Friday, October 30, 2020

Surfers’ Point Managed Retreat Phase 2 update

 The final design for Phase 2 of the Surfers Point Managed Shoreline Retreat Project has been completed.  The proposed project will move the fairgrounds pay parking lot back to where Shoreline Drive is today and restore a cobble and sand dune beach as protection for the new parking area.  Unfortunately cost estimates came in at over $10M dollars, around twice the initial estimates.  We are concerned that this high cost may delay construction due to difficulty finding grant funding, but Surfrider will be working with the responsible agencies to determine a path forward.  Stay tuned…

More info here: https://www.venturariver.org/2019/12/surfers-point-phase-2-update.html



Matilija Dam Environmental Review

The Ventura County Watershed Protection District (VCPWA – WP) has initiated environmental review on portions of the  the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project (MDERP.)   The updated plan to remove Matilija Dam incorporates new information garnered from recent dam removal projects as well as details regarding proposed modifications to downstream infrastructure. Although environmental review was completed in 2004 as part of the Corps of Engineers planning effort, the VCPWA – WP has determined that preparation of a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) is warranted to evaluate the revised Project. The resulting SEIR analysis will be published next year.

The environmental review will analyze the impacts from the proposed dam removal and the reconstruction of downstream levees and bridges.  Downstream components include the Camino Cielo Bridge, Live Oak Acres Levee, and Casitas Springs Levee.  

Other major downstream components of the project have not yet been adequately designed for this environmental review, and will require future analysis.  These include modifications to the Robles Diversion Dam, 3 miles downstream of Matilija Dam, and proposed flood protection for the Meiners Oaks neighborhood downstream of Robles.





More information on the environmental review process and the project may be found here: https://www.vcpublicworks.org/wp/mderp/

The Matilija Coalition submitted the following comments during the scoping period:

Removal of the Matilija Dam is necessary to reconnect the upper watershed for recovery of the federally endangered steelhead and other species of concern. Dam removal will also renew the flow of nutrients from the ocean and sediment to downstream reaches. In addition to these benefits, the dam currently impacts water quality and quantity and needs to be removed in a timely manner. The growing cost of the project is a barrier to implementation, so cost effective alternatives need to be considered.

Although an EIR is generally intended to address potential negative impacts of a project, the positive outcomes of dam removal should also be analyzed. For instance, it is currently assumed that sediment will have a negative impact to water supply downstream of the current dam site. However, the changes in the watershed following the Thomas Fire demonstrate that increased sediment transport can have a positive effect on water supply. After short term effects on shallow aquifer recharge during the first year after the fire, both surface flows and groundwater levels have responded favorably to the ecosystem changes in the mainstem Ventura river.

The following is an outline of issues and concerns that should be addressed in the SEIR:

1. Baseline conditions

a. Conditions in the watershed have changed significantly since the 2004 EIR, primarily due to the Thomas Fire which burned 95% of the upper watershed and resulted in significant sediment yield and transport downstream.

b. Matilija Reservoir capacity has been reduced to less than 100 Acre Feet, eliminating any meaningful remaining water supply benefit.

c. Total sediment accumulation behind the dam has increased, and the remaining reservoir storage will likely fill with sediment in the next large storm event.

d. The 50-year contractual agreement with Casitas Municipal Water District for operation of the dam ended in 2009.

e. Dam safety concerns have increased. Due to ongoing ASR concrete degradation the dam is categorized high hazard and could fail in an earthquake.

f. Required drawdown has eliminated remaining reservoir storage.

g. Alterations to dam operations since the reservoir was drained in July 2020 significantly impact downstream water quality.

h. The newly exposed fine sediment deposits upstream of the dam show signs of becoming a reservoir for invasive plants, particularly tamarisk.

i. Endangered steelhead populations were severely impacted by fire, and recovery in this watershed is significantly impaired by the presence of Matilija Dam.

j. Steelhead passage at Robles has improved with implementation of a fish ladder.

k. Habitat has improved as a result of invasive species control, including Arundo.

l. Habitat has improved in the mainstem Ventura River with increased sand and gravel deposits originating from effects of the Thomas Fire on the North Fork Matilija Creek.


2. Future without project

a. Sediment accumulation upstream of the dam has accelerated and coarse sediment transport over the dam crest will occur soon.

b. Water quality is impaired by the dam.

c. Endangered steelhead are threatened with extinction in this watershed.

d. Presence of the dam impairs water supply (see 3c below)

e. Existing development in the 100 yr floodplain requires improved flood protection with or without dam removal.


3. Future with project

a. Impacts of sediment discharge should be updated with new information. Since the initial EIR/EIS was developed several large dams have been removed yielding significant information on what may be expected downstream following a natural transport alternative. In every case, the predicted negative impacts did not come to pass, and the benefits far exceeded expectations.

b. Sediment transport and flood analyses should consider realistic scenarios for the assessment of downstream infrastructure.

c. The benefits of renewed sediment transport should be further investigated. Prior analyses focused on fairly abstract assessments of steelhead, riparian habitat, and natural processes. Recent post-fire observations of sedimentation in the Ventura river indicate that there are also tangible water supply benefits including enhanced surface flows and groundwater storage resulting from a restored riparian ecosystem.


4. Alternatives analysis

a. Each project component should include a “no project” alternative as baseline.

b. Mitigation for impacts of levees on riverine ecosystems should be developed in the EIR, including, but not limited to, vegetation, setback alternatives, and other means to minimize the negative effects. Lower cost green/grey and nonstructural alternatives (e.g., reinsurance policies, maintenance funds, etc) should be considered.

c. The cost of the Camino Cielo Bridge includes raising the existing road out of the 100-year floodplain. Cost savings may be had by allowing some level of flood risk during the initial sediment pulse since the few residents that use the road are accustomed to seasonal interruptions to access with the existing culvert crossing.

We hope these comments are helpful in developing the environmental analysis necessary for the removal of Matilija Dam.


Friday, October 23, 2020

Mondos Cove Stairway Preliminary Design

On Oct 21, 2020, BEACON presented a concept for improved beach access at the popular "Mondos Cove." The preliminary plan illustrates a new concrete stairway to provide access over the boulder riprap shoreline down to the beach.





The following are comments submitted on behalf of the Ventura County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation:

RE: Mondos Cove Public Beach Access Stairway Preliminary Design 

Dear Marc,

Thanks for your presentation on the preliminary design concept for improving beach access at Mondos Cove beach along Old Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County. The gentle waves at this popular beach have introduced surfing to many residents and visitors, but parking along the busy highway and access to the sand over the boulder riprap can be hazardous, especially for families with small children. Surfrider supports the efforts of BEACON to improve beach access at Mondos Cove. Please consider the following comments as you advance this important project:

Other locations should be considered for the crosswalk and stairs. The current proposal places foot traffic at the narrowest part of the highway and potentially creates a safety hazard for families waiting to cross the highway with small children, bulky beach gear, and surfboards. Safety may be improved by moving the stairway a short distance to the southeast, or providing two separate crosswalks.

The current stairway design encroaches onto the beach. Constructing stairs in the manner shown will expose the structure to unnecessary damage during winter storms. During periods of high waves waves break on the boulder revetment and there is very little sandy beach. As witnessed elsewhere in the county, wave action and impact from cobblestone and other debris will erode the proposed concrete stairway. As currently drawn, the bottom few stairs are particularly vulnerable. This situation will only worsen with rising sea levels. (See https://www.venturariver.org/2010/07/ventura-promenade-repairs.html)

Consider building the stairs parallel to the road so they are protected by a wall on the ocean side - ideally the whole structure would be within the footprint of the existing riprap. The Coastal Commission may require this as part of their permitting process. The structure will last longer with a parallel configuration, and this is what most of the private stairways look like along adjacent Pitas Point. (see attached sketch and photo)

Sketch (in red) showing alternative stairway alignment to avoid beach encroachment and minimize future damage



Aerial view of parallel stairway alignments along Pitas Point

Stairway design may be optimized by adjusting the rise and run. The current design shows 6” risers, which results in a lot of stairs and a long run. Depending on applicable code, stair rise could be increased to 7” or 8” (IRC (International Residential Code) calls for a maximum rise of 7 3⁄4”.) This would make the length of the stairs more compact, but a bit steeper.

Other materials should be considered. Given the uncertainty of future planning and accommodation for sea level rise, a simple timber stairway (or two) installed over the riprap may serve to enhance beach access for the next decade or more. This may be a cheaper and easier alternative to provide a short- to medium-term solution. Many of the adjacent homeowners have wooden accessways that seem to be quite durable.

ADA option should also include stairs. If an ADA ramp is desired, stairs should also be included. The accessway constructed with the recent seawall reconstruction down the coast did not include stairs, and the long switchbacking slope of the ADA ramp is awkward.

Consider long term planning for the site. An integrated plan should be considered to include parking, traffic control, protection of utilities, as well as beach access. For example, a seawall may be needed in the future to protect the highway and extensive utility lines on the ocean side of the street. Parking should be improved to provide a safer, cleaner environment. Signage and speed bumps or other traffic calming measures should be considered to slow traffic through this high use area. Whatever is built now should be able to accommodate future changes.

Develop an alternatives analysis. Given the limited budget for constructing improved beach access at this site, other conceptual alternatives should be developed considering the suggestions above with cost estimates in order to determine the best course of action.

Surfrider has consistently advocated for improved safety and access at Mondos Cove beach for the past two decades. We appreciate this new initiative and look forward to working with BEACON on developing a cost effective and timely solution to this important concern for all beachgoers.


UPDATE May 2021:

from BEACON: https://beacon.ca.gov/news/mondos-cove-beach-access-stairway/

Mondo’s Cove Beach access stairway revised design drawing and description is included below. Based on the input from neighboring residents, stakeholders and interested members of the public, the consultants to BEACON, Jensen Design and Survey, Inc., have produced a revised stairway design and orientation that better addresses site conditions and alignment of the shoreline.





Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Beavers


There has been a considerable amount of scientific and on-the-ground research since the previous post on Re-Beavification.  This topic was met with tremendous skepticism, and outright scorn from some during the development of the Ventura River Watershed Plan.  However, new information lends credence to the idea that re-introduction of beaver to the watershed could provide significant benefits and even resolve some of the ongoing conflict over water supply.

There is a growing understanding of the concept of "slow it, spread it, sink it" as a tool in protecting and improving groundwater resources.   In general this applies to our land management practices, where shifting away from impervious "pave it and drain it" practices helps put water back in the ground.  But just as important, we should consider how past changes in our rivers and creeks have also impacted the amount of water stored underground.  

In this video, National Forest hydrologist Kami Elison explains the benefits of "Living with Beaver"


The Return of California's Golden Beaver: 


Are Beavers native to the Ventura River?

Many do not realize that before the "Gold Rush" trappers scoured every nook and cranny of the state during the "California Fur Rush."  Of course the nearby Channel Islands was a treasure trove of fur seals and sea otters, but trappers also went up the rivers for beaver.  This is described in this wikipedia article on the history of beavers in California.  As part of their Bring Back the Beaver CampaignKate Lundquist and Brock Dolman co-authored The Historical Range of Beaver in Coastal California, a peer-reviewed scientific paper re-evaluating the historic evidence of beaver on the coast of California. Ventura County is included in this research.

Why are Beavers important?

Beavers are nature's engineer, and their removal from our coastal rivers had a drastic effect on the ecosystem.  North American beaver (Castor canadensis) are what biologists call a “keystone species” as the habitat they create benefits many other species. Their dams improve water quantity and quality, increase late season flow and reduce the impacts of flooding. Beaver bank burrows and food caches provide critical habitat for many native and endangered California species. 

Here is what the Water Institute of the Occidental Art and Ecology Center has to say:

“Extensive research has recently heightened recognition of the important role beaver (Castor canadensis) can play in watershed health and climate change resiliency. The species’ ecological services include enhanced water storage, erosion control, habitat restoration and creation, listed species recovery, the maintenance of stream flows during the dry summer period, and other beneficial adaptations to our changing climate conditions."

Despite these benefits, current California beaver policy solely focuses on recreational hunting and lethal nuisance management. In response, the WATER Institute launched a Bring Back the Beaver Campaign to educate citizens about the importance of beaver. In order to improve water supply for humans and the environment and increase resilience to drought and climate change, we are working to integrate their management into California policy and regulation.

In addition to the resources on OAEC's site, the Beaver Institute has a large library of technical reference on everything from biodiversity and climate change, to experiments with man-made "Beaver Dam Analogs" that have been demonstrated to restore streams.  

Interestingly, visitors to the Ventura River have shown a tireless propensity for building pools in which to cool off in the hot months.  These human dams may in fact be a form of Beaver Dam Analog, slowing the flow, and perhaps even helping to increase our precious groundwater supply. 

Ventura River "Beaver Dam Analog" (BDA)


Below is a list of references and articles for those interested in learning more:

Bring Back the BeaverOccidental Art and Ecology Center

Beaver Institute

The Beaver Coalition empowers humans to partner with beavers through education, science, advocacy, and process-based restoration. We are proud to be the new stewards of “The Beaver Restoration Guidebook"

Keep Me Wild: Beaver:  California Department of Fish and Wildlife 

 'We became beavers' US Fish and Wildlife Service Partnering with the Scott River Watershed Council, designed a project to simulate what beavers had not been around to do for decades

Role of Beaver in Stream Ecosystems: Overview of beaver life history and habitat requirements, presentation from NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center

Why Beavers are Worth a Dam!  Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) advocates for statewide beaver relocation program

Beavers—Once Nearly Extinct—Could Help Fight Climate Change National Geographic; Beaver ponds keep rivers and streams wet all year, compensating for less snowpack and glacial melt. We just need to stay out of their way.

The Bountiful Benefits Of Bringing Back The Beavers, NPR Weekend Edition

Bring Back The Beavers  article includes video "How Beavers Engineer the Land" 

The Martinez Beavers: Worth A Dam

There's A Proposal To Bring Beavers To L.A. To Help With The Drought

Ranchers_Friend_and_Farmers_Foe_Reshaping_Nature_with_Beaver_Reintroduction _in_California

Beaver reintroduction key to solving freshwater biodiversity crisis

LEAVE IT TO BEAVERS: SIGNIFICANT PARTNERS IN DEALING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE 

Study: Beavers Transform Forests into Wetlands Over Many Decades

The British solution to beat flooding: Bring back beavers

Beavers set to be released in London as part of urban rewilding, Citizen Zoo plans to reintroduce animals in Tottenham as part of effort to ‘beaver up’ the capital, The Guardian, July 2, 2021 - The current law only allows landowners to release beavers if they are kept in a fenced enclosure. However, the government is developing a national beaver strategy that campaigners hope will include a roadmap for tearing these fences down

HYDROLOGIC RESPONSE OF HEADWATER STREAMS RESTORED WITH BEAVER DAM ANALOGUE STRUCTURES Masters Thesis By Evan Graham Norman 

Leave it to Beavers, NATURE documentary on PBS (Full episode streams on Amazon Prime)

Beavers Are Firefighters Who Work for Free, Is it time to rethink beaver relocation bans?, Sierra Magazine, May 4, 2021  "sections of creek that did not have beavers were on average more than three times as affected by fire—burning a bigger area—than areas where beavers had built dams."

Smokey the Beaver: beaver-dammed riparian corridors stay green during wildfire throughout the western United States, Emily Fairfax & Andrew Whittle, 2020

Klamath Tribes want beavers back in the Beaver State, Reintroducing the species creates important habitat for First Foods. But state laws don’t work in the animal’s favor. High Country News, May 19, 2021

The Economic History of the Fur Trade: 1670 to 1870,  Economic History Association "But after the 1730s there was a decline in beaver stocks to about half the maximum sustained yield levels. The cause of the depletion was closely related to what was happening in Europe. There, buoyant demand for felt hats and dwindling local fur supplies resulted in much higher prices for beaver pelts. These higher prices, in conjunction with the resulting competition from the French in the Hudson Bay region, led the Hudson’s Bay Company to offer much better terms to Natives who came to their trading posts (Carlos and Lewis, 1999).

Here, we define river-wetland corridors as a river type; review paleoenvironmental and historical records to establish their past ubiquity; describe the geologic, biotic, and geomorphic processes responsible for their formation and persistence; and provide examples of river-wetland corridor remnants that still survive. We close by highlighting the significance of the diverse river functions supported by river-wetland corridors, the consequences of diminution and neglect of this river type, and the implications for river restoration.

The beavers returning to the desert, BBC FUTURE PLANET | RIVERS, 13th July 2021
As the world heats up and extreme weather becomes more frequent, scientists have been rushing to reintegrate beavers into struggling ecosystems and dry landscapes.  Beavers used to be a prevalent species worldwide, ranging from Scotland to Spain, Syria to Russia, Canada to Mexico. The fur trade of the 1500s to 1800s saw the creatures hunted to almost extinction, but a recent resurgence of research and lobbying by conservationists has seen their numbers climb again.

Beaver expert Dr. Emily Fairfax said protecting these animals is crucial. She’s a hydrologist and teaches environmental science and resource management at California State University (CSU) Channel Islands.  She’s been studying a beaver habitat in the Salinas River over the past year and a half. She said she has seen the riverbed change from dry and sandy to a productive wetland.

To improve wildfire resistance, researchers look to beavers, Heard on NPR's All Things Considered, Oct 16, 2021
Last year Colorado saw the two largest wildfires in it's history, destroying hundreds of homes and 600 square miles of forest. Largely unbothered, though, are beavers, whose wet habitats offer refuge.

All of Ventura County is part of the historical habitat of beavers. Tsǝ’ pǝk is the Chumash word for beaver, and there are at least two places in Ventura County named after the animal. Beaver Campground and Beaver Camp are approximately northwest of the Ventura River where it nears the Pacific Ocean. Is it possible to reintroduce beavers? “It is realistic. It’s something that people are already doing in other states like Colorado,” Fairfax said. “It’s common in Washington, you can do it in Oregon.”  But not in California currently.  “It’s illegal here. You can’t move a live beaver for that purpose.”