Elwah Science Symposium

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

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

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

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

Compared to last year:

(photo Sep 23 12:49:49 2010 copyright californiacoastline.org)

'cut here'

California Chapter Conference - Ventura 2011

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 

• Rise Above Plastics 
• Coastal Preservation 
• Know Your H20 

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?

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