key recommendations and major data gaps shown in the Fine Sediment Study Group’s Final Report (August 2011), and make any recommendations for additions.

(2) Identify and prioritize a limited number of focused studies to address the key recommendations and major data gaps and develop a cost-effective scope of work and proposed budget for each study.

The two-day meeting included a field visit on day 1 and a meeting on day 2. The field tour included stops at the Ventura River estuary and levee, Grant Park, Foster Park, Santa Ana Bridge, Hwy 150 bridge (Baldwin Rd), OVLC Rice Rd Trailhead, Matilija Canyon, and Matilija Dam. The day concluded with a short presentation of recent dam removals in the Pacific Northwest including the Marmot, Condit, and Elwha projects. (See dam removal)

Matilija TAC field trip - Robles Diversion

Goals of Proposed Sediment Management Project:

1. Restore effective fish passage, minimize impacts and restore aquatic/riparian/upland habitats in reservoir area
2. Minimize cost/maximize cost-effectiveness
3. Maximize mobilization of fine material to high flow events, minimize mobilization during low flows
4. Minimize the impact of nutrients and turbidity in Casitas Reservoir as the result of the Project
5. Not significantly increase water supply risk to customers of water districts
6. Minimize permanent structures/artificial features within environmental sensitive areas such as the riparian corridor and upland habitats
7. Minimize artificial or permanent stabilization material (i.e. riprap or soil cement) in reservoir area

The main goal of the TAC committee is to develop a Scope of Work for the following:

1. Hybrid Analysis: Assume that the dam removal notching and sediment excavation period is extended beyond a single year. Take advantage of natural sediment transporting flows. Reservoir sediment could still be dredged prior to each notch and placed either upstream of the dam or at the BRDA sites. The scope would include analysis of several different notching scenarios, upstream disposal, and downstream disposal scenarios to develop the most cost effective method of notching and sediment handling. Other components of the project could be a flow bypass around the reservoir area, a desilting basing, changing Robles operations, etc…

Matilija TAC - pondering the question

2. Interim Notching Analysis and Design: The dam would be notched to the silt level or slightly below the silt level. Detail the impacts associated with notching of the dam and develop a preliminary design. The same team that analyzes the interim notching could perform the hybrid analysis. Intensive monitoring would be part of the project so that the design of the remaining dam removal would be improved.
The breadth of the scopes should include:
• Develop detailed descriptions of the entire construction process, assuming the general phasing adopted by project management
• Identify significant unknowns and recommended studies to reduce the same
• Develop a cost estimate, identifying the estimated range of the unknowns on the costs
• Identify potential NEPA related-impacts

Matilija TAC - at the conclusion of Meeting 1

Followup from this meeting will ultimately lead to a Scope of Work for hiring a consultant team to conduct the investigations.

The TAC Members are:

Rick Bush, NOAA Fisheries

Brian Cluer, NOAA Fisheries

Betty Courtney, DFG

Doug Chitwood, Corps of Engineers

Chris Dellith, NFWS

Tom Dunne, UC Santa Barbara

Blair Greimann, USBOR - Committee Chair

Tom Hepler, USBOR

Paul Jenkin, Matilija Coalition

Mary Larson, DFG

John Melack, UC Santa Barbara

Jeff Pratt, Ventura County WPD

Tim Randle, USBOR

Matt Stoecker, Stoecker Ecological

Jon Warrick, USGS

Steve Wickstrom, Casitas Water CMWD

More info: http://matilijadam.org/

On this blog: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/Matilija%20Dam

PBS Natural Heroes

2011-12-07T08:22:00.001-08:00

Watershed Revolution, our documentary about the Ventura River aired on PBS this Fall. Visit the Natural Heroes website to view the film: http://www.naturalheroestv.com/season5/watershedrevolution.html

Watershed Revolution asks the question "What is a Watershed?" The answer is explored through interviews with concerned citizens working to protect and preserve Southern California's Ventura River watershed while stunning high definition cinematography highlights the beauty of the river. The unique challenges faced by a river that is the sole source of water for a thirsty community are brought to life and will change forever your definition of a watershed.

Watershed Revolution is a 30-minute film that profiles community members and organizations working to protect and restore our watershed. It highlights the need for open space and floodplain protection, sustainable agriculture, and community awareness of our most precious resource: water.

Find Out More:
Many links to watershed educational resources, watershed grants and more available through the film's website: www.watershedrevolution.com

The film may also be viewed here: http://vimeo.com/20269898

About the Producer:

Producer and Director Rich Reid started his professional photography career over 20 years ago at UC Santa Barbara. His profession allows him to travel and photograph his favorite subjects; wildlife, adventure and landscapes. His photography and cinematography are both represented by National Geographic. Time-lapse photography and producing environmental documentaries have become his most recent passions.
Rich also works frequently with non-profit organizations preserving lands and cultural sites with his photography. "Watershed Revolution" is his first film, and everyone involved volunteered his or her time to help tell this important story. Find out more about Rich through his website.

Ojai Quarry to be shut down

2011-11-28T09:02:00.001-08:00

Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper has been documenting the impacts of the Ojai Quarry for many years. Despite the intervention of numerous public agencies, the quarry continues to impact the endangered steelhead trout and downstream water quality.

Now, according to the VCStar, "Ventura County officials are moving to shut down an Ojai quarry over what they say is the owner's refusal to follow an approved cleanup plan and provide a financial assurance payment that he says would cost close to $3 million."

A public hearing on the Ventura County Planning Department's "Notice of Revocation" of the Mosler Rock Ojai Quarry's Conditional Use Permit (C.U.P.) has been postponed to December 15th.

According to the Ojai "Stop the Trucks" coalition, even as the State of California issues a "30 Day Notice to Delist" the Ojai Quarry as an acceptable supplier to government agencies and the Ventura County Planning Department files a "Notice of Revocation" of the quarry's Conditional Use Permit (C.U.P.), another County agency, the Ventura County Watershed Protection District continues to not only receive deliveries of rock from the mine for a project in Camarillo, it has allegedly been accepting loads that far, far surpass the C.U.P.'s allowable daily loads.

The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Ojai Quarry was approved by Ventura County in 1995 under a 'statement of overriding considerations.' The document states that although the quarry will have significant environmental impacts, the Ventura County Flood Control District (now the 'Watershed Protection District') needs the rock for 'rip rap' levee construction. Today the environmental impacts have been realized:

Impact to Scenic Highway - Highway 33 in the Los Padres National Forest is designated as a scenic highway. The quarry impacts the viewshed along Highway 33, and the bare hillside is now visible for miles down the Ventura River valley.

Impact to Steelhead Trout - the Southern Steelhead was listed in 1997, two years after the EIR was certified. The quarry sits above North Fork Matilija Creek, which is now critical habitat and the last remnant of headwater habitat for this endangered species.

Fish Passage: Large boulders block fish passage, and will be an ongoing problem. The existing creek needs to be restored for fish passage and to stabilize the slope to minimize future impacts. Because Matilija Dam, Casitas Dam, and agriculture and urbanization block fish passage to the headwaters, N Fork is the only accessible tributary potentially available to the endangered steelhead. With passage blocked at the quarry, and downstream habitat impacted by the quarry (see water quality below), steelhead viability is limited in the Ventura River.
Water Quality: Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper has documented impacts from fine sediment both to water quality during storm events, and to downstream habitat. Fine sediment smothers spawning gravels, and can prevent fish eggs from hatching and kill fry, smolt, and juvenile steelhead.

Impact to Water Supply: Erosion of fine sediment also impacts water supply, as this sediment is diverted at Robles into Casitas Reservoir impacting storage capacity and water quality for municipal supplies. In a recent news article, The New York Times listed the Mosler Rock Ojai Quarry as one of the top “toxic waters / polluters” in the Ojai Valley as part of a national review of compliance with the Clean Water Act.

Legacy Impact: These impacts will continue without remediation and restoration of the site. Without the bond for remediation, who will pay? Does the taxpayer bear the burden for decades of impact?

In the news: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/oct/27/county-proposes-to-shut-ojai-mine-after-owner-to/

Stop the Trucks: http://www.ojaipost.com/tag/stop_the_trucks/
http://www.stoptruck.dalyroad.com/

More on Ojai Quarry: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/Ojai%20Quarry

The hearing before the Ventura County Planning Commission in support of Ventura County Planning Department’s “Notice of Revocation” of the Mosler Rock Ojai Quarry’s Conditional Use Permit (C.U.P.), is now scheduled for 8:30 am on December 15th, at the Government Center on Victoria Avenue in the Chamber of the Board of Supervisor’s on the ground floor.

The hearing is expect to last most of the morning, if not most of the day. Please attend for at least part of the day to show your support of the move to revoke the quarry’s Conditional Use Permit.

...

Why is the ocean brown?

2011-11-22T06:45:00.001-08:00

Every time it rains, runoff from the land impacts the river and coast. And although we have accepted the 'chocolate milk' surf as normal after it rains, it has not always been this way. This is what is known as a 'Shifting Baseline.' (See Shifting Baselines in the Surf)

Rainfall this weekend was equivalent to what is known as the 'design storm' - we received approximately one inch over a 12 hour period. For regulatory and engineering purposes, this quantity of rainfall can and should be retained on site. This requirement is in the Ventura Countywide 'MS4' (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) Permit, as a standard that all new development will be held to.

The problem, however, is that over the past 100 years our development patterns have directed rainfall off the land, into storm drains, and directly into the river and ocean.

URBAN RUNOFF:

Here's what Ventura Avenue looked like during the rain: the parking shoulder was flowing like a creek. This is an example of Urban Runoff, and the water here is carrying everything from 'dog poop' and trash, to brake fluid and pesticides, into the storm drains and out to sea.

INDUSTRIAL RUNOFF:

A little further up the Avenue are the oil fields. Here the runoff changes to a muddy brown. Here erosion of soil from miles of oilfield roads in the hills and large impervious work yards flushes into the street...

...into the storm drains, and out to the ocean. Any chemicals that have spilled or absorbed into the ground are flushed off the land along with this soil.

Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper Stream Team volunteers have been sampling this site for a couple of years, and although oil and gas is generally exempt from clean water rules, Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper has been successful in forcing Aera Energy to enroll in the industrial stormwater permit program.

This video, starting around 3:20, describes ChannelKeeper's work and illustrates the runoff from this area, and also shows how security guards harass watchdogs, even though this is a public street.

AGRICULTURAL RUNOFF:

As the video illustrates, another major source of pollution agriculture. Both livestock and irrigated crops contribute to water quality problems.

One area we have been watching is the recent expansion of orchards and row crops at Taylor Ranch on the west side of the Ventura River. This strawberry field was sprayed with chemicals on Friday, despite the storm bearing down on the region. Because conventional strawberry growers use plastic to cover the ground, these fields generate significant runoff when it rains.

Here a Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper volunteer is collecting a water sample from under the Main St bridge, just downstream of these fields. Note the color of the river water. This sample will be analyzed for pesticides... although a full-suite analysis would likely turn up a variety of pollutants.

Under the bridge is one of dozens of campsites in the floodplain - another issue of concern documented here: Salmon Run focuses on trash issue

We also went to look at the runoff onto Emma Wood State Beach from the strawberry fields up on the hill at Taylor Ranch. This is a problem we first documented in 2007 when the fields were first developed. We continue to received numerous reports from beach users, and this photo confirms that runoff still directly enters the ocean from these fields every time it rains.

The combination of all these sources, known as 'Non-Point Source Pollution' has a significant impact on our coastal water quality and health of the ecosystem. The fine sediments that enter the river and ocean linger for months, and this is why the water at Surfers' Point often appears muddy, long after the rains have stopped.

This diagram summarizes the issues outlined here. This is just a small part of the big picture...

...

Surfers' Point workday

2011-11-14T14:17:00.001-08:00

Sunday November 13 - A group from the Surfrider Ventura's Ocean Friendly Gardens team gathered at Surfers' Point. The group was led by David Hubbard, of Coastal Restoration Consultants. Dave has offered his restoration and native plant experience to guide our efforts to restore the bioswale and dunes at Surfers' Point.

Native plants sprouting from seeds applied to the bioswale during the construction of the Surfers' Point Managed Shoreline Retreat project

After a lesson in identifying the native plants, the group spent an hour removing weeds from the bioswale. Future work on this area will include developing signage and pathways to help direct foot traffic and allow the native plants to become established.

The group then learned about propagation and seed collection. They collected a variety of seeds from the remnant dunes, and will be trying to grow seedlings at home for planting later this season.

You can see from the photo below that the recent winds moved a lot of sand around. This spring we will be working to help build and vegetate dunes - once established the dunes will trap blowing sand and further enhance the area.

If you're interested in helping out with our ongoing efforts, please contact Cynthia at vcsrf.oceanfriendlygardens@gmail.com and she'll add you to the list for future workday announcements.

...

Ojai FLOW hosts water forum

2011-11-12T13:04:00.001-08:00

Nov 9, 2011 - Ojai FLOW, along with the Ojai Valley Green Coalition and Friends of the Ventura River, held a public meeting to provide information about the campaign to secure local control of water supply in the City of Ojai. According to the press, around 200 people turned out.

Ojai FLOW has successfully brought the community together to demonstrate that the Ojai Valley is aware of the threat to our ecosystem when outside corporate interests control a water supply. There are many examples from around the world and in the United States in which corporations have drastically impacted local communities through profit-motivated actions that overdraft local water supplies.

Recent actions by Golden State and the PUC demonstrate that they do not answer to the community. In contrast, Casitas Municipal Water District, as well as the other water districts in the valley, are controlled by a locally elected board which gives the community some control over water management practices.

We all depend on the responsible management of our water supply. With ever increasing pressure on this limited supply, it is crucial that the community is able to work together in a cooperative manner to ensure future sustainability.

More info: http://www.ojaiflow.com/

In the News:

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/nov/10/ojai-group-draws-large-crowd-in-ongoing-fight/

http://ovnblog.com/?p=5304

On this blog: Ojai citizens want local control of water

..

Ventura Water Town Hall meeting

2011-11-11T10:33:00.001-08:00

Last night the City of Ventura held a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the settlement agreement between Ventura Water, Heal the Bay, and Wishtoyo Foundation’s Ventura Coastkeeper Program to resolve legal actions associated with the City’s wastewater facility discharges of tertiary treated water into the Santa Clara River Estuary.

According to the City's press release, the legal action taken by the environmental groups is "...a great example of how government can work with public interest groups to bring about change that makes sense."

According to the city's website:

The Ventura City Council is expected to vote on a final settlement on December 12. The settlement outlines the common goals and an innovative process using the best available science to decide how best to use the reclaimed water produced by the wastewater facility in the future. The major points of the long-term settlement include:

Creating opportunities for using between 50-100% of the treated water for landscaping or other non-drinking uses to stretch water supplies and reduce the amount released into the Estuary
If any treated water is still released into the Estuary, a treatment wetlands will be constructed to further improve water quality
Working together with Ventura Water’s customers to arrive at the most responsible and sustainable solution for the health of the Estuary and Ventura’s water supply by 2025.

The total costs of these projects are estimated at $55 million, which could possibly result in an additional cost of $3.52 per month per average household until 2055. The different options to fund this program will be evaluated during Ventura Water’s Cost of Service and Rate Design Study now underway.

The City produced this video to help deliver the message to the community:

In the News: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/nov/10/santa-clara-river-estuary-plan-laid-out/

More on this issue: wastewater

..

Salmon Run focuses on trash issue

2011-11-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

This year's Salmon Run, the 18th annual event organized by Patagonia, sold out at 400 registered runners. This is the one time every year when the lower Ventura River is open to the public for this fundraiser event. (One reason why you should sign our petition for the Ventura River Parkway)

Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper placed signs along the course to tell the story of trash and human waste in the lower Ventura River. "It is estimated that 150-200 people live in the riverbottom throughout the year without garbage or sanitary services"

Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper has been working to address this problem, currently one of the most serious threats to water quality in the Ventura River watershed. Last year Stream Team volunteers mapped the extent of camping in the estuary area: http://www.venturariver.org/2011/04/stream-team-trash-survey.html

Watch this video as ChannelKeeper's Ben Pitterle documents the extent of the problem:

More photos from the Salmon Run:

Watching the Dams Come Down- Elwha

2011-11-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

The Elwha dam removal project is moving ahead rapidly.

Here a timelapse video shows the process of removing Glines Canyon Dam by 'notching':

Elwha Dam, the lower of the two dams on the Elwha River, is being removed by diverting the river and deconstructing one side at a time:

This video shows the spillway being blasted

Elwha Dam from the air:

The sediment built up in the upper reservoir is being exposed and eroded by the river as the water level in the reservoir is drawn down:

(aerial photos courtesy Brian Cluer)

Watching the Dams Come Down - Condit

2011-10-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today a hole was blasted in the base of Condit Dam, allowing sediment to flush out as the reservoir drains. These images are frame grabs from the real-time streaming video http://www.msilive.net/condit.html:

Condit Dam shortly after a hole was blasted in its base

The view from downstream of Condit Dam
shortly after a hole was blasted in the base

River cutting through sediment upstream of Condit Dam

Sediment-laden water flushing downstream shortly after Condit Dam blast

Condit Dam after the blast - note the hole at the base of the dam

More info on Condit Dam Removal project:
http://www.americanrivers.org/our-work/restoring-rivers/dams/year-of-the-river.html
http://www.pacificorp.com/es/hydro/hl/condit.html

In the News:

National Geographic:

Surfers' Point time-lapse video

2011-10-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

Time lapse video is a great way to view change over time. We were able to capture a lot of the work that has been completed at Surfers' Point by using simple time lapse cameras. Rich Reid explains how he does it:

Surfers' Point - Managed Shoreline Retreat - time-lapses from Rich Reid on Vimeo.

Watch dogs

2011-10-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper's "Watchdog Diaries"

These videos show ChannelKeeper's ongoing efforts to document sources of water pollution in the Ventura River:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/GeIUD5VyrCo

YouTube: http://youtu.be/oBFHrS1nKOI

About Santa barbara ChannelKeeper: http://sbck.org/

Ventura River Parkway

2011-10-11T08:19:00.000-07:00

In California and across the nation, cities are reclaiming their rivers to create vital recreational and gathering spaces.

The Ventura River Parkway: a new vision for a lost treasure

The Ventura River, one of the last self-sustaining rivers in Southern California, sustains one of the greatest diversities of plants and animals in the region. Since the first settlers arrived at its banks, the river has been an invaluable water source and gathering place for people.

But today many residents and visitors are hardly aware the river exists. Incompatible land uses, especially along the river’s lower reaches, have created a visual and physical barrier, rendering the river largely invisible. People have few places where they can access and enjoy it.

A coalition of local groups, state agencies, and a national conservation organization are working together to reclaim the river and reconnect the community to its greatest resource. Their vision—The Ventura River Parkway—would create a continuous network of parks, trails and natural areas along the lower 16 miles of the river from Ojai to the estuary.

Not only will the plan preserve this historic waterway, it will do so much more: protect water quality, conserve streamside and aquatic habitat, and restore sensitive floodplains. It will link neighborhoods to nature, and enhance our sense of place.

Now is the time to rediscover this valuable resource, to nurture public awareness and appreciation for the river, and offer more of the river’s benefits to the people, communities and businesses along its banks.

more info: Friends of the Ventura River

Earth Charter award

2011-10-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

Every year Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions presents Earth Charter Awards to those community activists who best embody the Earth Charter's core values.This year we honor:

Social and Economic Justice (Richard Weinstock Memorial Award)
Tanya Cole

Ecological Integrity

Paul Jenkin

Read his blog at: http://www.blogger.com/profile/13378750920100329693

Democracy, Nonviolence and Peace (In Memory of Betty Eagle and Bill Hammaker)
David Krieger
Executive Director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation

Respect and Care for the Community of Life
“Lift Up Your Voice”
Accepted on behalf of various homeless advocates by Rev. Jan Christian

Earth Charter and the Arts
James Menzel-Joseph
http://www.artandsurvival.org/

Youth Education and Outreach
Julie Medina

About Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions
About Earth Charter
In the News: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/oct/01/dodge-honoring-those-who-work-to-sustain-the/

West Coast EBM Network meeting

2011-09-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

This year's annual meeting of the West Coast Ecosystem-based Management Network drew experts from around the region. First the founding member projects provided an overview and update of their projects:

Humboldt Bay Initiative
     Susan Schlosser, CA Sea Grant Becky Price-Hall, City of Trinidad
Port Orford Ocean Resource Team (POORT)
     Leesa Cobb, POORT Exec. Director
Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Project
     Bryan Largay, TWP Director
San Luis Obispo Science and Ecosystem Alliance (SLOSEA)
      Dean Wendt, Ph.D., Melissa Locke, SLOSEA Policy & Communications Mgr.
Ventura River Ecosystem Project
    Paul Jenkin, Surfrider Foundation – Ventura Chapter

The network then heard from several other projects that are applying 'ecosystem-based management' approaches to their local initiatives:

Hood Canal Coordinating Council
    Scott Brewer, HCCC Exec. Director Jacques White, Ph.D., Long Live the Kings
Washington State Outer Coast Marine Resource Committees
    Pete Stauffer, Surfrider Foundation
Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission
    Lia Protopapadakis, SMBRC Tom Ford, SMBRC
San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group
    Pete Halmay, Working Group President Kristen Goodrich, Tijuana River NERR
Point Reyes Bird Observatory (PRBO)
   Applied California CurrentEcosystem Studies ACCESS Project
    Meredith Elliot, PRBO Dan Robinette, PRBO

Information about national-level and West Coast regional developments was presented. Topics included the new National Ocean Council, planning for a West Coast Regional Planning Body and Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning, and the West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health (WCGA), with a focus on linking these activities to local-level efforts. Detailed discussion also centered on the activities of the new WCGA Sea Grant Fellows, and opportunities for overlap with Network and partner efforts.

The afternoon fieldtrip to the marshlands of Humboldt Bay provided an opportunity to learn about the City of Arcata's unique wetlands wastewater treatment system.

This year's meeting drew a large number of participants with plenty of opportunity for information sharing and networking.

Matilija Dam in the news

2011-09-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

A graffiti taunt to tear down Matilija Dam
Matilija Dam: environmental eyesore, work of ... - Ventura County Star
On a divisive dam, a snippy bit of graffiti - Los Angeles Times
Matilija Dam Grafitti | KEYT.com - News, Weather, Sports for Santa ...
Environmental Graffiti? (Or, Kill Matilija Dam) — The Trout ...
KCET big-dam-mistake
Cason: Matilija Dam protest is a cut above
taking-scissors-to-a-dam

Dam Busting: A Concrete Victory for Fish, Jobs

Graffiti shows frustration with Matilija Dam in Ventura County - ABC TV

http://www.hcn.org/hcn/blogs/heard/taking-scissors-to-a-dam

Watching the dams come down

2011-09-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

The Elwha River restoration project can be viewed real time via a set of web cams.

http://www.video-monitoring.com/construction/olympic/js.htm

Here's the latest from today, just a week into the project:

Deconstruction of Glines Canyon Dam

Deconstruction of Elwha Dam

Graphics from the Seattle Times

Other blog posts on dam removal: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/dam%20removal

Elwha River dam removal

2011-09-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

Last week, while attending the Elwha Science Symposium, I was able to visit the reservoir above Elwha Dam with the scientists who are studying the effects of dam removal on the sediment that has accumulated in the reservoir. There are actually two dams being removed simultaneously from the river, Glines Canyon and Elwha Dam, the latter being the lower dam on the River.

The big question with all dam removal projects is sediment management. The total sediment that has accumulated behind these two dams amounts to over 24 million cubic yards. Since the upper reservoir, Lake Mills, has been trapping the majority of the coarse sand and gravel flowing down the river, the lower reservoir has trapped less material, the majority of it 'fine' clay and silt.

For the removal of the two dams on the Elwha River, the plan is for natural transport, with incremental notching of the dams to allow the river to rework the sediments. This summer, both reservoirs were drawn down, or drained, about 20 feet. This has provided an opportunity to document the initial changes to the delta sediment that has been deposited in the upper end of the reservoirs.

Reservoir sediments at the delta of Lake Aldwell, upstream of Elwha Dam.
Puget Sound is visible in the distance.

In order to document the current topography of the sediments, scientists from the USGS are using ground-based LiDAR, which is basically a terrestrial laser scanner. It takes 4400 points per second using a pulsed near-infrared laser. The scanner was set up at different locations around the delta, then all the scans were linked together and to real-world coordinates using a survey grade GPS. The result is this otherworldly image, as well as a set of data that accurately models the surface of the ground and surrounding features.

LIDAR image of reservoir sediments provides accurate surface topography data

LIDAR image of Brian Cluer and Paul Jenkin on reservoir sediments

Wider view of Brian and Paul on the reservoir delta sediments

Of interest to those of us working on Matilija Dam is the impacts to water quality during and following erosion of the reservoir sediments. The fear has been that erosion of fine silt and clay will result in chronic turbidity and downstream impacts. The reality is that this impact is short-lived during periods of active erosion, but water quality improves rapidly thereafter. This was evident while standing on the muddy delta in Lake Aldwell, watching crystal clear water flowing over and through the fine sediments.

Blair Greiman, USBR hydrology analyst, observes post-drawdown erosion
of fine sediments in Lake Aldwell above Elwah dam, WA.

other venturariver.org blog posts on Elwha:

Ventura River Ecosystem: Elwah Science Symposium
Last Dam Summer

Elwah Science Symposium

2011-09-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

Barge begins demo of concrete to create the first 'slot'
in Glines Canyon Dam

Deconstruction of two dams on the Elwha River in Washington State has begun.

This past week, one of the largest ever gatherings of dam removal experts and advocates came together to celebrate the biggest dam removal project in history. The agenda included a 2-day science symposium, educational tours, music, storytelling. The invitation-only ceremony at the dam site included the coalition that made the project possible, as well as dignitaries such as Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.

The science symposium drew over 300 participants and included 32 presentations on sediment, salmon, sea otters, black bears, birds and estuary morphology.

A common theme was the importance of good science, not only in planning and engineering, but also in tracking and ensuring the effectiveness of the project as it evolves. This was emphasized in one the the first talks by James Karr, Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington. He stressed the need for "adaptive management" as a key component of Ecosystem-based Management in a "Plan - Do - Check - Adjust" loop. Other presenters echoed the need for humility and objectivity to adjust to unforeseen outcomes, as preconceived notions often underestimate the remarkable resilience of nature.

An evening session was coordinated by Matt Stoecker, and included several Patagonia-sponsored videos and a talk by Yvon Chouinard.

To read more and see an interactive graphic of the dam removal this LATimes article and the Special report from the Seattle Times.

In the news:

Remembering the Elwha, hoping for restoration

Hundreds turn out for Elwha River science talks

Largest U.S. Dam Removal to Restore Salmon Runs

Dam Removal Graphic

Elwha Science Symposium on the web: http://elwharesearchconsortium.wildapricot.org/

The presentations and agenda may be downloaded here: http://elwharesearchconsortium.wildapricot.org/Resources/Documents/Elwha%20Symposium%20Program.pdf

San Antonio Creek bike path bridge

2011-09-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

According to the sign on the bike path, the Ojai Valley Trail will be closed for the winter at the confluence with San Antonio Creek. A bridge will be constructed over the creek.

We commented on this bridge during the planning stages in 2009: http://www.venturariver.org/2009/11/sa-creek-bridge.html

San Antonio Creek Flooding Study

2011-09-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

Report titled: DEBRIS PRODUCTION AND FLOOD HAZARD EVALUATION FOR PLANNING, SAN ANTONIO CREEK WATERSHED, VENTURA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

From the executive summary: San Antonio Creek drains approximately 50 square miles in the Ventura River Basin in western Ventura County, California. Recurring floods along San Antonio Creek and its tributaries, including Lion, Reeves, and Thacher Creeks, have resulted in millions of dollars in damages in Upper Ojai and Ojai Valleys, and in the canyon downstream. The Ventura County Watershed Protection District (VCWPD), in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Ventura County Resource Conservation District, developed an approximated floodplain map as part of ongoing efforts to reduce flood-related damages to agricultural and rural residential properties.

This information will be used to identify alternatives for protecting agricultural and rural residential properties that have potential for flooding during a 100-year storm event.

This project was presented at the August meeting of the Ventura River Watershed Council. The study used computer models to analyze the effects of sediment (debris) flows delivered from the mountains into the Ojai Valley. The entire valley is geologically made up of 'alluvium' eroded from the steep mountains over tens of thousands of years. Traditional flood control uses debris basins and concrete channels to trap sediment and flush water off the land, often having negative effects on downstream property. The study stopped short of making any recommendations, but should be considered as we move forward with watershed planning.

An overview poster of the study can be dowloaded here:

San Antonio Creek-WPD_Flood_Control_Study_2011_POSTER.pdf (1.2Mb)

the main body may be downloaded here:
San Antonio Creek-WPD_Flood_Control_Study_2011_main body of report.pdf (15.3Mb)

Surfers Point from the air

2011-09-12T15:34:00.000-07:00

Viewed from the air, the 'managed retreat' zone is quite visible. Imagine this area filled with vegetated sand dunes...

'cut here'

2011-09-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

California Chapter Conference - Ventura 2011

2011-09-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

August 26-28, 2011

Over 100 Surfrider activists from around the state converged in Ventura for the 2011 California Statewide Chapter Conference at the Crowne Plaza in Ventura, California. The Ventura County Chapter was proud to host the conference, which provided invaluable opportunity to network with other chapters from around the state and celebrate the Ventura Chapter’s 20th Anniversary.

Surfrider chapter activists from around the state touring the Surfers' Point Managed Shoreline Retreat Project

The conference opened with a video of a TED Talk entitled "Seth Godin on the tribes we lead." This talk gives a fantastic perspective on what we do, and why it's important.

We were also treated to a presentation and workshop by Randy Olsen on how to communicate complex ideas. Randy is the author of the 'Shifting Baselines' series of videos, (watch 'Shifting Baselines in the Surf') as well as numerous other productions.

In addition to this great outside perspective, the conference also provided Surfrider staff and local campaign leaders to speak about some of our core issues and campaigns. These included

Overall, the conference was a great reminder that everything is a local issue, and that dedicated locals can make a difference in their communities. Kudos to everyone who helped make this happen!

Surfrider CEO Jim Moriarty talks strategic plan

Founder Glenn Hening pondering almost 30 years of Surfrider.
(The original logo was designed based upon images such as this one by David Pu'u)

Gathering of the tribe - an opportunity to learn from each other

City Councilmember Brian Brennan, who was recently appointed to the California Coastal Commission, discusses the role of Surfrider in projects like Surfers' Point

Neptune overlooks the pier from the top of the Crown Plaza

Next steps for Ventura Wastewater?

2011-08-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

The City of Ventura has been wrestling with it's wastewater discharge for the past two decades. Increased regulatory scrutiny and pressure from environmental groups resulted in the "Santa Clara River Estuary Special Studies" process, which began in 2009. These studies have been focused on determining whether or not the volume and quality of wastewater is beneficial to the Santa Clara River Estuary.

This month the City announced a settlement with Wishtoyo/Ventura CoastKeeper and Heal the Bay, which alters the discussion. According the the VCStar, 'Ventura officials announced Wednesday a settlement agreement to spend up to $55 million to redirect and possibly reuse millions of gallons of heavily treated sewage water that currently flows into the Santa Clara River from a city treatment facility. Ventura ratepayers will be responsible for covering most of the expense.'

According to the City's website,

The major points of the long-term settlement include:

Creating opportunities for using between 50-100% of the treated water for landscaping or other non-drinking uses to stretch water supplies and reduce the amount released into the Estuary
If any treated water is still released into the Estuary, a treatment wetlands will be constructed to further improve water quality
Working together with Ventura Water’s customers to arrive at the most responsible and sustainable solution for the health of the Estuary and Ventura’s water supply by 2025.

Wastewater Reuse

The "Santa Clara River Estuary Special Studies" process has included three separate studies and many stakeholder meetings. One of the studies investigated reuse options including urban and agricultural, as well as groundwater recharge.

Water Efficiency

Recent re-oganization at the City also created the new 'Ventura Water' department, with the intent of consolidating it's water management into a single department including supply, wastewater, and stormwater. (The latter has been left out for the time being.)

At a recent workshop, Ventura Water rolled out a draft 'Water Efficiency" plan, which includes an overview of a spectrum of ways to enhance efficient use of water. Included in the draft plan are the recycling alternatives above, as well as potential for disposing of wastewater to the new Oxnard Advance Water Purification Facility (AWPF) and reuse of Ojai Sanitary discharge to offset water currently used in the local oilfields.

Commentary:

Up until now, the emphasis of the Santa Clara Estuary Enhancement Studies has been on demonstrating the need for estuary discharge to maintain beneficial habitat. This is a complex question, but many stakeholders commented that an analysis relating the water level in the estuary to habitat quantity was too simplistic and therefore inconclusive.

Now the legal settlement changes the conversation from "how much should continue to be discharged" to "how much can be reclaimed." This presents an opportunity for the City to pursue the most effective multi-benefit solution.

We have advocated that the City of Ventura should undertake an 'Integrated Water Management Plan' (not to be confused with IRWMP.) With such a plan, an ecosystem-based management approach should be taken to ensure the rivers and estuaries are enhanced through more efficient use/reuse of limited water supplies to enhance the overall water budget.

More info: City of Ventura: http://www.cityofventura.net/water/rivers

Land Conservancy celebrates new preserve

2011-07-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

On Friday July 22, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy celebrated the latest acquisition along the Ventura River. Named the 'Ventura Steelhead Preserve,' the property includes a large historic farm house that will eventually become a community 'watershed center.'

This property compliments the Confluence Preserve on the opposite bank of the river. This stretch of the river is within the 'Live Reach,' so named for the year-round flows.

The land conservancy now protects 6 miles of the river, with the ultimate goal of creating a river parkway the entire 16 miles from Matilija Dam to the ocean.

Unfortunately, after a newspaper article publicized the event, people were seen attempting to fish in the area. The trout in the Ventura River below Matilija Dam are protected, and game wardens are citing those who are caught fishing. You can report fishing by calling the DFG CALTIP hotline: 888-334-2258

For those interested in visiting the new Preserve and learning more, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy is holding a panel discussion and hike on July 30, from 10am to noon. More information: http://www.ovlc.org/2011/07/healing-our-watershed-wild-about-ojai-july-30th/

In the News:

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jul/23/ojai-valley-land-conservancy-celebrates-new/

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jun/22/ojai-conservancy-obtains-steelhead-preserve-in/

Ojai Valley Land Conservancy: http://www.ovlc.org/

...

Surfers Point Opening Ceremony

2011-07-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of Phase 1. In this photo, L to R, Paul Jenkin, Surfrider Foundation; Kara Kemmler, CA Coastal Conservancy; Mayor Bill Fulton; Councilmember Brian Brennan; Janis Berk, Fair Board President (cutting the ribbon); Darren Kettle, Ventura County Transportation Commission; Rick Raives, City Engineer.

The City of Ventura organized the event and displayed informational posters such as this;

In the news:

"While the path appears to be a 16-foot-wide concrete bikeway surrounded by sand, it is a highly sophisticated filtration system, while providing a barrier to further erosion."

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jul/16/surfers-point-bike-path-opens/

Mayor Fulton accepts the 'Friends of the Coast Award' presented by Steve Aceti, CalCoast as Brian Brennan looks on.

The 'rock garden' is a public art component of the project.

more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jul/16/help-improve-quality-of-runoff-into-ocean/

video:

Surfers' Point - Phase 1 complete

2011-07-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

This week the final details are being completed on Phase 1 of the Surfers Point Managed Shoreline Retreat Project. The bike path is now open for use, and the finishing touches are being done on the benches, bike racks, and connections to the old path.

The official "Ribbon Cutting Ceremony" will be held on Saturday at 10:30 am, and Surfrider is co-sponsoring a beach cleanup with the city. We hope everyone can join us in celebrating this hard-won restoration of our beach!

Oil Piers Reef Update

2011-05-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

BEACON is the lead agency on a proposal to construct an artificial surfing reef at Oil Piers. This is idea that originated when the piers were removed in 1998, causing loss of the surf break. At that time, Stanley's Reef Foundation was formed to promote a reef constructed from PVC pipe.

Several years later, BEACON was able to attract the interest of the Corps of Engineers to consider the project under their Section 227 Natural Erosion Control Development Program. In 2002, BEACON as the local project sponsor, and the USACOE began working on an artificial reef project at Oil Piers. The

USACOE contracted with ASR Ltd to develop a preliminary design for an offshore reef that will create a stable beach through wave rotation and energy dissipation. The proposed structure will consist of submerged sand-filled containers placed offshore of the beach.

In the past decade, ASR has constructed several sand bag reefs around the world, with limited success. In most cases the local surf communities have rejected the reefs' inability to create a surfable wave. Most recently, ASR has proposed using rocks to augment the sand bags in the New Zealand reef.

BEACON staff are currently working with the USACOE and ASR Ltd Team to deliver a new project design. Depending on federal funding, the goal is to have the project constructed in 2012.

The BEACON staff report is here: http://www.beacon.ca.gov/meetings/1105/PDFs/BEACON-SR-010-Oil-Piers-Update-Report-05-20-11.pdf

Meanwhile, BEACON completed environmental documents proposing at least five of these structures for the Santa Barbara/Ventura coastline. Surfrider commented that it may be premature to plan these other projects until we can demonstrate success at oil piers.

More commentary from Surfrider: Do artificial reefs work?

In the news: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jun/07/artificial-reef-planned-for-ventura-county-beach

...

Surfers Point Timeline

2011-05-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

For those interested in the history of Surfers Point, I have been playing with an interactive timeline for the web:

This a timeline of the events documented at SurfersPoint.org

Towards Ecosystem-based Management

2011-05-23T08:43:00.000-07:00

This is the presentation from the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy annual meeting. 'Towards Ecosystem-based Management' outlines the issues facing the community, and current and ongoing efforts towards integrated watershed management to benefit our coastal resources:

on Youtube here

A similar presentation with a fish-centric message was part of the plenary session for the annual Salmonid Restoration Federation conference in March. The same message will also be presented this week in San Diego at the Headwaters to Ocean (H2O) Conference.

Thanks to Robert Barrett who recorded and edited this presentation and broadcasts our materials on CAPS TV in Ventura. Many of these shows are also online at the Surf and River Report

Surfers' Point Working Group Wins Award

2011-05-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

The working group that collaborated on the Surfers' Point Managed Shoreline Retreat project has been recognized as the annual CalCoast 'Friend of the Coast.' The award will be given at the Headwaters to Ocean Conference in San Diego next week.

Ventura's new water department

2011-05-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Ventura hires general manager to oversee new water department

She and another finalist were interviewed by a panel of city officials, environmentalists and business leaders, including representatives of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and the Surfrider Foundation, according to the city.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/may/14/ventura-hires-general-manager-to-oversee-new

Letter to the editor:

While it is misleading to suggest that Surfrider Foundation formally endorsed Ms. Epstein, we are reserving judgment until we see if she can succeed in integrating our water supply, stormwater and wastewater management.

... [Otherwise]...the ratepayers will merely be paying more money for more of the same, while jeopardizing our sustainable future.

And that will be much worse than just another missed opportunity.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/may/18/water-department-management/

Ventura Promenade repairs

2011-05-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

Repairs are in progress on the Ventura Promenade. The seawall and stairs have taken a beating, and much of the rebar internal to the concrete structure is in a state of decay.

Surfrider commented on this project in 2001 when environmental documents were first circulated. One of our concerns was the plan to introduce additional rip-rap (boulders) along the bottom of the seawall. This is now happening...

in 2001 Surfrider wrote:

We are concerned that the Negative Declaration does not adequately consider impacts to public beach access and recreation associated with the rock revetment and new stairs.

First, the design drawings show the rock revetment extending out at least 20 feet onto the existing recreational beach. It is not clear that this structure was originally built to such a large scale, and we are concerned that the revetment placement will reduce the existing width of the recreational beach.

Construction of structures like this often results in what is termed 'placement loss,' where the public beach is effectively covered up by the placement of rocks. This is evident in the aerial image.

The other concern is that these rocks have been stacked steeply against the seawall, but will inevitable slump onto the beach. So although there is some placement loss today, next year the beach may be dangerously narrow in front of the seawall. (note that these photos are at low tide, and the beach is relatively wide following this year's rains)

More info: http://www.beachapedia.org/Seawalls

In the news: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/apr/16/ventura-promenade-work-on-schedule-for-may/

Surfers Point - New Bike Path

2011-05-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Work continues at Surfers' Point, with the new bike path beginning to take shape.

This is the view from the west end:

The concrete bike path is designed with a textured pattern, and will eventually connect with the promenade at Surfers' Point.

Below is the view from the east end, looking back toward the river. The gravel area is a permeable 'bioswale' that will be planted once the construction is complete.

The bioswale is designed to capture runoff from the bike path and half of the new parking lot as shown in the drainage plan below. For more info see this description of how a bioswale works.

Once Upon a Watershed

2011-05-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

The Once Upon a Watershed (OUW) program provides hands-on watershed education, restoration, and stewardship opportunities to 4th -6th grade students in the Ventura River Watershed. The program was featured in Watershed Revolution.

Once Upon a Watershed is the only watershed-specific environmental education program available in local schools, and provides one of the only pre-paid opportunity for teachers to get their students out on field trips.

Throughout the course of the 3-year program, students learn about a diversity of topics in the natural sciences, including oak ecology, watersheds, and river processes through in-class presentations and field trips. Students get the opportunity to take field trips to places such as the Ojai Meadows Preserve, Confluence Preserve, Ventura River mouth, Foster Park, and various other spots along the Ventura River. On all field trips, students are given the opportunity to contribute to real ongoing restoration projects, often by planting native plants or picking up trash. In this way, students are empowered to help restore our open spaces.

On a recent field trip to the mouth of the river I asked the students if they knew what Surfrider does. One student said "Scoop the Poop!" This is a quote from "Sea to Summit", a video produced by the Surfrider Foundation and shown in the classroom part of the program. I think they were stoked to have a real 'Surfrider' talk to their class at the beach!

Several of the kids teamed up to remove a tire and tent half buried in the estuary. It took a half hour of digging and pulling...

Last month Once Upon a Watershed was informed that their 3-year federal grant has been withdrawn after the first year - a victim of the federal budget cuts.

For more information or to help support this important program, please see http://onceuponawatershed.org/

...

San Antonio Creek Spreading Grounds

2011-04-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday April 26, the Ventura County board of Supervisors approved the environmental document for the San Antonio Creek Spreading Grounds project.

Although the project has broad support from the water agencies, the resource agencies (NOAA and DFG) have filed letters on the project. NOAA filed a protest to the State Water Board.

At issue is whether appropriation of surface water will affect endangered steelhead and it's habitat. The final MND environmental document includes these graphs that illustrate the quantity of water that will be diverted into the spreading basins for infiltration and injection into the groundwater basin.

During the hearing it was stated that the project was designed so that diversion flows comply with downstream needs, based upon comments from DFG and the City of Ventura. Quoting the MND;

Surface flow diversion would be a passive system, designed such that water levels at the intake structure would dictate the timing and amount of the diversion. Therefore, the volume of water diverted would increase as the water level in the creek rises, and decrease as water levels decline. Table 1 provides proposed surface water diversion rates based on the design of the system and placement of the intake structure in San Antonio Creek. Surface flow in San Antonio Creek would need to be 150 cfs for the proposed facility to operate at capacity (25 cfs). A graph of the designed relationship between surface flow rate and diversion rate is provided as Plate 3. Real time operational changes to terminate diversion when minimum flows are reached should not be necessary. Compliance with minimum flows (11 cfs at the point of diversion, 5 cfs at Grand Avenue) would be enforced by the State Water Resources Control Board through monitoring and reporting by the District.

The project still requires additional permits before construction can begin, currently scheduled for Fall 2011.

More info: http://portal.countyofventura.org/portal/page/portal/PUBLIC_WORKS/Watershed_Protection_District/What%27s_New

http://www.venturariver.org/2009/11/san-antonio-creek-spreading-grounds.html

COMMENTS: I testified to the Board that they should delay the approval of the environmental document until the water rights issue is worked out. I also said that without a watershed plan, or even a water budget, it is unclear how much benefit or impact this project would have on a watershed scale. If such a plan was in place, along with conjunctive use agreements for surface water/groundwater management, the resource agencies could be assured that in-stream flows would be maintained and/or enhanced with projects like this.

...

Floodplain Development and Urban Sprawl

2011-04-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest threats to water quality and quantity and our coastal ecosystem is unsustainable urban development. Although Ventura County has some of the most progressive land use guidelines in southern California, constant vigilance is required on the part of the citizens to ensure such guidelines are followed.

Case Studies:

I. Santa Paula, CA

In April, 2011, the Local Agency Formation Commission voted to allow the city of Santa Paula and the Limoneira Co. to move forward on a plan to build a massive master-planned community within the floodplain of Santa Paula Creek. Limoneira plans to build 1,500 homes, community fields, parks, police and fire stations, and new commercial buildings in what would essentially amount to a new 537-acre community. The vote was 6-1, with Commissioner Carol Smith, who also is a Ojai City Councilwoman, opposed because of potential flood risks near the proposed development.

This decision was based upon outdated information, and even that demonstrated that 45% of the area would be underwater. In a 2006 FEMA study completed after the project EIR, the volume of a 100-year flood was increased by 40%.

Citizen Action:

The Environmental Defense Center, Ventura County's only nonprofit law firm, represented Keep Sespe Wild in a legal challenge to the decision. Through its negotiations with Limoneira Co, an Agreement was reached for another environmental report to be done to consider the potential effects the project could have on flooding along Santa Paula Creek.

II. Ventura, CA

In 2005, the City of Ventura adopted a General Plan that called for an infill-first strategy to urban growth. This is a prudent fiscal and environmental policy that would concentrate resources on revitalizing the urban core, rather than promoting 'green field' development and urban sprawl.

In 1998, Ventura County voters passed the countywide SOAR (Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources) initiative, becoming the first (and only) county in Southern California to place urban sprawl issues to a vote of the people.

In 2010, as the Ventura City Council began planning for the Westside, a large property owner re-initiated discussion of expanding the city to annex an undeveloped canyon north of the city limits. Through a 'loophole' in the SOAR ordinance, the property could be annexed without a SOAR vote.

In response to this threat, a coalition of community groups formed to expressed their opposition including The Sierra Club, SOAR, Surfrider Foundation, Wishtoyo Foundation, VCCool, Ventura Audubon Society, Ventura Coastkeeper, Ventura Citizens for Hillside Preservation.

Citizen Action:

Following a year of public meetings, op-ed articles, outreach, and potential legal action, the City of Ventura made the right decision - to keep Westside redevelopment within city boundaries. This decision would not have been made without the high level of community involvement and commitment to protecting a quality of life unique in Southern California.

More info: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/Canada%20Larga

..

Ojai citizens want local control of water

2011-04-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

In the news last week, Ojai group wants to buy out Golden State Water.

The group Ojai FLOW, Friends of Locally Owned Water, has proposed a special public district to buy out their water provider, Golden State Water Co. They propose for Casitas Water District to manage the water supply and infrastructure. According to their website, Golden State is a subsidiary of American States Water Company and is a public utility company engaged principally in the purchase, production, distribution, and sale of water.

For those who have seen the film FLOW (For Love Of Water,) this is a familiar theme. International corporations have seized on the profit potential of controlling water supplies, and there are now many cases in which local people have lost control, and sometimes even the rights to access their local own water supplies. Major businesses depicted in the film are Nestle, The Coca-Cola Company, Suez, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

This movement in Ojai has been brewing for a while, largely in response to ever-increasing rate hikes. At stake is the sustainability of the Ventura River itself.

Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/apr/19/ojai-group-wants-to-buy-out-golden-state-water/

On the web: http://www.ojaiflow.com

...

Ventura Drops Annexation Plans

2011-04-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

Cañada Larga

On Tuesday night, Ventura City Council made the right decision - to keep Westside redevelopment within our city boundaries. This decision includes forgoing a bid to annex the unincorporated 'Upper Ventura Avenue.'

A coalition of community groups worked hard to express their opposition to the city's expansion, including The Sierra Club, SOAR, Surfrider Foundation, Wishtoyo Foundation, VCCool, Ventura Audubon Society, Ventura Coastkeeper, Ventura Citizens for Hillside Preservation

Thanks to everyone who dedicated their time and energy to help protect the Ventura River watershed since this issue came up last year!

In the news:

After hearing speakers for more than three hours, the council spent 30 minutes debating the details of the Westside plan. On a motion from Councilman Karl Morehouse, the council directed Community Development Director Jeff Lambert to work with the planning and design committees to include community comments to prioritize parks, housing for active seniors and local shopping.

...Even Bonsall, who represents the family who owns the Cañada Larga property, ultimately told the council that they should forego annexation and development at this time in favor of the long-promised plan.

Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/apr/20/ventura-drops-annexation-efforts-due-to-costs/

More info: http://vchp.org/blog/

On this blog: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/Canada%20Larga

Rafting the Ventura River

2011-04-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

On March 22, 2011, a small group from the Ventura River Stream Team took advantage of spring flows in the Ventura River. The group has been talking about running the river for years, waiting for an opportunity with adequate flows to safely navigate downstream.

The original intent was to put in at the Ventura River Preserve and float the river all the way out to sea. But upon arriving at the Hwy 150 bridge, a couple of miles downstream from the trailhead, it was clear that it would be tough to navigate the rocky river. Although there was over 700 cfs flowing from the Matilija Creek confluence upstream, most of this water was being directed over to Lake Casitas at the Robles Diversion.

The group ended up putting in at Santa Ana Rd, where the channel is a bit narrower. Flows were still a bit low, and there was some 'pushing' involved to get through the shallow spots. Upon reaching the San Antonio Creek confluence things got more interesting. In some locations it was difficult to navigate through the willows, but the group made it to Foster Park. A smaller group decided to continue on downstream, and made it all the way to the ocean.

Watch the video on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVLNtouaRA4

The USGS surveyors were out that day and measured flow at Foster Park to be around 400 cfs, as noted by the red dot on the hydrograph.

Line in the Sand

2011-04-07T04:32:00.000-07:00

People are wondering about the concrete structures being constructed on the beach at Surfers' Point. This 'cutoff wall' is, quite literally, the 'line in the sand.'

This low wall will mark the boundary between the restored beach and the new bike path. The 'line in the sand' represents approximately 65 feet of shoreline retreat, intended to make room for sand dunes and the buried cobble berm. The new wall and concrete bike path are intended to mimic the wall along the promenade beach in front of the City's beach parking lot.

Coastal engineering analysis calculated the 'wave runup line,' represented by the dotted line in the picture below. This was a calculated estimate of the landward limit of wave runup after an extreme event (approximate a 50-year recurrence frequency) and approximately 50 years of shoreline recession due to sediment deficit and sea level rise. In this manner the bike path is estimated to be set back far enough to withstand future damages for the next 50 years.

For all this to be truly effective, dunes will need to be constructed and vegetated within the retreat zone. Unfortunately this component of the project was not included in Phase I. Construction of these protective dunes will first require importing additional sand - the planned height of these dunes is approximately 3 feet.

The small dune area at Surfers Point today is the result of a Surfrider Foundation project dating back to 1992. Following construction of the parking lot in 1989, visitors trampled the dune vegetation and the sand blew away. Surfrider volunteers received a small grant to construct the wooden fencing that served to guide foot traffic through a fixed pathway from the parking lot to the beach. This fence was maintained for a decade by a dedicated Surfrider volunteer, and over the years the dunes slowly rebuilt themselves as native vegetation was allowed to naturally re-established itself.

The flowering dunes seen today are an indication that this habitat is ready to expand. Windblown seeds will spread these plants, which will in turn trap windblown sand and build dunes. The dune restoration plan, if funded and constructed, will 'jump-start' this process, and in a short time we will enjoy a restored natural beach at the mouth of the Ventura River.

More on this project: Surfers Point

See also http://surferspoint.org/

...

SRF Conference 2011

2011-04-06T11:47:00.001-07:00

March 23-25, 2011

Annual Salmonid Restoration Federation Conference in San Luis Obisbo, CA

The plenary session included:

Towards ‘Ecosystem-based Management”–a Case Study: Ventura River, California, Paul Jenkin, Surfrider Foundation and Founder of the Matilija Coalition

My presentation included an overview of the Ventura River Watershed and the ongoing efforts toward 'Ecosystem-based Management.' The multi-media presentation included the trailers for Watershed Revolution and Cycle of Insanity, as well as documentation of recent progress at Surfers' Point.

I also presented Monitoring Trends in Abundance and Distribution of Steelhead Above and Below Matilija Dam, Ventura, California, an update from the presentation I gave at Watershed U last year.

In addition, the half hour film "Watershed Revolution" showed during the movie night and social event on Thursday, and our poster, "Removing Matilija Dam," was presented during the Friday night poster session. In all, the Ventura River was well represented at this annual gathering of fisheries and watershed restoration practitioners from around the state.

The conference agenda is online at Calsalmon.org

The conference website will soon include a video of the plenary presentations...

...

Stream Team Trash Survey

2011-04-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

On March 5th 2011, Ventura River Stream Team volunteers spent a Saturday morning mapping trash in the Ventura River estuary. The estimated 200 people living in the river-bottom generate a tremendous amount of waste - both 'trash' and human waste.

It is clear that this is a severe problem that directly impacts water quality in the estuary and the heavily used beaches near the rivermouth (i.e. Surfers' Point)

On April 5, 2011, Santa Barbara ChannelKeeper sent a letter to the City of Ventura and responsible agencies documenting the results.

The letter says:

During this event, thirteen volunteers inspected public lands on the eastern floodplain of the Ventura River from the Highway 101 bridge to the Pacific Ocean. Over the course of only two hours, volunteers located and documented over 35 dump sites containing human waste, garbage, chemicals, and active and abandoned campsites. Channelkeeper has compiled the results of this survey in a photographic report that is available on our website (www.sbck.org) .

Most of the waste identified during our survey has accumulated since the same area was targeted by City cleanup efforts last August. In fact, according to the City of Ventura, over 55 tons of garbage have already been removed from the Ventura River over the past three years. As our report demonstrates, however, waste continues to be generated at an alarming rate.
We note that the condition of these sites has likely changed dramatically since these observations were recorded. On the weekend of March 19th and 20th, a significant rainfall event occurred during which the river’s elevation rose dramatically, enough to flood the occupied stream banks, stranding homeless residents and requiring emergency helicopter evacuations. Neither Channelkeeper staff nor Stream Team volunteers have re‐visited these sites since these observations were recorded, but waste from many of these sites likely washed downstream onto the beach and into the ocean.

...We also believe that without an additional focus on long‐term preventative solutions, that the Responsible Parties participating in the Ventura River Trash Total Maximum Daily Load program will continue to be unable to meet mandatory limits established to protect water quality.

The complete report, including dozens of photos like those shown here, may be downloaded from the SBCK website here: http://sbck.org/

In the news: http://www.kclu.org/news/local/story.php?story_id=914

Matilija Dam - Next Steps

2011-04-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

The final meeting of the Matilija Dam Fine Sediment Workgroup was held on Wednesday April 30. This was the fourth all-day meeting intended to "agree upon possible solutions to manage the approximately two million cubic yards of fine sediments" currently stored in the defunct reservoir.

The final consensus from the workgroup, which included representatives from each of the stakeholder groups, was to pursue two paths:

I) Interim Notching Design
II) Hybrid Alternative Analysis

The design and analysis identified through the stakeholder process will define the immediate data gaps necessary to achieve stakeholder and regulatory clearance to move forward with both short-term notching and the long-term dam removal plan.

The details of this plan are as follows:

I) Interim Notching Design:

Ventura County will pursue investigations into the feasibility of notching the dam down to the silt line, independent of the federal Corps of Engineers process. The intent is to lower the height of the dam to limit the capacity for further accumulation of sediment in the upstream reservoir area.

The Feasibility Study revealed that Matilija Dam has the potential to continue to trap sediment transported down Matilija Canyon from large storms. This accumulation (up to 3 million cubic yards, or an additional 50% over the estimated 6 million cubic yards) is changing the 2004 baseline conditions. And each year that the dam traps more sediment, the ultimate cost of the dam removal project increases.

Because funding is scarce, and it may be many years before federal appropriations are available for the full dam removal process, it was agreed that this is a prudent 'interim' step that is acceptable to the stakeholders.

II) Hybrid Alternative Analysis:

During the third meeting, the Working Group identified the potential for a hybrid alternative that could reduce the cost of the project while minimizing the potential for requiring congressional reauthorization. This 'hybrid' would consider the potential for optimizing sediment management with three components:

A. Reservoir Area - storing sediment upstream of dam within upland terraces & possibly under the roadbed

B. Slurry - transport fines downstream to BRDA disposal areas identified in Feasibility Plan

C. Notching - opportunistic 'natural transport'

A. Reservoir Area Design:

The group agreed to first prioritize the Reservoir Area Design. The Feasibility Plan called for excavation of a 100-ft wide meandering stream channel through the sediment upstream of the dam. This channel would re-create a natural gradient for the riverbed, which would allow for controlled natural release of sediment from the temporary storage areas over time. During Feasibility it was assumed that all 2 million cubic yards of fine sediment (silt and clay) would be slurried downstream - but the cost and location of the slurry disposal areas hung up the project.

The Reservoir Area Design will reconsider the potential for incorporating some or all of this fine sediment into the temporary storage areas identified in the Feasibility Plan. This design will;

Determine upstream storage capacity in keeping with the Feasibility Plan
Develop a re-vegetation and natural stream-bank stabilization plan
Determine potential incremental impacts as compared to the Feasibility assumptions

This design process will incorporate 'natural' sediment stabilization to the maximum extent, and minimize soil cement stream-bank hardening. The workgroup agreed that the intent is to develop a design to re-vegetate the sediment storage areas to minimize erosion of the fine sediments that may create a chronic water quality problem downstream. It was made clear that this was not intended to re-visit the "Upstream Storage Areas" that raised objections last year.

B. BRDA Design

Once the Reservoir Area Design is complete, the remaining quantity of fine sediments that may need to be slurried downstream will be better defined. This will determine the area needed and drive the design for the downstream slurry disposal areas.

BRDA is the 'Baldwin Road Disposal Areas' for fine sediment slurried from reservoir as identified in the Feasibility Plan. Reducing the quantity of sediment that needs to be slurried may reduce the costs that increased for this project component during final design. Design for these areas will include consideration of temporary storage and revegetation of more permanent areas.

C. Natural Transport

Although there was much discussion of the potential for utilizing Natural Transport within the project time frame, this was not identified as a priority study in the final meeting. This was largely due to the unpredictable nature of our climate and the need to prioritize limited funding for studies. The general idea was to be prepared to take advantage of a large storm event if it occurred during the 2-3 year construction operations. Studies to consider this option would include analysis of how to notch the dam and control the release of sediments, and a determination of the subsequent downstream impacts to water quality and biological resources.

One of the potential means to mitigate any impacts may come from the "Double Barrel Bypass," as proposed by Matt Stoecker. This concept would take advantage of the slurry pipelines to deliver clean water diverted from upstream of the project area directly to water users downstream.

Optimization of Hybrid Alternative

Once the technical feasibility and data gaps are complete for the three components above (Reservoir Area Design, BRDA Design, and Natural Transport), an optimized solution may be developed based upon the associated cost estimates. The final disposition of the 2 million cubic yards of fine sediment will be determined by the capacity, costs, and environmental impacts of each of these management scenarios.

Next Steps:

The next steps in the process are;

Outcomes Document - the Study Group will be reviewing a draft report that documents the outcome of the facilitated process sometime later this month.
Studies - the studies outlined above will be commenced using the limited funding available and utilizing expertise discussed in the Workgroup meetings

From the meetings over the past months it was clear that the group is supportive of the project moving forward as soon as possible. There was consensus on the outstanding issues and the priorities for next steps, but the overshadowing dampener is the clear lack of funding in the near term.

With that in mind, this process cleared the way for the local agencies to move forward with a plan to notch the dam to prevent further sediment accumulation.

At the same time, the plan for dam removal can be refined in order to realize the ecosystem restoration objectives and reduce overall project costs in preparation for future funding opportunities.

In the News:

New Proposal on How to Tear Down Matilija Dam Unveiled
After negotiations over how to tear down Matilija Dam reached a stalemate last year, a new proposal is being examined on how to remove the massive amount of sediment built up behind the defunct dam near Ojai.

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/apr/06/new-proposal-on-how-to-tear-down-matilija-dam/

More information:

Each of the stakeholders provided written comments in response to a questionnaire posed to the group. These documents were used to consolidate the issues and develop the path forward, and may be downloaded from http://matilijadam.org/.

The Feasibility Plan is described in a simple poster here: http://www.venturariver.org/2010/04/matilija-dam-poster.html

Other presentations and information is also available at http://matilijadam.org/

Matilija Coalition comments are online at http://matilija-coalition.org/comments2.htm

And the recent history of the project is documented on this blog: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/Matilija%20Dam

...

Matilija Dam spills after rain

2011-03-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Matilija Dam was spilling on Monday following the big storm of the season:

view video on YouTube

Matilija Canyon logged over 10 inches of rain, flows at Foster Park peaked at 20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs)

This hydrograph is from the USGS gaging station, available on the web here:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov

http://ca.water.usgs.gov/webcams/ventura/

...

... silt happens

2011-03-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

Natives face upstream battle

2011-03-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

An article in Ojai Magazine investigates the plight of the Ventura River steelhead and the latest on the high court debate over Casitas Water District's claim against the federal government.

"The principal question before this court is whether the government's permanent physical annual taking o f 3,492 acre- feet of Casitas' water is compensable under the Fifth Amendment and, if so, the amount of just compensation," according to a brief filed by Casitas in January, following an October trial in Washington. The judge's decision in the case, which is expected by the summer, could not only award Casitas tens of millions of dollars but, as a precedent, prompt other local agencies to sue for payment for water lost to help other endangered fish. In this case, Casitas wants the federal government to pay $87.3 million, plus interest and attorney fees, for rain runoff water Casitas diverts down a 100-yard , metal fish ladder to help save the Southern California steelhead, an ocean-going variety of the common rainbow trout.

...

"This is Casitas' water to use [but] Casitas does not have it any more," Washington attorney Roger Marzulla wrote in his brief on behalf of the water district. "The fish do."

Federal officials argue that Casitas has only limited rights under it s state water permit and has not lost a dime in sales by providing for the steelhead migration, ...and Casitas has not bought any replacement water.

The state of California, meanwhile, insists that it owns the water used for the steelhead and that Casitas is only a licensee to which it grants water rights for the public good.

...

Coultas, (former CMWD board member) in fact, testified that he never saw a steelhead in the Ventura River during his 20 years on the Casitas board and a lifetime as an Ojai area fisherman. "I've never seen one in person," Wickstrum said. Baggerly said he had seen just one, "and it was a big one."

...

Below the three dams in the Ventura River watershed, experts say, there are still scattered adult steelhead and many more juveniles. ...Paul Jenkin, founder of a coalition to remove the silt- filled Matilija Dam, said steelhead are often found in pools ... "Our count is very important when discussing an endangered species about which very little is known. There are people out there who say there are no steelhead left. And if no one is out there looking, you don't know if there are."

Jenkin insists that removal of the obsolete Matilija Dam would open a floodgate of steelhead migration up and down Matilija Creek to the Ventura River. The federal government has approved removal, but issues about what to do with sediment from behind the dam have stalled the project. Now, as the cost has grown past $160 million, there may not be enough money in the overdrawn federal budget for it.

The Spring issue of Ojai Magazine is available around town now, and contains other interesting stories about the Ojai Valley, it's history and people. Click here to download a pdf version of the complete article.

Casitas Municipal Water District website: http://www.casitaswater.org

Previous news and information on the Casitas case: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/Casitas%20Water

more on steelhead: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/steelhead

..

'Swept Away' - KCET television

2011-03-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

KCET examines the cost and consequences of climate change to California, using the examples of Broad Beach in Malibu contrasted with the Surfers' Point Managed Shoreline Retreat project.

video platform video management video solutions video player

The program streams on the KCET website: http://www.kcet.org/shows/socal_connected

Hemlock Dam Removal

2011-02-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Around the country, more dams are being removed today than are being built. One example of a successful project is Hemlock Dam Removal on the Columbia River system.

This video showed in this year's Wild & Scenic Film Festival, and documents this project:

Of note in this video:

Sediment management included excavation of a new channel upstream of the dam and trucking material off-site
Site restoration utilized on-site trees removed from the project area as well as additional imported logs
Community restoration involving local schools for re-vegetation of the project area
Steelhead returned immediately once flows were re-introduced into the restored channel

More information:

Hemlock Dam Removal and Trout Creek Restoration Project
Sediment Impact Analysis for the Proposed Hemlock Dam Removal Project

Surfers Point - More Cobble and Sand

2011-02-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

Progress at Surfers' Point: Thousands of tons of cobble have been imported, completing the cobble berm on the east end of the project area. The berm was saturated with sand, then contoured as seen here.

Sand was imported, quickly burying the cobble and widening the beach 60 feet inland.

The view from the east end:

On the west end, the fill under the parking lot was excavated and trucked away for disposal.

Then more cobble was brought in to begin extending the berm to the river levee at the western end of the project area.

This week, project managers got approval from City Council to spend an additional $180,000 on more cobble to fill this area.

In the news: Ventura needs more cobble for beach restoration

More info:

http://surferspoint.org/

http://www.venturariver.org/

Next steps - Notching?

2011-02-15T15:35:00.001-08:00

'Just Notch It'

No matter who you speak with about Matilija Dam, the question always comes up; "Why not just take the dam down a bit at a time and let the river gradually remove the sediment?"

Indeed, one of the newspaper editorials this summer suggested "that the dam be notched down to the top of the silt in 2011 so that all future rain waters and silt in the drainage shed will flow to the ocean, like before the dam was constructed."

And Patagonia's Yvon Chouinard weighed in with, "Notching it down bit by bit, year after year... That's what I think is the solution."

Even a 3rd-grader suggested notching during a class presentation almost a decade ago. So it would seem like a logical approach.

In the world of sediment management alternatives for dam removal, notching is categorized under 'Natural Transport' - or in more simple terms, let the river do the work.

In the last decade much progress has been made with analysis and demonstrations of natural transport. This information is summarized in a document produced for the Matilija Workgroup by Matt Stoecker. And this summer, in the biggest project of its kind, the removal of two dams on the Elwah River in Washington State will begin, one notch at a time.

So why not?

The "Matilija Dam Fine Sediment Workgroup" has completed two meetings so far. Although much of this time has been spent on process (goals, who is at the table, voting structure, etc.) there has been some discussion on where we are, how we got there, and what that means for future options. The Army Corps of Engineers presentations on this topic may be downloaded at www.matilijadam.org

Currently there is a plan for the removal of Matilija Dam, its components described in the poster we printed last year. This plan is the result of a multi-year feasibility process that began in 2000, achieved consensus and local signoff in 2004, and made it all the way up through the ranks to ultimately gain congressional authorization in WRDA 2007.

Changes to the federal plan will require re-approval, the level of which will depend on how drastic any changes may be. A minor change may only require local approval, while more significant changes would trigger additional environmental review, and perhaps congressional re-authorization.

The Corps state that their design goals have been to:

Hold Project Cost
Conform to Environmental Documents
Constructability
Expedite Schedule

An explanation of the Corps thinking behind fine sediment management is shown in the diagram below. Cost overruns were stated as the primary reason the Corps did not implement the 2004 consensus plan for the temporary disposal of fine sediments at (BRDA - Baldwin Road Disposal Areas.) Permanent disposal at MODA - Meiners Oaks Disposal Area was seen as preferable, but encountered community opposition. The more recent USA - Upstream Sediment Areas was an even greater departure from the approved plan, and drew even heavier public scrutiny.

Now, taking a broader look at potential alternatives, the Corps estimates that the additional studies and review for Natural Transport would take another decade and cost up to $7M.

The other major consideration with natural transport is the reason the project got so complex in the first place: Robles Diversion Dam. The feasibility plan called for dredge-and-slurry of the fine sediments that are concentrated immediately upstream of Matilija Dam, so as to bypass Robles Diversion and eliminate any threat to the water supply in Lake Casitas. This concern still exists, along with the concerns of the other water agencies at the table.

What Next?

The immediate next step is for the Matilija Dam Fine Sediment Workgroup to work through the facilitated process and come to a common understanding of potential solutions. This would hopefully lead to a consensus on next steps, including the technical studies needed to determine the feasibility of any modifications to the approved plan. (It may be that the group simply agrees to pursue final design of the approved BRDA plan.)

But if we are truly committed to removing Matilija Dam, funding a $150M+ project is an even bigger hurdle. The project is still lacking the commitment for almost $100M in federal funding. The majority of the non-federal matching funds is expected to come from the State, but this, too, may be a long time coming in the current era of budget cuts.

Moving Forward

There may be ways to greatly reduce the overall price tag of the project if some degree of natural transport is used. At the very least, the dam should be notched down to the current silt level to avoid any further accumulation of sediment. Studies predict that the dam will trap an additional 3 million cubic yards of sediment, or half again as much as currently sits in Matilija Canyon; thus every major rain event increases the eventual cost of dam removal.

The Feasibility Study did also analyze a 2-phase notching scenario, so there may be ways to tag onto this analysis without triggering complete re-authorization.

The Matilija Coalition has consistently advocated that cost effectiveness and ecosystem restoration go hand-in-hand. Last year we published an array of alternatives titled "Sediment Management and Restoration Opportunities for the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project" This document suggests ways that sediment management may be optimized within the context of the feasibility plan to avoid impacts and maximize cost effectiveness.

Note that the Corps' objective has always been 'disposal' of sediments - with an strong preference to permanent landfills. However, another way of looking at this is to recognize the role of sediment in the ecosystem, and devise a means to make use of this resource and reintroduce it in a controlled manner.

There is no question that letting the river do the work will cut costs. Whether these concepts can advance remains to be seen.

The next meeting of the Matilija Dam Fine Sediment Workgroup is scheduled for Thursday Feb 24, 2011.

More information:

Eucalyptus trees removed

2011-02-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

According to the Ventura County Star,

Hundreds of mature eucalyptus trees on private farmland near the Ventura River were felled Saturday because they were casting too much shade on adjacent farmland... Not every tree will be lost. Some on a city controlled easement closer to Main Street, including several with limbs overhanging the two-lane road, will be left in place. The property was recently acquired by the Santa Barbara-based nonprofit Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, which plans to lease the adjacent land to a farmer to grow strawberries.

Change is happening fast at Taylor Ranch, with expansion of orchards and strawberries. Apart from potential impacts to water supply, agricultural runoff has created impacts to water quality in the river and on the beach:

http://www.venturariver.org/2007/11/emma-wood-beach-agricultural-runoff_08.html
http://www.venturariver.org/2008/10/agricultural-discharges-along-lower.html

More on the Woods Clayson Foundation purchase of the property:

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jan/22/low-profile-big-deal-foundation-says-goal-is-to/
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jan/22/foundation-deeply-rooted-in-areas-history/

Beyond Sea Rise - VCReporter

2011-02-08T11:45:00.001-08:00

Following the lead of the LA Times, the VC Reporter (Feb 3, 2011) published an article discussing the bigger picture aspects of the Surfers Point Managed Shoreline Retreat Project.

While the LA Times focused on Managed Retreat as a response to climate change, the Reporter took the opportunity to make the connections with the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project.

“You heal the beach by healing the watershed, by restoring natural sediment supply,” said Paul Jenkin, Surfrider Foundation Ventura Chapter environmental director. Going forward, Jenkin said “removing the dam is complimentary in this retreat.”

I also did an interview last week with KCET television who are working on a half hour show on sea level rise and coastal management... air date TBA

All good stuff. These things are all connected. But now I wonder if we have been too successful in 'marketing' this project's place in the restoration of our ecosystem...

What may be getting lost in this discussion are the very real, tangible benefits that will be come from the restoration of the beach at Surfers Point. By implementing this approach as an alternative to a hard seawall, the community will gain:

a major face-lift to a seriously degraded public area
permanent protection and maintenance of a usable public beach
permanent protection of the surf quality at 'Stables'
improvements in water quality through reduced and treated Fairgrounds runoff
a more natural environment compatible with the mouth of the Ventura River
economic benefits from visitors to a unique restored coastal area

Part of the challenge is that we may not realize the full benefit of the project without the funding to complete it - future funding will be needed to construct the dunes, permeable parking lot, bathrooms and showers, as well as to restore the remainder of the beach in 'Phase 2.'

And while the removal of Matilija Dam is not 'necessary' for the Surfers' Point project to function well, it sure would be nice to get more of that sand and cobble on the beach!

Stay tuned...

Council divided on Canada Larga

2011-01-27T09:33:00.000-08:00

Ventura council postpones decision on Cañada Larga

The meeting featured more than two hours of public testimony, with virtually all speakers urging the council to avoid altering the picturesque canyon four miles north of town. Of 40 speakers, only one — the valley’s owner who would benefit financially from development — spoke in favor of its inclusion into the city.

By a 5-1 vote, the council agreed to spend an additional $45,000 to complete a fiscal and market analysis on portions of north Ventura Avenue and the Cañada Larga area, the results of which Councilwoman Christy Weir said were necessary for her to make a decision on how to proceed. Councilman Jim Monahan was forced to recuse himself because he owns property in the area.

Weir, along with Council members Neal Andrews, Monahan and Mike Tracy, contend annexation of the rural valley to allow no more than 100 executive homes could generate needed property tax funds and help lure the types of big businesses that provide high-wage jobs.

“You have to have some high end homes,” Weir said.

More info: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/Canada%20Larga

LA Times - Managed Retreat

2011-01-18T11:05:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 16, 2011: The Los Angeles Times published a front page story on the Surfers' Point Managed Shoreline Retreat project.

In Ventura, a retreat in the face of a rising sea

'The effort by the city of Ventura is the most vivid example to date of what may lie ahead in California as coastal communities come to grips with rising sea levels and worsening coastal erosion.

...As the coastline creeps inland, scouring sand from beaches or eating away at coastal bluffs, landowners will increasingly be forced to decide whether to spend vast sums of money fortifying the shore or give up and step back.

"There's the old-school mentality that when nature threatens you, you fight back," said Paul Jenkin, Ventura campaign manager for the Surfrider Foundation and a longtime advocate for the project. "So this idea of retreating and moving back was really quite a radical proposition." '

More info:

http://surferspoint.org/

http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/Surfers%27%20Point

Ojai Quarry in the news

2010-12-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

Owner Fails to Get Violations Overturned, Appeals to Supervisors

Quarry owner Larry Mosler lost his bid to get the county Planning Commission to overturn 14 violations assessed against his mine north of Ojai. Voting 4-0 with one commissioner absent, the panel sympathized with Mosler’s struggle to meet layers of federal, state and local rules. But commissioners concurred he was responsible for the violations cited by the county planning staff.

Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/nov/18/quar ry-owner-fails-to-get-violations-overturned/

County planners have cited the Mosler Rock/Ojai Quarry for 14 violations, all of which were upheld Nov. 18 by the Ventura County Planning Commission. Planning Director Kim Prillhart has said she would like to settle as well but that Mosler needs to amend his permit if he wants to operate outside the conditions. A date has not yet been set for the hearing.

Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/nov/24/owner-of-ojai-quarry-appeals-decision-on-alleged/

Meanwhile, a new 'desilting basin' is being constructed in response to regulatory agencies concerns. A few large boulders were also removed this summer to help alleviate fish passage problems, although barriers exist throughout this reach of the creek. We will have to wait and see if these actions make a difference in water quality and fish passage.

More on this issue: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/Ojai%20Quarry

Matilija Dam Fine Sediment Workgroup

2010-12-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

Last week the Corps of Engineers sent a letter to the Matilija Dam stakeholders that provides an update on the process and next steps. According to the letter, the designated Project Partners will convene a Fine Sediment Workgroup and will host a series of meetings starting this week.

The Matilija Coalition will be represented by Paul Jenkin, who has been engaged in this project since its inception in the mid-1990's. The Coalition's most recent suggestions for solving the impasse and moving forward with dam removal are on the web at matilija-coalition.org

December 1, 2010

To members of the Matilija Dam Design Oversight Group:

We are writing in follow up to our August 9, 2010 letter to you regarding the design and cost of managing and disposing of approximately two million cubic yards of highly-concentrated fine sediments that have accumulated behind Matilija Dam.

The Project Partners have retained the services of a facilitator with the Center for Collaborative Policy (CCP) (www.csus.edu/ccp) to assist in determining recommended next steps for resolution of fine sediment issues. As a first step, the CCP facilitator Mary Selkirk conducted a number of interviews with stakeholders representing different organizations and interests to assess their concerns about the various conceptual plans to manage the sediments, and to elicit views on how to proceed toward a sustainable solution. Ms. Selkirk completed these interviews in mid‐September and presented her recommendations to the Project Partners in late October.

The Project Partners have elected to proceed with convening a Study Group to consider the outstanding technical, design, and cost issues, and to collaboratively develop a work plan to resolve the major fine sediment management issues. Study Group members consist of representatives from each of the Project Partners, as well as representatives from the stakeholder community. Study Group Members are expected to share ideas and recommendations based on their technical expertise and/or knowledge of the project.

The Study Group will hold its first of several meetings on Friday, December 10, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ventura County Public Works Saticoy Operations Yard, 11251 Riverbank Drive, Ventura. Members of the Design Oversight Group and others may also attend to listen to the Study Group discussions and provide comments at specific times during the meeting.

Please check the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Project website for further details at: www.matilijadam.org .

Sincerely,

Jeff Pratt, Ventura Watershed Protection District

Brian M. Moore, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Bob Thiel, State Coastal Conservancy

Surfers' Point Cobble Berm

2010-11-29T12:56:00.000-08:00

The last post described the 'Managed Retreat' process at Surfers' Point. This is a description of the 'cobble berm' that is currently under construction.

During the design process, the cobble berm was seen as a means of providing assurance that future erosion would not damage the relocated bike path nor result in future impacts to the Fairgrounds. The final design was based upon the concept sketch below. The 'retreat zone' is the area of the parking lot, approximately 20 meters (64.5 ft) wide. (The current work (Phase 1) removes about half of the 1800 feet of parking lot.)

The plan is to remove approximately 3 feet of imported fill dirt that was placed beneath the parking lot in 1989, then further excavate down to the low tide level. The cobble berm is constructed by filling this area with an estimated 30,000 tons of river cobble between 6" and 18" in diameter. This 8 ft thick cobble berm will then be buried beneath constructed sand dunes. The idea is that when the beach erodes in future swells, this sand and cobble will provide natural shore protection for the bike path and fairgrounds parking lot.

The following photos show the sequence of events (so far), looking toward the rivermouth from the east end of the project area:

The cobble is being transported by truck from the Corps of Engineers project on Santa Paula Creek. ($4 million to clean out lower Santa Paula Creek to increase safe capacity prior to major storms) The Surfers' Point project calls for 30,000 cubic yards (about 3,000 truck loads) of cobble, and approximately 15,000 cubic yard of sand.

Once approximately 3 feet of cobble has been delivered and graded flat, sand is then placed on top and flushed with water hoses so it fills the spaces between the cobble. Additional layers of cobble and sand will gradually build up the berm to meet engineering specifications.

The scale of the berm is evident in this photo of the retreat zone - here the first 3 foot layer of cobble has been placed, and sand is being worked into the spaces.

This drawing shows an engineering 'plan view' of the buried cobble berm, illustrating its alignment along the backshore in relation to the new parking lot and bike path:

More: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/Surfers%27%20Point

The Managed Retreat Process at Surfers Point

2010-11-19T22:30:00.000-08:00

"Managed Retreat" is well underway at Surfers' Point, and things are happening fast. As the project title suggests, the goal is to remove all the man-made infrastructure seaward of the road, and reconstruct a protective beach in its place.

First the concrete barriers and landscaping trees and curbs were removed.

The next step was removal of the asphalt and concrete bike path, along with the riprap rock revetment on the beach. The parking lot started to look like this:

Next the underground utilities were removed, including a 3 ft concrete storm drain as well as electrical lines that ran the length of the parking lot.

At this point the stage is set for the restoration of a natural beach. This is what the erosion-damaged bike path looked like a decade ago:

The same area during the initial demolition:

This is the view from the levee looking back toward the project area. The hole in the beach is almost all that remains of the rip-rap revetment:

A couple of high tides, along with medium swells, quickly erased almost all traces of the rocks.

Next the graders went to work removing the dirt fill that had been placed underneath the parking lot.

Non-beach compatible soil was moved back into the fairgrounds parking lot, and the area beneath the parking lot was excavated down to around the elevation of low tide. Any excavated sand was set aside for future use.

This deep trench will be filled with a mix of cobble and sand, and then buried under reconstructed sand dunes. This 'cobble berm' was designed to provide protection from future erosion.

The next post will describe this more...

Santa Barbara Channel

2010-11-16T12:12:00.001-08:00

Educational presentations

2010-11-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

November 5, 2010

Environmental Studies 119, Ecology and Management of California Wildlands, UC Santa Barbara (UCSB)

Watershed field trip: We visited a couple of sites in the lower river, and then went upstream of Matilija Dam. After looking at the extent of dam-accumulated sediment, we visited the dam site and discussed removal plans.

November 8, 2010

Class lecture for the Intro to Restoration Ecology class at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI)

Topic: Ecosystem-based management and the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration project.

November 18, 2010

Class lecture for the Coastal Processes and Management class at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB)

Topic: Ecosystem-based management and the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration project.

San Antonio Creek Bridges

2010-11-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

Two bridges are under construction on San Antonio Creek, a major tributary to the Ventura River. Both have received fisheries restoration grants for the potential benefits of barrier removal.

1) Old Creek Rd Bridge

This is the construction that is visible at the 'Arnaz Grade' on highway 33. Ventura County received $1M for steelhead enhancement to replace the low water crossing over San Antonio Creek on Old Creek Rd. The new $2.5M bridge on a dead-end road will serve approximately 35 residents, and moved forward despite numerous comments that cheaper alternatives existed. (A short emergency right-of-way could have provided access to nearby Sulphur Mountain Rd) "According to county specifications, the bridge will be a 210-foot-long, two-span, cast-in-place concrete box girder bridge designed to clear the 100-year floodplain."

According to Ventura County documents the total cost of this project is over $3.5M. From Board of Supervisors meeting this week, a change order for an additional $40k was approved for biological consulting after the endangered red-legged frog was found at the construction site.

In the news: Old Creek Road getting safety makeover with $2.5M bridge

more: http://ovnblog.com/?p=3011

2) Lion Creek Bridge

Lion Creek is a tributary to San Antonio Creek, and is ephemeral in the lower reach in some years, with perennial water in the upper reaches of the canyon.

According to CDFG documents, "this project improves fish access for adult and juvenile steelhead to 9.5 miles of upstream habitat in Lion Creek, which is a tributary to San Antonio Creek in Ventura County. The project is collaboration between private, non-profit, local, state, and federal agencies. It includes demolition of an existing low water crossing, which was replaced with an 85 ft long X 13.75 ft wide Railspan steel flatcar bridge. Steelhead are now able to access medium to high quality habitat in the upper reaches of Lion Creek, thereby facilitating migration for spawning adults and over-summering juveniles.

More information and photos are here: http://lioncreek.blogspot.com/

Project managed by South Coast Habitat Restoration

View Ventura River in a larger map

Coastal Erosion studies

2010-11-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

Two studies on coastal erosion will have implications for Ventura County beaches:

(1) California Beach Erosion Assessment Survey

This week the Coastal Sediment Management Workgroup (CSMW) released the California Beach Erosion Assessment Survey 2010 (CBEAS), which reports on the erosion of California coastal beaches and provides a list of sites, called “Beach Erosion Concern Areas (BECAs),” where beach erosion has been identified as a concern to state, federal, and/or local/regional agencies. The report can be downloaded from the Department of Boating and Waterways website.

A news article highlights the Ventura County sections of the report, including mention of Matilija Dam and Surfers' Point. Brian Brennan is quoted as saying “We can’t keep shoring up the beach and armoring the coast. There is a point in time when you have to fix these things naturally.”

Paul Jenkin, environmental director of the Ventura chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, said people are used to seeing crumbing sidewalks and massive rock walls along the beach — they have forgotten what a natural shoreline looks like.

He said that the report is good if it leads to more natural restoration projects like the one at Surfers Point. But he worries that ultimately the fix for the erosion issue will only be more seawalls and attempts to keep the ocean at bay — and that will just further the problem.

(2) BEACON’S Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plan (CRSMP)

Also this week, Surfrider submitted comments on the DRAFT PROGRAMMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (DPEIR) FOR BEACON’S ADOPTED COASTAL REGIONAL SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN (CRSMP) FOR SANTA BARBARA AND VENTURA COUNTIES. This document is available on the BEACON website.

The project comprises onshore and offshore developments and consists of sand management, dredging, sand deposition and grading, and the placement of offshore sand retention structures. The individual projects are identified below. A more detailed description of the project components is provided in the Draft PEIR.
1) Oxnard Shores Sand Management.
2) Regional Sediment Management Stockpile and Processing Center.
3) Sand Retention Pilot Projects at: Arroyo Burro County Beach, Butterfly Beach, Summerland Beach, Santa Claus Beach, La Conchita Beach, North Rincon Parkway, and South Rincon Parkway.
4) West Hueneme Beach Re-nourishment Longevity Improvement.
5) North and South Rincon Parkway Shoreline Restoration.
6) Sand Capture at Mugu Submarine Canyon

Surfrider has concerns that this plan is primarily a coastal engineering plan, rather than a strategic 'Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plan.' The basic premise that we need 'wider beaches' is flawed – many of the beaches in the region are naturally narrow, bluff-backed, beaches. “Beach erosion” is a result of poor land use planning, and in areas where coastal development has encroached into the coastal zone, damage to property and infrastructure are a predictable inevitability.

The proposed CRSMP capital projects mainly consist of expensive structural engineering and beach nourishment projects. To date, BEACON has not been able to attract the huge federal appropriations that it would take to implement the large-scale beach replenishment and sand retention projects described. 'Recycling' sand before it goes into Mugu Canyon, while in theory may make sense, is cost prohibitive and likely has environmental consequences to ocean ecosystems that may not be immediately evident.The EIR includes a description of the proposed artificial reef pilot project at Oil Piers, although it is not one of the projects in this plan. Surfrider feels that until this project is implemented and monitored, it is impossible to adequately assess the potential impacts of large-scale deployment of similar structures. Recent experience on both the West Coast (i.e. Pratts Reef) and elsewhere around the world has demonstrated the difficulty associated with placing artificial reefs in the surf zone, and expenses associated with removal if they fail to perform or otherwise become a problem.

Our letter is here: http://matilija-coalition.org/docs/BEACON EIR SurfriderComments 11-1-10.pdf

West Coast EBM 2010

2010-10-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

This week the West Coast EBM Network held its annual meeting. This year the meeting was held in Monterrey, CA, selected for its proximity to the Elkhorn Slough, the site of one of the West Coast projects.

Part of the meeting was dedicated to getting updates from the various projects, and strategizing next steps for the network.

We also received presentations on the following:

EBM Tools and Training
NOAA National and Regional Developments Update
National Ocean Policy Update
WCGA Update
West Coast Integrated Ecosystem Assessments (IEAs)
COMPASS
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Green Fire Productions Ocean Film
Surfrider Foundation

I took the opportunity to share the trailer for our 'Cycle of Insanity' film, which provides the 'big picture' of our misuse of fresh water resources and how we can fix the problem through 'Integrated Management' - or 'Ecosystem Based Management (EBM)' - which is basically the goal of Surfrider's Know Your H2O program.

We were also treated to a field tour of Elkhorn Slough by program managers Bryan Largay and Monique Fountain. Kayaks are the preferred vehicle for navigating the slough and observing wildlife - and we saw sea otters, sea lions, seals, pelicans, and plenty of shorebirds.

Bryan provided an overview of the problems facing the slough since the Army Corps constructed Moss Landing Harbor. The large entrance to the ocean greatly increased tidal currents in the slough. These currents subsequently caused erosion of the channels and banks, with loss of sediment out to the ocean. The changed hydrology resulted in changes in habitats, with the major loss of tidal salt marsh which makes up the foundation for this ecosystem.

The project is about to break ground on construction of a small 'sill,' or submerged weir in the back channels of the slough. The Parsons Slough Restoration Project is intended to begin a process to restore the historic tidal hydrology within the slough.

More info:

www.westcoastebm.org

Elkhorn Slough Tidal Wetland Project

Know Your H2O

Cycle of Insanity in Santa Barbara

2010-10-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Joe Geever, Surfrider Foundation Policy Coordinator and I made the trip up to Santa Barbara yesterday to present Cycle of Insanity - the Real Story of Water

The film was well received by the Santa Barbara Chapter, who are currently gearing up for Ocean Friendly Gardens... plus, they always throw a good party!

Know Your H2O: http://knowyourh2o.blogspot.com/

Cycle of Insanity: http://www.knowyourh2o.org/

Surfers Point cleanup

2010-10-21T11:53:00.001-07:00

In what is probably the biggest "beach cleanup" in Ventura County history, contractors last week made progress on demolition work at Surfers' Point. Piles of concrete, asphalt, and rocks accumulated rapidly with the work of heavy machinery.

The rock 'rip-rap' revetment near the rivermouth was moved to the Fairgrounds parking lot.

(The revetment was constructed without permits in 1992 and now, 18 years later, it has finally been removed from the beach.)

A portion of the asphalt bike path was removed.

Much of this concrete and asphalt will be recycled and re-used in the new parking lot.

The design plans and more information about the history of the project are at surferspoint.org

Capps in Santa Barbara

2010-10-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

Congresswoman Lois Capps held a press conference in Santa Barbara yesterday. The event was focused on Prop 23, a measure on the ballot that would reverse Prop 32, the California Climate Bill.

I was invited to speak and stressed Surfrider Foundation's 'Not the Answer' campaign - the title says it all - more offshore drilling is not the answer to our energy future, and threatens the sustainable management of our coasts and oceans. And as someone who has driven both electric and biodiesel vehicles over the past decade, I recognize the potential for California to become a world leader in the new technologies that will enable a sustainable energy future...

In the news: Capps_to_lead_environmental_rally_at_shoreline_park
KEYT news

More info: No on Prop 23
Not the Answer
Who Killed the Electric Car?
Sustainable Options

Recent news: Star probe turns up more about channel oil firms

Field trips

2010-10-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

I received a stack of 'thank you' notes this weekend from a group of first and second graders who I had taken on a walk along the Ventura River estuary and out to the beach. I think they got it...

Blog action day - Water

2010-10-15T10:01:00.001-07:00

Blog Action Day is an annual event held every October 15 that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day with the aim of sparking a global discussion and driving collective action. This year's topic is water.

Blog Action Day 2010: Water from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.

This Ventura River Ecosystem blog has been a means to communicate the complex issues that our community faces in stewardship of our watershed and coastal resources. It is increasingly clear that 'Ecosystem-based Management' is all about water. How we manage our fresh water directly impacts our coast and ocean. Water is the universal fluid that directly connects our actions on land with the sea that we all depend upon.

The Ventura River Watershed is a microcosm for water and watershed management. With an area of only 225 square miles, the Ventura River is small enough to provide an opportunity to develop a model of holistic management. Our watershed includes all the pieces of the puzzle: from highly urbanized areas to small rural communities; large dam removal to 'ocean friendly gardens;' a large surface reservoir to local aquifers. In this climate of flood and drought, we need to begin to coordinate our efforts in a sustainable manner. Because climate change adaptation is all about Water.

Although it seems we are currently stuck in the cycle of 'one step forward and two steps backward,' my hope is that this blog will help serve to raise the level of awareness in our community so that we may move forward with a common vision - one that will provide a sustainable future for our children and our children's children. Our lives depend on it.

Canada Larga moves forward

2010-10-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Regardless of the issues with annexing undeveloped Canada Larga canyon, it makes one wonder.

How did a developer con our decision-makers
into funding the EIR for his project,
while simultaneously providing a loophole
to our existing SOAR growth ordinance?

It makes for a good show - on Monday evening City Council was first serenaded by hundreds of their own employees protesting a request to 'chip in,' then over an hour of testimony on rezoning the failing auto mall to allow a poker club to move in. Then hours of testimony from concerned citizens destined to fall on deaf ears.

The mayor is concerned this may signal a return to the Bad Old Days "where developers engage in game-playing to try to get four votes, people on either side of an issue call each other names, and everything comes to a halt because it’s so contentious."

Too bad, because as a community, we aren't even asking the right questions yet. While our leaders use taxpayer funds to justify unlimited expansion, regional aquifers are failing and our 'wastewater' continues to be wasted.

Truly the Cycle of Insanity.

Surfers' Point project begins

2010-10-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

On Friday, following a short delay, the heavy equipment began work clearing the project area at Surfers' Point. First to go were the trees along Shoreline Drive, followed by the concrete 'K-Rail' barriers that have delineated the bike path since it was damaged in 1992.

More about the Surfers Point Managed Shoreline Retreat project here: http://surferspoint.org/

Canada Larga annexation

2010-10-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

On Monday October 11 the Ventura City Council will vote on whether to study the Canada Larga Valley with the intention of annexing the area for construction of executive homes. The 800-acre rural valley is located four miles north of the current City boundary. This issue has been wrapped into the Westside & North Avenue planning process. The annexation issue will be re-considered on Monday night following a legal determination that will allow Councilman Monahan to vote (to break the 3-3 tie)

The map below is from the City of Ventura 2005 General Plan EIR, available for download on the City's website. It shows the current city limits (red line) and the potential expansion areas considered at that time.

Note that the City of Ventura has not pre-designated land use zoning for Canada Larga, which is currently zoned as 'open space' under Ventura County jurisdiction - this provides a 'loophole' in the SOAR ordinance in which voters would need to approve a land-use change. If the property was annexed to the city of Ventura it would be exempt from a SOAR vote.

Although the issue of expanding the city boundaries was discussed throughout the Comprehensive Plan Update process in the early 2000's, City Council at that time voted to concentrate city resources on infill development/redevelopment. Infill is widely recognized as 'smart growth' from a variety of viewpoints. From a watershed perspective it is always wise to concentrate urban development within existing neighborhoods rather than encourage 'suburban sprawl.' Urban/suburban development always has a negative impact on watershed processes, including water quantity and quality. Expansion of the city may also conflict with the City of Ventura's past support of the Ventura River Parkway plan to preserve the lower Ventura River.

The map below is provided courtesy of the property owner, and provides an overview of the areas that will be considered by City Council on Monday night. Note that the canyon had not been considered in the prior planning documents, but a yes vote on Monday night would result in city funds spent to perform analysis on its potential annexation.

A coalition of community groups has expressed their opposition including The Sierra Club,
SOAR, Surfrider Foundation, Wishtoyo Foundation, VCCool, Ventura Audubon Society, Ventura Coastkeeper, Ventura Citizens for Hillside Preservation

More info: http://vchp.org/blog/

Contact City Council: council@ci.ventura.ca.us

First Flush

2010-10-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

It rained this week for the first time in months. Despite the parched ground, the urban areas were flowing. According to the news, "Southbound lanes of Sanjon Road near Harbor Boulevard in Ventura were closed at one point because of flooding"

Here are 'first flush' photos from SanBuenaventura State Beach, Sanjon Drain:

Here's a collection of shopping carts gathered from the Ventura River Estuary during Coastal Cleanup Day:

Ventura River Groundwater Management Plan

2010-10-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

A draft report for the first time develops a water budget for aquifers along the main stem of the Ventura River and outlines an approach for the development of a Groundwater Management Plan.

At the August meeting of the Ventura River Watershed Council, a presentation was given on a draft report titled "Groundwater Budget and Approach to a Groundwater Management Plan - Upper and Lower Ventura River Basin."

This graphic illustrates the important role that groundwater plays in the water cycle. The study compiles data from several sources to quantify the inputs and outputs in the upper and lower Ventura River Basin.

The (draft) report indicates that the overdraft of water from these two groundwater basins in the Ventura River amounts to over 5,000 acre-feet per year. (Note that this study does not include the Ojai Groundwater Basin, for which separate studies are underway.)

The report goes on to make recommendations as to how to develop a groundwater management plan:

Develop a groundwater model of the Subbasins to improve estimation of the groundwater budget
Obtain data from VRWHM that is more specific to the areas of the Subbasins
Obtain agricultural and industrial extraction rates from individual wells
Identify wells within the Lower Subbasin for groundwater level monitoring
Consider siting additional surface water gauges along the Ventura River and San Antonio Creek to better understand groundwater/surface water dynamics

Comments are being incorporated and the final report is due out next month.

Related news:

Recent reports indicate that groundwater supplies in California and around the world are being unsustainably depleted. "...nearly 80 percent of the world’s population lives in areas where the fresh water supply isn’t secure. And while industrialized nations have made massive investments in infrastructure to keep the faucets flowing, those projects have taken a toll on the environment." "...governments should to invest in water management strategies that combine infrastructure with “natural” options such as safeguarding watersheds, wetlands and flood plains. [BBC News]"

Hwy 101 - CalTrans response

2010-10-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

In response to our concerns that the access ramp would encroach onto the public beach, CalTrans simply redrew their right of way. Does this constitute a takings of public land, falsification of data, gross negligence, abuse of power, or all of the above?

September 27, 2010

Subject:US 101 High Occupancy Vehicle Project Ventura County Board of Supervisors Hearing Appeal of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) LU09-0085

This letter is in response to the comments received at the BOS Hearing from the Surfrider Foundation (Ventura Chapter) and our previous discussions with Mr. Larry Manson. The Surfrider Foundation's input was taken seriously, and modifications to the design were made in response. We have enclosed updated plans showing additional access points to be constructed within our right-of -way or within the prism of the rock revetment. These plans are consistent with the Ventura County Coastal Permit.

Caltrans believes that the proposed project provides safer beach access when compared to existing conditions. This is also true for the new bikeway, of course the project will change the classification of the highway to a freeway according to Caltrans Highway Design Standards and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Therefore, parking will no longer be allowed along the freeway shoulder pursuant to CA vehicle code, Division 11, Chapter 9, section 22505 and will be enforced by CHP. The emergency parking shoulder will be reduced from 19ft to 8-ft. Also, the highway between the Tank Farm and Mussel Shoals is the most constrained by the railroad and the ocean and there is no additional land to move the bikeway off the highway to provide additional parking.

Should the Surfrider Foundation propose additional access location, Caltrans would be emendable to collaborate with you and seek a grant for a separate project.

In the news: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/oct/01/surfrider-foundation-drops-opposition-to-highway/

Hwy 101 widening project

2010-09-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

Ventura/Santa Barbara 101 HOV Project

CalTrans is planning to widen the freeway from Mussel Shoals to Bates Road, 'the Rincon' in northern Ventura County. The Ventura County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has been involved in this issue for the past few years, attending the public meetings and commenting on the planning process. The Caltrans plan aims to reduce traffic congestion by turning the 4 lane highway into a 6 lane freeway, with HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes.

Because of the public involvement, there are many other components to the project. These include:

Four miles of California Coastal Trail (CCT) bikeway, separated from the highway by see-through safety barriers and railings designed to maximize views to the ocean.
Removal of existing shoulder concrete barrier.
Construct concrete median in a context sensitive tone.
Development of beach access points at Bates Road, Rincon Point, State Park, La Conchita, Mussel Shoals, Punta Gorda and Mobil Pier.
Additional parking for at least 211 vehicles at Punta Gorda; accessible from 101 with connections to the beach and bikeway/CCT.
Pedestrian Undercrossing (PUC) at La Conchita with beach and bikeway/CCT connection.
Bike racks at Mobil Pier, Punta Gorda, Mussel Shoals and La Conchita.
Trash receptacles at La Conchita, Mussel Shoals, Punta Gorda, and Mobil Pier.
One toilet facility between Bates Road and Mobil Pier.
Revitalization of existing Pedestrian Undercrossing at Punta Gorda.
Include a Handicap space at Mobil Pier, and
Improved beach access at Mobil Pier.
Install Soundwalls at Mussel Shoals that are the shortest length feasible.
Install Coastal Access Signage, as appropriate.
Include Hotel information sign for the Cliff House Inn.

The total cost estimate for the widening project is $151 million. $27 million is the estimated cost for the bike path, ramp and visual enhancements.

The map below shows the area with the proposed coastal trail and coastal access points.

Background: Surfrider testified to CalTrans in 1994 following the fatality of a cyclist on Hwy 101, and at that time we unsuccessfully advocated for construction of a dedicated bike path on the landward side of the freeway, or at the very least a safety barrier for cyclists riding along the highway. The current situation shown here is obviously not safe, although hundreds of cyclists ride this section of highway every week.

The original plan after initial stakeholder meetings was for a bike path on the landward side of the freeway and railroad to provide a safe and fast thoroughfare for cyclists between old PCH at Mussel Shoals and Bates Road (Rincon). However, in subsequent (closed) meetings, the Coastal Commission had the bike path re-aligned on the beach side in order to realize the goal of constructing a section of the California Coastal Trail on the beach.

The current proposal is for a multi-use trail on the ocean side of the freeway, separated by steel fencing on both sides. The path is 10 feet wide, and is intended for pedestrians and other beach users as well as cyclists. (Although it has been suggested that cyclists would still have the option of using the highway shoulder, this will not be permitted when the 'highway' is re-designated as a 'freeway.' Serious cyclists, beware!)

CORRECTION - Because of these concerns, CalTrans will make an exception and continue to allow cyclists to use the new freeway shoulder if they choose.

Coastal Access: The project will eliminate beach parking on a 1.2 mile segment of the emergency shoulder near La Conchita beach. Although Surfrider appealed this issue, CalTrans maintains that on-street parking is available in La Conchita, and a new parking lot at Punta Gorda will offset the loss.

For decades the community of La Conchita has been cut off from the beach by the highway. They have used a 4 ft high storm drain under the highway in order to access the beach. The plan calls for this accessway to be enlarged to 8ft x 8ft as shown below.

This will be a great asset to the La Conchita community, but once the new accessway is completed, this community will be impacted with beach parking on their streets. CalTrans did not pursue options to construct a new parking lot in or near this new coastal access point.

Coastal Structures: One of Surfrider's biggest concerns is the construction of coastal structures - history has proven that such engineering exacerbates coastal erosion and require constant long-term maintenance. (In the case of Surfers' Point in Ventura, the bike path was used to justify construction of a seawall - which ultimately led to the Managed Retreat project of today.)

This section of the coast highway is currently 'protected' with riprap. In order to provide beach access from the new bike path, the riprap will be removed or modified, and a new seawall will be constructed at the La Conchita Public Undercrossing:

The most recent drawings show that the beach access ramp will encroach onto the public beach, outside the CalTrans Right of Way.

Final Results:

At the Ventura County Board of Supervisors Hearing, these issues were brought up in response to Surfrider's appeal. The end result is that we have assurances that CalTrans will move the ramp off the public beach into their Right of Way, and add four additional coastal accessways from the bikeway to the beach. (We were concerned that surfers ending up down the coast from Rincon in huge surf would not be able to exit the beach to walk back)

Because of these additional concessions and the unlikelihood that there was anything further to gain, the Surfrider executive committee voted not to appeal the project to the Coastal Commission.

Commentary:

My opinion? Compromise is a good thing. But only history will tell whether this is a good project or not. When the 'new' freeway is stop-and-go with cars, waves are breaking over the seawall, and the beach has eroded away, only then may people wonder why there was no discussion of putting in a commuter rail line with the billion dollars used to widen the Ventura-Santa Barbara Hwy 101 in 2005-2015.

One thing always leads to another...

More info: CalTrans website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/travel/projects/details.php?id=28

In the News: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/sep/21/nxxfchighway22/

Estuary breach kills fish

2010-09-22T17:29:00.000-07:00

It happens several times a year. The Santa Clara River estuary fills beyond capacity and finally bursts. When the sand berm breaches, the wetland rapidly drains, and thousands of fish are left high and dry.

Last Thursday night the estuary drained rapidly. The timing was right, because Friday morning was scheduled for biologist surveys as part of ongoing studies for the City of Ventura's wastewater treatment plant. The photos here document six of the juvenile steelhead found stranded in the estuary.

Although this may appear to be a natural occurrence, this is a highly altered ecosystem. Upstream dams and wells reduce the Santa Clara to a dry riverbed during the summer and fall, while the Ventura wastewater plant delivers millions of gallons a day of treated effluent directly into the estuary. Under natural circumstances the estuary would reach an equilibrium until the first big rains flush down the river and breach the berm from above, opening the system to the Pacific ocean. But these days it slowly fills beyond capacity, and like a balloon it eventually pops. Humans often help this happen by digging small canals in the sand berm, but large swells and tides accomplish the same end.

The result is a huge flush of nutrient-rich water onto the beach, and the death of federally listed species such as steelhead and the tidewater goby. Ironically, it is these two species that have been pitted against each other in the ongoing debate over the management of this estuary.

Two separate federal agencies are charged with stewarding the fish - NOAA Fisheries for the steelhead trout, and Fish and Wildlife Service over the tidewater goby. Past decisions have been based upon the need for continued water for the tidewater goby, based upon the fear that reduced flows from the wastewater plant would limit habitat in the estuary. And although steelhead often struggle to get downstream with limited flows past migration barriers, studies have revealed that steelhead rely upon the estuary in order to grow to a size which ensures their survival once they enter the ocean.

The fish in these photos had grown much larger than they would have in the small freshwater streams. Had the lagoon breached later in the year from high flows in the river, these fish would have successfully entered the ocean with a high probability of returning to spawn in the future.

Santa Clara River Estuary Special Studies

Next Stakeholder meeting; Sept. 28, 2010 from 10 am - Noon
Ventura Water Reclamation Facility
1400 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura
http://www.cityofventura.net/pw/water/rivers

More info on the blog here: http://www.venturariver.org/search/label/wastewater

Patagonia online surf catalog

2010-09-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

The latest online Patagonia surf catalog just went live: http://www.patagonia.com/surfcatalog

The Surfers' Point Managed Shoreline Retreat project is featured on page 12. Click on the links to view "Restoring the Shore" video, and read about the watershed connections with Matilija Dam.

California and the World Ocean Conference

2010-09-14T07:48:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday September 8, 2010, our West Coast Ecosystem-based Management Network presented at the California and the World Ocean conference in San Francisco. This is the fourth such conference since 1997, intended to "bring together representatives from government, academia, industry, and the public to share ideas and formulate action strategies for the 21st century." Indeed, the conference was a 'who's who' of coastal and ocean policy, with hundreds of attendees from every sector working on ocean issues.

I have attended all of these conferences, and published Managed Shoreline Retreat and Dam Removal: Ecosystem Restoration to Benefit Coastal Resources at CWO '02.

Real Steps to Ecosystem Management on the West Coast

Moderator: John Hansen, Coordinator, West Coast EBM Network
Leesa Cobb, Executive Director, Port Orford Ocean Resource Team
Mark Wheetley, Senior Biologist Specialist, California Department of Fish & Game
Bryan Largay, Tidal Wetland Project Director, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
Dean Wendt, Executive Director, San Luis Obispo Science and Ecosystem Alliance, Center for Coastal Marine Sciences, Cal Poly State University
Paul Jenkin, Ventura Campaign Coordinator, Surfrider Foundation

At California and the World Ocean 2010, the West Coast Ecosystem-Based Management Network will deliver a robust and timely update summarizing the latest advancements of ecosystem management in California and along the West Coast. Network members will spotlight their local ecosystem based management (EBM) activities, as well as the benefits
of their unique coast-wide partnership. The panel session will also draw distinct parallels to the latest developments in national ocean policy, regional ocean governance and the West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health.

Margo's epic paddle

2010-09-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Seattle to San Diego - by canoe - to raise ocean awareness.

Margo is one tough woman, on a mission to help the ocean. Knowing she was on the way, I wanted to do my part to welcome her to Ventura and get out the press. A few e-mails and I had the local paper, KVTA radio, cable TV, a couple of ocean paddlers, as well as contact with the Hokulo Outrigger Canoe Club who I hoped could provide overnight storage for her boat.

After tracking her progress all day, I put in at Emma Wood and paddled with her for a couple of miles around the mouth of the Ventura River - I had hoped to point out the view looking up the watershed to the 6,000 ft mountains, the land-sea connection to which this blog is dedicated. Although it was sunny and 99 degrees in Ojai, we could hardly see the beach through the thick fog. I came ashore at Surfers Point, releasing Margo from the burden of waiting for me on my slow sit-on-top kayak.

The Hokulo crew paddled out to meet her, and the press was there at the Ventura Harbor. She endured an hour of interviews, obviously cold from her all-day paddle from Santa Barbara.

I had organized with June, her one-woman ground support crew, for them to stay in our guest room. After a hot shower we went up to meet with our local Surfriders who were holding a meeting and spaghetti dinner.

I hope our guests remember Ventura, one of their countless nightly stops on the epic paddle along the Pacific coast. I am in awe of Margo's energy and dedication, and June's steadfast optimism.

In the news: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/sep/02/woman-taking-canoe-down-west-coast-stops-in/

Paul Jenkin, Surfrider Foundation Ventura Chapter environmental director, said he had originally hoped to celebrate the passage of legislation banning plastic bags in California when he met up with Pellegrino at sea. But he was disappointed to see the Single-Use Bag Reduction Act, Assembly Bill 1998, defeated by the California Senate Tuesday on a 21-14 vote. “It is disheartening to see elected officials react to industry pressure,” Jenkin said, noting that such bans can be enacted on the local level. “It’s time for the city of Ventura to step up.”

See Margo's video interview here:http://www.surfandriverreport.com/

Matilija Falls access blocked

2010-08-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

This summer, public access to a portion of Matilija Creek has been closed by the landowner. The popular hike to Matilija Falls now become 'off limits.'

This has also impacted our steelhead surveys. Biologists have been monitoring this section of creek since 2002, and when the landowner denied access this year it created a data gap in the annual population studies.

A sign at the trailhead shows the private inholdings within the National Forest.

In the news:

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/jun/18/hikers-to-matilija-falls-seek-access-on-private/

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/27/local/la-me-adv-matilija-falls-20100627

http://www.independent.com/news/2010/aug/02/holding-historic-trail/