Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project

Celebrating Fifteen Years 15

1 Contents Dear Friends: We are thrilled to be celebrating the accomplishments of the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project (WRP) since its inception in 1997. To those agencies and scientists who WRP Member Agencies 2 established the WRP, helped develop and manage the projects funded by the WRP, provided matching funds or support, or simply enjoyed a restored watershed or wetland, we say Thank You! Introduction 3 The Board of Governors, which acts as the overarching policy making body for the WRP, and Who We Are 4 the Coastal Conservancy, which provides staff support for the WRP, are proud of the astounding Tidal Wetlands 6 achievements over the years. This report outlines major accomplishments the WRP has achieved Urban Streams and Wetlands 10 throughout the Southern California Bight and highlights some exemplary restoration projects.

Community-Based Projects 12 The WRP is a novel, collaborative, and broad-based partnership of 18 state and federal agency Partners. We have been successful in working in concert with scientists, local governments, Rivers and Streams 14 WRP Member Agencies environmental organizations, business leaders, and educators over the years. Our collaborators Fish Passage 16 outside the defined 18-agency partnership have included land trusts, cities and counties, fellow Federal Partners Restoration Planning Projects 18 state agencies, federal resource agencies, environmental and community organizations, private foundations, local universities, elected leaders and the general public. Working together, we Acquisition Projects 20 National Marine Fisheries Service have implemented projects that benefit the people and wildlife of Southern California. Natural Resources Conservation Service WRP Science Initiatives 22 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers WRP Organizational Chart 26 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WRP Projects Map 28 Our Partners 30 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service John Laird Samuel Schuchat Secretary Executive Officer Cover photos Natural Resources Agency Coastal Conservancy Main image: Tijauna Estuary State Partners Inset photos, left to right: Ocean Discovery Institute; Carpinteria Creek, South Coast Habitat Restoration; California Natural Resources Agency Plover photo credit Hartmut Walter California Coastal Conservancy California Department of Fish and Wildlife U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service California Department of Parks and Recreation Wildlife Conservation Board California Coastal Commission State Lands Commission California Environmental Protection Agency State Water Resources Control Board Central Coast Regional Water Quality Contol Board Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Contol Board Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Contol Board San Diego Regional Water Quality Contol Board

www.scwrp.org

1 Elegant Tern Colony Saltworks San Diego Bay 3 Who We Are FIFTEEN YEARS MORE THAN 200 PROJECTS The WRP has completed 206 wetlands projects over the past 15 years and has 85 active projects underway. These projects consist he Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project (WRP) is a unique partnership, chaired Since 2000, there has been of a variety of acquisition, restoration and habitat enhancement T by the California Resources Agency and supported by the State Coastal Conservancy. unprecedented state investment in projects that range in size from a few acres to large scale projects Through the WRP, public agencies, scientists, and local communities work cooperatively to natural resources and the WRP has that encompass hundreds of acres. Projects on the WRP Work Plan, benefited from these investments. approved annually by the Board of Governors, are larger projects acquire and restore wetlands in coastal Southern California. Two significant projects, the ranging from $50,000 to multimillion dollar projects. Projects of The WRP’s geographic scope is from Point Conception in Santa Barbara County to the restoration of Bolsa Chica Wetlands the Community Wetlands Restoration Grants Program (CWRGP) are small scale projects with grants up to $30,000 that are international border with Mexico. Using a non-regulatory approach and an ecosystem- ($144 million) and the acquisition designed to be completed in one or two years. based perspective, the WRP works together to identify wetland acquisition and restoration of the Ballona Wetlands ($140 priorities, prepare plans for these priority sites, pool funds to undertake these projects, million) received $284 million WRP Work Plan of the total project funds. The implement priority plans, and oversee post-project maintenance and monitoring. The WRP Work Plan is the list of priority wetland acquisition, Port of Los Angeles provided restoration and enhancement projects. The Work Plan is reviewed The goal of the WRP is to accelerate the pace, extent, and effectiveness of coastal wetland $40 million and the Port of Long by the various branches of the WRP including the County Task restoration through a regional prioritization plan for the acquisition, restoration and Beach provided $50 million to the Forces and the Wetland Managers Group, and is adopted by the enhancement of Southern California’s coastal wetlands and watersheds. The long-term Bolsa Chica restoration project in Board of Governors. Projects on the Work Plan must be consistent with the priorities and strategies in the WRP Regional Strategy for vision of the WRP is to re-establish a mosaic of functioning wetland and riparian systems exchange for mitigation credit. Wetland Recovery. WRP partner agencies use the WRP Work Plan that supports a diversity of species, while also providing refuges for humans within the urban Of the remaining projects, the to identify potential projects for available grant funds. In addition, landscape. majority of the funding came from the WRP works to help identify other sources of project funding for Work Plan projects. The WRP is comprised of 18 partner state and federal agencies. Representatives from State agencies. This funding has each of the partner agencies form the WRP Board of Governors. The Wetlands Managers primarily come from statewide Community Wetlands Restoration Grant Program bond measures, including Group, made up of staff from each of the partner agencies and representatives of other key The CWRGP provides funding for community-based restoration Proposition 12, Proposition 13, stakeholder organizations, along with the Science Advisory Panel, conduct the oversight projects in coastal wetlands and watersheds in the region. Proposition 40, Proposition 50 and WETLAND PROJECTS The purpose of the program is to further the goals of the WRP and implementation of WRP projects and research. A County Task Force in each of the five Proposition 84. Regional Strategy; build local capacity to plan and implement Southern California coastal counties provides local input to WRP priorities and projects. ACRES 13,130 wetland restoration projects; promote community involvement in wetland restoration activities; and foster education about wetland The WRP was created in 1997 as a regional voice for the valuable coastal wetland resources Total acres restored: 4,884 ecosystems. Grants of up to $30,000 are awarded. The program Total acres acquired: 8,246 of Southern California and began its first projects in 1999, 15 years ago. Prior to the creation is administered by Earth Island Institute in coordination with the of the WRP, there was little regional coordination or communication among public agencies, Coastal Conservancy. Nonprofit organizations, tribes and local agencies are eligible to apply. CWRGP grants are awarded on an nonprofit organizations and community members who had a vested interest in Southern FUNDING $631,324,722 annual basis. California’s wetlands. Many people held little hope for the wetlands that remained in the Total restoration funds: $301,984,228 Over the past 15 years more than $631 million has been invested rapidly developing region of Southern California. Total acquisition funds: $300,384,477 in 206 wetlands projects. The State of California has contributed In this publication we celebrate the many projects and accomplishments of the WRP over the Total planning funds: $ 28,956,017 more than half of that funding. This includes $2.5 million for 112 CWRGP projects.

past 15 years of on the ground projects, research and education. Hartmut Walter

2002 May Community 1999 2006 Wetlands Restoration First 23 projects Grant Program 2002 Passage of selected for the 2009 established Proposition 84 WRP Work Plan Passage of 2008 - 2010 2010 2 011 2004 2005 2012 2013 2002 Proposition 40 Tijuana Estuary Restoration of Upper Newport South San 2000 Colorado Lagoon Mission Creek September Bolsa Chica Arroyo Burro 2006 Tidal Restoration Huntington Beach Bay Ecosystem Diego Bay Wetlands 1997 Passage of 2003 Restoration Restoration Phase Fish Passage Project December Task Forces Estuary Restoration Los Cerritos Program Phase II Brookhurst and Magnolia Restoration completed Restoration Project Proposition 50 Groundbreaking I completed $8.7 completed $4.2 Wetlands Recovery 1999 established in the Ballona Project completed Wetlands Authority/ Feasibility Study Marsh completed $53 million completed $5.6 $144 million million million Project Working April First meeting of the five counties Acquisition Joint Powers Authority completed million Agreement signed 1998 WRP Public Advisory $140 million formed Science Advisory Group Panel formed

1999 – 2014 More than 200 Wetland Projects

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2 011 2012 2013 2014

4 5 resident birds, fish, vertebrates, invertebrates Why Wetland Restoration is Important and plants. The threatened and endangered species that use the bay include the brown Tidal Wetlands pelican, California black rail, light-footed Wetlands are valued worldwide for the many benefits they provide. They help clapper rail, western snowy plover, California regulate climate, store surface water, control pollution and flooding, replenish least tern, coastal California gnatcatcher, aquifers, promote nutrient cycling, protect shorelines, maintain natural communities Belding’s savannah sparrow and plant species such as salt marsh bird’s beak. The principal of plants and animals, serve as critical nursery areas, and provide opportunities for threat to fish and wildlife habitat in Upper education and recreation. Despite these vital services, wetlands have not always been Newport Bay is from excessive sediment appreciated. Throughout most of recorded world history, wetlands were regarded and nutrients delivered from upstream, particularly from San Diego Creek, which as wastelands and problem areas to be drained or filled. Wetlands tend to form on drains 85 percent of the bay’s watershed. flat lands that are easily developed if adequately drained. Most of the wetlands that The Upper Newport Bay Ecosystem existed in California at the time of statehood were lost within the following hundred Restoration Project addressed the impacts years. These drastic losses of wetland form and function have spawned an era of of habitat conversion resulting from sedimentation in the upper bay by dredging much-needed wetland restoration. While studying historical wetland functions is a key 2.1 million cubic yards of sediment and tool needed to guide restoration efforts, the Wetlands Recovery Project is dedicated enhancing salt marsh and mudflat habitats to restoring wetlands that can sustain the current and future landscapes of Southern around the bay for a total project cost of $53.3 million. California. By cultivating resilient wetlands on a landscape scale, the WRP hopes to The project was developed by the U.S. Army return the economic, environmental and recreational benefits of wetlands to Southern Corps of Engineers and the County of Orange California human society. in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife South San Diego Bay Willets and Pickleweed Service, National Marine Fisheries Service,

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fish U.S. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. The long-term objective of the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project is to fish. Coastal marshes will play an increasingly been restored with the 40-plus acre Newland restoration program. Development of the important role in buffering our coastline and The Upper Newport Bay Eelgrass Restoration Marsh yet to be restored. restoration plan was overseen by a multi- re-establish a mosaic of fully functioning wetlands systems, communities from the impacts of sea level Project is addressing another critical issue In 2006, with funding from the Coastal agency team of federal, state and local partners. rise and climate change. Projects such as the for the bay. In the soft-bottom, subtidal Conservancy, the Huntington Beach Wetlands Mitigation funds were secured to complete the with a diversity of habitat types and The restoration of coastal salt marsh was South San Diego Bay Wetlands Restoration areas within Upper Newport Bay, the Conservancy completed a conceptual engineering and environmental compliance to connections to upland communities, which achieved by removing and redistributing will reverse some of the damage that has been submerged plant, Zostera marina (eelgrass), restoration plan for the Huntington Beach prepare for restoration. Construction began preserves and recovers self-sustaining sediment to restore appropriate tidal done, increasing the region’s resilience in the is threatened. Eelgrass is known as an wetlands ecosystem from Beach Boulevard in 2008 with funding from the mitigation populations of species. Southern California’s elevations and create channels in the ponds face of climate change and improving water ecosystem engineer because of its ability to to the Santa Ana River. The plan evaluated sources and the Wildlife Conservation Board. coastal wetlands are among the most and then breaching the levees to restore tidal quality in San Diego Bay. provide structure, food, refuge and water the engineering, ecological and economical Additionally, Coastal Conservancy funded productive habitats on the Pacific coast. The circulation. The restoration areas were then quality benefits to subtidal species. Eelgrass feasibility of wetland restoration alternatives projects include the acquisition of 16.6 wetlands provide habitat for hundreds of fish planted with native salt marsh vegetation. Upper Newport Bay is sensitive to decreases in light availability within the Huntington Beach Wetlands and acres owned by the University of California, and wildlife species, including feeding and and with increased human populations The San Diego Bay’s coastal habitats support Upper Newport Bay is the largest functioning developed a framework for a coordinated Riverside (completed spring 2008) and nesting habitat for migratory birds on the and activities in the Upper Newport Bay, seven federally or state listed threatened full tidal wetland in Southern California. The Pacific Flyway and habitat and food chain the excessive nutrient concentrations and and endangered species, tens of thousands California Department of Fish and Wildlife support for commercial and recreational increased water turbidity conditions are of migratory birds that travel along the manages 752 acres of the Upper Bay as an fisheries. Restoration of tidal wetlands is a favoring algal blooms rather than eelgrass Pacific Flyway, and a diverse array of ecological reserve that provides valuable primary goal of the WRP. commercially and recreationally important populations. In June 2012, the Orange habitat for a diverse array of migratory and SANTA Completed County Coastkeeper and Coastal Resources Lancaster BARBARA VENTURA South San Diego Bay Management Inc. transplanted and seeded Restoration a total of 236 m2 of eelgrass on unvegetated Projects The South San Diego Bay Wetlands LOS mudflat habitat along the main channel side Restoration Project restored approximately Santa Barbara ANGELES 257 acres of coastal wetlands in the southwest Amanda Bird of the DeAnza Marsh Peninsula. After refining corner of San Diego Bay. In September 2011 planting methodologies, a second round of Oxnard 2 two former salt ponds were opened once again transplants occurred in July 2013 (200 m ). Santa Monica to the tides, after being converted from salt The project team has been monitoring water marsh approximately 50 years ago, and closed quality and eelgrass growth since and has documented an overall expansion of eelgrass ORANGE off from the bay. More than 70 percent of San C h a nn e l I s la nd s Long Beach Diego Bay’s coastal salt marsh habitats were habitat with a total of 1.4 acres across the Huntington Beach lost over the past 150 years from dredging project sites. and filling to accommodate maritime and urban development. Prior to restoration, Huntington Beach Wetlands Oceanside the salt ponds had very low diversity and The Huntington Beach Wetlands comprise SAN abundance of fish and other marine species approximately 190 acres of salt marsh, DIEGO Completed Restoration Projects due to poor water quality in the ponds. seasonal wetlands and coastal dune habitat. Approximately 150 acres of the wetlands have Other Protected Lands (Fee and Easement) Urban San Diego 6 Mexico 7 Upper Newport Bay Eelgrass Planting Huntington Beach Wetlands Construction Malibu Lagoon Tidal Wetlands

construction of the Wetlands Education Malibu Lagoon and flushing by removing physical barriers and Wildlife Care Center at the Huntington to flow and increasing the wind fetch across The Malibu Lagoon Restoration and Beach Wetlands (completed spring 2008). the lagoon. Removing the path bisecting Enhancement Plan provided a comprehensive Construction of recreation access trails the lagoon also reduced wildlife disturbance approach to restore and enhance the (funded) and acquisition and restoration of caused by humans and predators penetrating ecological structure and function of Malibu Newland Marsh are the anticipated next steps the lagoon’s interior. In the main lagoon Lagoon, as well as to enhance the visitor’s of restoration. channel, native trees which were removed experience through improvements to public from another location on site were re-used, access, recreation and education. Stakeholder Bolsa Chica Wetlands placed as snags to create additional subsurface involvement was integral to the development habitat for sensitive fish species. All disturbed The Bolsa Chica Wetlands are located in of the Enhancement Plan. The project was areas were replanted with native wetland and Orange County, surrounded by the City of a collaborative effort among the California upland species as appropriate. More than Huntington Beach. This project is one of State Department of Parks and Recreation, 68,000 native plants were planted to complete the largest wetland restoration projects to Coastal Conservancy, Lagoon Technical the restoration. be constructed in Southern California. Tidal Advisory Committee, and Lagoon Restoration influence was restored to approximately 370 Working Group led by the nonprofit partner, Both phases included improvements to the acres of wetland habitat. The project also Heal the Bay. The final enhancement plan was public access and recreational uses onsite. improved muted tidal circulation to 200 completed on June 2005 and subsequently In addition, a comprehensive biological and acres, retained 120 acres of seasonal pond implemented in two phases. water quality monitoring plan was developed habitat, and reserved 252 acres for future to assess the water quality improvement and Phase 1 focused on water quality full tidal restoration when oil field operations habitat restoration enhancement achieved improvement by addressing the runoff terminate in 15-20 years. Most of the area by the two phases. State Parks, as the lead flows into the lagoon that contributed to had been isolated from the Pacific Ocean since agency under CEQA, adopted the Final EIR poor lagoon water quality. Phase 1 included

1900, and was used for oil production for the for both phases of the plan in April 2006. Hartmut Walter relocation and redesign of the existing parking past 65 years. lot to maximize available wetland habitat area Carpinteria Salt Marsh Project elements included buying out for restoration in Phase 2, and provided water certain oil production facilities, recreating quality benefits with a low impact design for Goals of the Carpinteria Salt Marsh a tidal channel and stabilizing it with short the new parking lot including a crushed shale Restoration project were to restore 29 acres of jetties, pre-filling an offshore sandbar and surface and native plant swales. wetlands, provide improved flood protection, augmenting the volume of beach sand, and provide access to recreational trails to Phase 2 focused on wetland habitat restoration dredging a tidal basin, bolstering perimeter the public. The project was a continuation by recontouring the three western lagoon levees, installing a French drain and pump of a 20-year successful partnership at the channels into a singular meandering channel system, forming upland islands, improving Carpinteria Salt Marsh among the Coastal more consistent with natural marsh hydrology culverts between the new tidal basin and Conservancy, Santa Barbara Land Trust, included excavation of 22,000 cubic yards site and approximately 17,000 native plants with a reoriented connection to the main muted tidal area, building a bridge on Pacific U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of of sediment to reestablish tidal channels, were planted. The project also constructed a lagoon to allow for better exchange of flows Coast Highway (including pedestrian and California Reserve System, Santa Barbara removal of obsolete berms, and opening the new 90-foot steel truss pedestrian footbridge into and out of the western complex. Islands bicycle lanes separate from vehicle traffic County Flood Control District, City of mouth inlet to promote sediment flushing across Franklin Creek, to connect the Land were also created to enhance avian habitat and “Through the Wetlands Recovery lanes) and an oil field access bridge to span Carpinteria, and the community. and improve tidal circulation. Six thousand Trust preserve to the City of Carpinteria’s Salt reduce predator encroachment. Along the edge cubic yards of the sediment also was used for Marsh Nature Park. Trails now lead the public the new tidal channel, and setting aside an The $2-million-plus project was completed Project’s remarkable partnership, of the main lagoon, the multi-bridge path was beach nourishment. Additionally, nonnative to a 1,200-foot interpretive path on the Land endowment for operation and maintenance. in March 2008. Major elements of the project demolished to allow for improved circulation vegetation and trash was removed from the Trust preserve. WCB has complete confidence that the best available conservation science and the widest possible

Phil Roullard collaboration are being utilized in developing wetland projects on California’s south coast.”

John P. Donnelley Executive Director Wildlife Conservation Board

Plants for South Field Trip Tijuana Estuary Bolsa Chica Wetlands Snowy Egrets Bolsa Chica Least Tern Chick 8 San Diego Bay 9 “ ‘It is difficult to imagine that streams once ran through the landscape that is now Los Angeles…Many Angelenos do not believe that a stream might once have graced their neighborhood. Even more fantastic is that the stream might someday Urban Streams and Wetlands be returned.’ While these words, written in the preface to Seeking Streams in 2001, are still relevant today, Los Angeles and Southern California in general, is shifting in awareness of our relationship to our native waters. These rivers, creeks, Streams and wetlands in urban settungs face many unique the flood plain terrace and installing rock challenges. weirs for improved in-stream habitat and and the aquifers that undergird them created this fertile and desirable place to live, and without them the sustainability channel stability. In-stream habitat features of the region is tenuous. As challenging as creek daylighting and floodplain restoration remains in the urban context, it is expanded the number of pools available to Urban run-off due to impervious surfaces dredging and removal of 33,000 cubic yards steelhead trout and created larger pools. within the watershed alters hydrologic regimes of sediment, re-contouring lagoon banks, essential in this era of statewide drought and climate change to re-establish these hydrologic processes. Future Angelenos Improved passage, resting pools and escape and increases nonpoint source pollution diverting low-flow runoff, installing trash cover also provides for potential movement may find it fantastical that we ever thought to bury creeks and block floodplains from replenishing aquifers.” entering the waterways. Trash, channelization collection levies, creating two vegetated of steelhead to larger upstream spawning and burying streams and creeks in subsurface bioswales, clearing tidal culverts, demolishing pools. The project also installed biotechnical pipes can erase these resources from our the northern paved parking lot, re-vegetating Jessica Hall, Landscape Architect bank stabilizing vegetated rock revetments collective memories. By looking back at the the former parking area, constructing public to protect against sediment loading and historical record, and through the vision and trails, and replacing an observation pier. landslides. Restoration included removal planning of committed organizations and Phase II will expand the existing lagoon by of the invasive exotic plant species Arundo individuals, we can begin to recover some of cutting back the north shore area, creating donax. The project preserved and expanded what has been lost or forgotten. more subtidal and intertidal habitat with the native tree canopy to improve in-stream potential for eelgrass colonization. Further, Colorado Lagoon and riparian habitat, and the project area the lagoon will be reconnected to tidal action was planted with native species to restore Colorado Lagoon is a 15-acre tidal lagoon in by excavating a portion of East Colorado cover, vegetative structure and increase native the City of Long Beach and is connected to Street. diversity. Alamitos Bay and the Pacific Ocean through a tidal box culvert to Marine Stadium. Las Flores Creek Coyote Creek and Carbon Creek Watershed Swimming, fishing, picnicking and wildlife The Las Flores Creek Restoration is Feasibility Study viewing are popular recreational activities at bounded by Pacific Coast Highway on the The Coyote Creek and Carbon Creek the lagoon. south, Rambla Pacifico on the west, and Watershed Feasibility Study exemplified the Since the lagoon is a natural low point in the Las Flores Canyon Road. The Las Flores challenges of working in highly urbanized watershed, it has historically accumulated Canyon watershed is a 2,646-acre coastal environments. This cooperative effort between pollutants deposited over the entire watershed watershed of Santa Monica Bay located on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the that are washed into the storm drains by the southeastern flank of the Santa Monica County of Orange included 10 Orange County storm flows and dry weather runoff. The Mountains. cities, the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Colorado Lagoon Restoration project achieved The Las Flores Canyon Creek Restoration Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, the treatment and disposal of contaminated project improved channel stability, protecting Los Angeles and Orange County sanitation sediments from the West Arm of Colorado the emergent wetland downstream and districts and the County of Los Angeles Lagoon, a 44-acre saltwater lagoon connected increased potential habitat for steelhead trout Department of Public Works, representing all to Alamitos Bay. Phase I of the project was and other native species along 2,400 feet the Los Angeles County cities in the Coyote completed in August 2012. Phase I consisted of the creek. The project included grading Creek Watershed. Ballona Wetlands The multi-objective watershed feasibility study addressed water quality problems, habitat restoration, recreational improvements and storm water management. The study Taylor Parker Taylor further examined increasing the quantity and quality of wetland and riparian habitats in the watersheds, reducing the concentrations of ammonia and silver, coliform, and algae in the watersheds, restoring beneficial uses, increasing passive and active recreation opportunities, improving beach nourishment opportunities, and other public objectives.

10 Colorado Lagoon Chollas Creek Ocean Discovery Institute Salicornia 11

“Earth Island Institute is proud to be a funder and partner of the Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program. The program is achieving incredible grass-roots successes restoring wetlands in Southern California and reaching many diverse communities to become stewards of these ecosystems. It’s exciting to see what a big difference this makes.” Community-Based Projects David Phillips, Executive Director, Earth Island Institute

The Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program (CWRGP) members. Volunteers came to Starr Ranch is a program of the WRP jointly managed by the State Coastal from Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and Orange counties. A crew of at-risk young Conservancy and Earth Island Institute. adults from the Orange County Conservation Corps also removed olive and palm trees from The program provides annual funding for community-based restoration projects in coastal wetlands and the entire length of the 4.71 miles (125 acres) riparian corridors in the Southern California Bight. project area of Bell Creek.

Ormond Beach Native Plant Restoration The CWRGP helps to further the goals of stewardship and conservation for the continued the WRP Regional Strategy in several ways. and long-term preservation and enhancement The goal of this project was to improve the The program builds local capacity to plan of Los Cerritos Wetlands. The project installed quality of a coastal freshwater and brackish and implement wetland restoration projects, coastal wetlands vegetation, controlled non- marsh and bordering back dune area at promotes community involvement in wetland native plant species, removed thousands Ormond Beach in Ventura County. The project restoration activities, and fosters education of pounds of debris, conserved rare plant served as an experiential education tool for about wetland ecosystems. Projects funded populations, propagated wetlands plant species local elementary school and college groups. through the program must include strong and introduced non-traditional environmental Depending upon the class level, students were educational and community involvement constituents to these urban wetlands. involved in different aspects of the restoration components, and are designed to be completed process including permitting, habitat surveys Zedler Marsh

in a year or two. Devereux Slough Margin Enhancement Project and evaluation, creating plant lists, mapping Tidal Influence the project area, obtaining seeds and cuttings, Each year, CWRGP solicits proposals This project, led by the Santa Barbara nursery cultivation and ultimately eradication from nonprofit organizations, university Audubon Society, enhanced the slough margin of non-native, plant species. “We learned that we have to protect departments, local government agencies and at Coal Oil Point Reserve by removing invasive other eligible organizations. Proposals are plant species, primarily iceplant and New the wetlands because if we destroy SANTA Lancaster reviewed by a technical advisory committee Zealand spinach, from approximately 8 acres BARBARA them, we will be taking homes away VENTURA Community Wetland that includes staff from the State Coastal of wetland habitat. The project site was then from many animals.” Conservancy, Earth Island Institute, the planted with native plant species. Taking Restoration Grant LOS Wildlife Conservation Board, and other WRP advantage of the project location being close ANGELES Esmeralda Santa Barbara Program Projects partner agencies. CWRGP typically funds 10 to the University of California, Santa Barbara, to 12 projects per year. Over the past 15 years, the project utilized the volunteer help of 21 Oxnard “I learned that the wetland soil the CWRGP has provided funding to 142 undergraduate interns and approximately 63 Santa Monica community-based projects. community volunteers. holds water like a sponge.” Andrea Zedler Marsh Meadows and Hellman Invasive Removal in Bell Creek ORANGE Bell Creek C ha n ne l I s l a n d s Long Beach Lowlands Restoration Project Huntington Beach The Audubon Society at Starr Ranch organized “I didn’t get how to plant, but then This project, lead by Los Cerritos Wetlands community volunteers to remove periwinkle, on my 5th plant I started to get it. Land Trust, expanded the community-based smilo grass, and English ivy from a 1.5-acre restoration efforts at Los Cerritos Wetlands work area in Bell Creek, a tributary of San Oceanside I planted 11 plants.” to the newly purchased Hellman Ranch Juan Creek in Orange County. Volunteer Community Wetland Restoration SAN Grant Program Projects DIEGO Ulysses Lowlands. The project restored the native plant groups were named “Weed Warriors” and Current community in 6 acres of alkali meadow in the consisted of families, scout troops, a high Completed “Plants in the watershed Zedler Marsh restoration area. This work was school National Honor Society group, and Other Protected Lands (Fee and Easement) incorporated into a public program focused Cal State Fullerton Circle K International San help clean it. It’s amazing!” Urban Diego on wetlands education, community outreach, Mexico Miranda

Emory Elementary, South Bay District Santa Barbara Audubon Society

12 1 13 Devereux Slough Watershed Avengers Watershed Avengers Nallelis Family “Rivers and streams are the critical connections between the upper watershed Rivers and Streams and the ocean. They are the lifeblood of our local ecosystems, supporting a wide Rivers and streams throughout the WRP region provide critical habitat suitable habitat that was previously seasonally variety of aquatic plants and animals. The restricted due to the sub-surface flows for many threatened and endangered species associated with the berm. The project also aquatic “freeways” needed by anadromous restored 12 acres of riparian habitat. Native fish like steelhead only work when the including southern steelhead trout, California of anadromous adults has plummeted since riparian species including willow, mule fat, red-legged frogs, and many bird species. the 1960’s and the current National Marine alders, cottonwoods, sycamores and oaks rivers and streams are accessible and These riparian corridors also provide linkages Fisheries Service population estimate is a total were planted and non-native plants, including for wildlife between coastal habitats and of 500. Arundo donax, were removed. healthy. By investing in restoring these adjacent forest and mountain wilderness State Parks purchased the project area in The berm removal was completed in 2008 habitats. Many of these systems have been critical ecological links, the WRP has 2001 as part of a 1,600-acre acquisition and habitat restoration has been on-going channelized and altered for flood control in the lower Topanga Creek watershed. with thousands of volunteer hours removing contributed substantially to protecting the and water treatment purposed, overrun by Residences were vacated and State Parks arundo and euphoria, planting natives and invasive vegetation, and had hydrologic future of these systems, but the ripple removed the structures prior to removal of the removing trash. On January 23, 2010, 11 regimes destroyed by urban runoff. Restoring berm. In fall 2008, State Parks in cooperation smolts were found heading downstream to the effects also contribute to the health natural riparian systems and removing with the Resource Conservation District ocean. invasive plant species is another priority goal of the Santa Monica Mountains removed and well being of the many millions of for the WRP. the 1,000-foot-long, 30-foot-high berm Upper Sulphur Creek Bell Creek humans who also rely on these functioning

from Lower Topanga Creek. The berm was Starr Ranch Sanctuary In 2006 the Upper Sulphur Creek Project Topanga Creek installed without a permit by local residents systems. As the saying goes, “we all restored approximately 7,900 linear feet (or The Topanga Creek Rodeo Grounds Berm following the 1980 flood. The berm was 1.5 miles) of stream corridor along Upper Removal Project restored the natural constructed on top of material deposited since live downstream.” The future of people Sulphur Creek in Orange County. The Coastal construction biological and water quality The planning process had significant floodplain, creek channel, and sediment the 1960s by residents fearful that heavy Conservancy, the City of Laguna Niguel, monitoring. involvement from the local community in Southern California is directly tied to transport functions at the southern end rains would swell the creek and flood their the State Water Resources Control Board, The principle benefit to coastal resources including several community workshops. of Topanga Creek, homes, disrupting the creek’s the future of our natural resources. The three homeowners associations, and several of restoring more natural stream functions The project was designed to balance flood approximately 2,500 10-mile path to the ocean individual owners of land adjacent to Sulphur in this coastal watershed is improved water management, habitat and recreation contributions of the WRP to restore and feet upstream from the for over three decades. The Creek worked in a partnership to mitigate quality achieved by reducing erosion and objectives. The project ultimately helped Pacific Ocean. The project project removed 19,000 cubic biological and water quality impacts of sedimentation. The improved water quality reduce sediment loadings to Newport Bay. protect these resources has been a major enhanced habitat for yards of soil, asphalt, concrete intense urbanization. serves to protect fish and wildlife habitat in endangered southern and car parts, weighing benefit to us all.” coastal waters. Cottonwood Creek steelhead trout by 27,880 tons (1,394 20 ton The project included the removal of The Cottonwood Creek Park Restoration improving fish passage truckloads) and was able to approximately 3,600 linear feet of concrete Rosi Dagit, Senior Conservation Biologist Serrano Creek Project recreated approximately 2.4 acres opportunities and providing recycle all of the material ditches to create a wider and natural soft RCD of the Santa Monica Mountains of riparian habitat along one-quarter mile summer rearing habitat for juveniles. Topanga except 98 loads of lead contaminated fill. bottom stream channel. Other project Serrano Creek is a tributary to San Diego elements included creation of streamside Creek draining an area of about 2,590 acres. of stream corridor on Cottonwood and Creek is one of only three watersheds in The removal of the berm restored the creek terraces to enhance flood protection, removal San Diego Creek is a tributary to Upper Moonlight creeks in northern San Diego the Santa Monica Bay with a reproducing for fish passage, opening up access for of invasive and exotic species, revegetation Newport Bay whose wetland habitats have County. The City of Encinitas took on the population of these fishes. The total number endangered steelhead trout to 3.3 miles of with native plant species and pre- and post- been degraded by excessive sediment flows. creek restoration as part of a larger effort to Serrano Creek has been a major contributor develop the 8 acre Cottonwood Creek Park. of sediment to Upper Newport Bay and during The project achieved three main goals: 1) restore and enhance riparian habitat along Topanga Creek Santa Clara River the 1997-1998 El Niño winter, an estimated 400,000 cubic yards of sediment eroded from the two creeks; 2) improve water quality; and the creek banks. Portions of the creek had 30 3) provide educational opportunities for park foot to 40 foot vertical banks. visitors. The Serrano Creek Stabilization and The project day-lighted approximately 650 Restoration Project planning phase was feet of Cottonwood Creek returning the completed in 2004. Construction followed creek to the surface. Moonlight Creek was the planning phase in which 1.1 miles of extended and now joins Cottonwood Creek Serrano Creek in the City of Lake Forest in the southeast section of the park. The were stabilized through installation of several City of Encinitas also developed a variety creek stabilization features coupled with a of public outreach and education tools in riparian restoration program. Project elements conjunction with the creek restoration. included rock grade stabilization structures, Pamphlets and brochures about the stream rock bank slope protection, weirs and restoration effort, water quality concerns and extensive replanting of the creek edges and native habitat were distributed in the park. Orange County Public Works bank. The Serrano Creek Stabilization Project Interpretive signs have been installed and evolved out of a multi-year planning process classroom demonstrations have been held in among the City of Lake Forest, County of the restored area. Orange and the Serrano Creek Conservancy. 14 Serrano Creek 15 Fish Passage

California’s salmon, steelhead and other aquatic life depend on the Ventura River and Ojai Valley health of our coastal rivers and streams.

San Jaun and Trabuco Creeks Healthy streams provide cool water, clean gravel, natural meandering channels and access Arizona Crossing Barrier to upstream habitat. Almost every stream along the Southern California coast has been fragmented by roads, dams, culverts, concrete channels, low-water crossings or other structures that create difficult or impassable migration barriers for fish.

Carpinteria Creek projects and the continued efforts of South connects with the 6-mile Ventura River Trail Matilija Dam Coast Habitat Restoration and WRP partners to downtown Ventura, the estuary and the The Carpinteria Creek watershed has been a The Matilija Dam Removal Project in Carpinteria Creek Fish Passage Barrier Survey it is hoped this watershed will have a critical Coastal Trail. major focus of steelhead recovery efforts since Ventura County includes preliminary role in the recovery of southern steelhead. the Carpinteria Creek Watershed Coalition During years with heavy rainfall the culvert engineering and design for the removal was founded in 2001. The coalition and filled with sediment and debris, causing the of the Matilija Dam on the Ventura River. Ventura River and Ojai Valley its member organizations spearheaded the trail to flood continuously and blocking both The project will restore fish passage to creation of a watershed management plan. The primary goals of the Ojai Valley Trail steelhead passage as well as use of the trail by historic spawning and rearing habitat for This led to completion of the first fish passage Fish Barrier Removal Project were to improve cyclists and pedestrians. southern steelhead in the upper watershed. project in 2004. This was followed with four passage and instream habitat for endangered It will also restore natural sediment more projects completed in 2008. In total nine southern steelhead and public safety along Mission Creek transport downstream and improve sand barriers have been removed the Ojai Valley Trail. The The project implemented fish passage replenishment at beaches along the coast. or modified to allow fish project site is located at the improvements in lower Mission Creek in When the project is fully implemented, the passage. confluence of San Antonio Santa Barbara. The city modified the lower Ventura River watershed and its related Creek with the Ventura Led by South Coast Habitat concrete flood control channel to improve estuarine and ocean habitats offshore will River, about 8 miles from Restoration, Carpinteria conditions for southern steelhead to migrate more closely resemble historic conditions. the estuary. By removing an Creek steelhead recovery upstream to access year-round water with existing culvert and replacing efforts have been successful suitable spawning habitat in the upper San Juan and Trabuco Creek it with a bridge set above to date as a result of the watershed. The San Juan and Trabuco Creek Steelhead the 100-year floodplain, the Carpinteria Creek Watershed Recovery Project in Orange County will project improved steelhead The project created a low flow channel Coalition members coming together and implement the top three priority projects passage to 15 miles of streams within the (fishway) and resting areas within the bed of implementing the long-term vision of identified in the watershed’s Management San Antonio Creek watershed. In addition, the channel. The design slows down water restoring steelhead access throughout the Plan. These include alteration of the the new bridge provides a low maintenance, flow and increases water depth within the watershed. Metrolink crossing of Trabuco Creek, all-weather crossing over San Antonio Creek, channel to aid fish passage. The project assessment and restoration of the San Juan More than 5 miles of high quality fish habitat improving user safety on the Ojai Valley opened up 3.9 miles of riparian habitat for Creek Lagoon and restoration of a 3,000- Mission Creek has been opened for steelhead passage and Trail during high flows and minimizing steelhead, including approximately 2 miles of foot long reach of Trabuco Creek including spawning. One final barrier removal project storm-related closures of the trail along this moderate- to high-quality spawning habitat, alteration of the stream structure and is underway. The projects completed so far segment. and was integral to the success of other have included modification of a debris basin, fish passage projects on Mission Creek. The removal of exotic species. The Ojai Valley Trail is a popular bicycle, creek bank stabilization, barrier removal and project also removed a complete barrier to equestrian, jogging and pedestrian path that modification to allow passage and habitat fish migration, allowing steelhead to migrate runs along the Ventura River from Soule Park restoration. Through completion of the above upstream to spawn and reduced the threat of in Ojai to Foster Park in Ventura, where it extirpation of this important species.

Carpinteria Creek Bridge San Jaun and Trabuco Creeks Ed Henke with stringer 1946 Matilija Dam

16 Matilija Dam 17

Restoration Planning Projects Los Cerritos Creek Based on a solid scientific foundation, best management practices and knowledge and experience of partner agency resource staff, the unique structure of the WRP builds a lagoons and associated uplands that were bridge between local planning and restoration priorities and regional recovery goals. there before conversion to industry and agriculture. The preferred alternative has The WRP is advancing the science of the lower reach of the San Gabriel River. been selected, which will restore historical restoration planning to incorporate historical LCWA is a joint powers authority among lagoons, including related ecotones and ecology data, current condition and extent the Coastal Conservancy, Rivers and grasslands, and allow room for shoreline data, and models of how to account for Mountains Conservancy, and the cities of transgression from sea level rise and storm climate change and future sea level and storm Long Beach and Seal Beach. It has acquired erosion in accordance with climate change pattern scenarios. approximately 170 acres of the wetlands models. Ormond Beach is one of the only complex in addition to 33 acres of wetlands coastal wetlands in Southern California where San Elijo Lagoon owned by the City of Long Beach. LCWA sea level rise can occur without shrinking wants to ensure that any near-term work will The goal of the San Elijo Lagoon Restoration the wetland acreage due to the absence of be compatible with restoration of adjacent Project in San Diego County is to enhance and confining development. properties that remain in private ownership restore the biological functions and values of “Our long term partnership with the Wetlands Recovery Project and Coastal Conservancy has resulted in successful restoration and the San Elijo Lagoon Reserve with a balance but could someday be acquired and restored. Ballona Wetlands of habitat types. The San Elijo Lagoon has As a result, all 519 acres of the complex will State and federal agencies and many other innovative research projects. The Conservancy has provided a solid foundation on which SWIA has built and enhanced relationships with been dramatically altered over the years by be included within the geographic scope of stakeholders are engaged in the planning transportation projects including the railroad, the plan. research institutions, agencies and surrounding communities to further the recovery and protection of coastal wetlands.” process for the enhancement of 600 acres of the Pacific Coast Highway and Interstate 5. The preliminary goals for the conceptual the Ballona Wetlands owned and managed Michael A. McCoy, President, Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association These projects have constricted the tidal flow restoration plan are to: restore wetland by the State of California. This is the largest in the lagoon, which has had an impact on processes and functions; maximize contiguous Parker Taylor coastal wetland restoration project in Los habitat types and species usage. The project wetland areas and minimize the edge between Angeles County. The restoration planning will protect, restore and maintain the San wetlands and sources of disturbance; restore Tijuana Estuary process involved extensive public outreach. Elijo Lagoon ecosystem and adjacent uplands habitat for resident and migratory bird The Tijuana River and its estuary have faced More than 20 public meetings and workshops to support native flora and fauna of Southern species along the Pacific Flyway; ensure disturbance due to human activities since the mid- were held to receive input from and provide SANTA Wetlands Recovery California, as well as restore and maintain the long-term viability and sustainability Lancaster 19th century. Challenges have included diking, land updates to stakeholders and interested parties. BARBARA estuarine and brackish marsh hydrology. of the project in the face of such threats as VENTURA Project Completed filling and extended periods of sewage contamination. A Scientific Advisory Committee has been urbanization and climate change; create The Tijuana Estuary Tidal Restoration Program is a The final engineering phase of the project will established to ensure that the restoration plan Planning Projects a public access and interpretive program LOS large, multi-phased wetland restoration program. The add on to the completed technical studies, is based on the best available science. Five ANGELES for a memorable visitor experience; and Santa Barbara proposed 500 acres of restoration will restore valuable models and conceptual restoration designs restoration scenarios were developed based implement a program that will be practical habitats by enhancing the tidal prism and flushing, needed to complete the draft EIR/EIS. The upon input from more than 100 stakeholders. Oxnard final plan development includes additional and economically feasible. improving water quality and managing sedimentation. In 2009, the Coastal Conservancy and its technical studies, completion of the Final Santa Monica This project addresses critical planning needs for the partners completed a restoration feasibility EIR/EIS, completion of the 60 percent design Ormond Beach continued adaptive restoration of the Tijuana River study that evaluated restoration alternatives. plans, preparation of permit applications and The goal of the Ormond Beach Wetlands ORANGE Estuary. This next project phase includes final design, Through public, scientific and technical C ha n ne l I s l a n d s Long Beach establishing a scientific monitoring program. project in Ventura County is to acquire and Huntington Beach engineering and permitting for the Tijuana Estuary review, a preferred restoration option was restore at least 1,200 acres and integrate these Tidal Restoration Program, a long-term restoration selected. The restoration feasibility report and Los Cerritos Wetlands wetlands with the 3,000-acre Mugu Lagoon program led by the Southwest Wetlands Interpretive other project documents are available online dunes and wetlands complex. A restoration Association and the Tijuana River National Estuarine This project provides funds to Los Cerritos at www.ballonarestoration.org. In 2010, Oceanside feasibility study has been completed evaluating Research Reserve. Planning for the project also Wetlands Authority (LCWA) to complete a the formal environmental review process SAN options for restoring tidal action to portions DIEGO includes development of a model for incorporating comprehensive conceptual plan for restoration for the proposed project began. The CA of the property, restoring historic drainage Wetlands Recovery Project historical ecology, current condition data and future of Los Cerritos Wetlands complex in Long Department of Fish and Wildlife, with support patterns, and recreating a mix of tidal and Completed Planning Projects scenario planning to account for climate change and Beach and Seal Beach. Los Cerritos is from technical consultants, is preparing an seasonal wetlands with associated grasslands. Other Protected Lands (Fee and Easement) associated sea level rise. This project level planning 519-acre mosaic of publicly and privately Environmental Impact Report/Statement San Urban Diego exico tool will then be scaled up for application at a regional owned properties, land uses and resources Public ownership will allow for restoration to evaluate the potential impacts of project M level to the WRP’s geographic region. located along Pacific Coast Highway and of most of the historic extent of the coastal alternatives.

Tijuana Estuary Ballona Wetlands SMASH Filed Trip Ballona

18 19 San Elijo Lagoon Ormond Beach San Elijo Lagoon Bird Chart SANTA Lancaster BARBARA VENTURA Wetlands Recovery

LOS Project Completed Acquisition Projects Santa Barbara ANGELES Acquisition Projects Acquisition of property from willing sellers is one of the primary Oxnard strategies to recover wetlands that the WRP employs. Santa Monica

ORANGE C h a n ne l I s l a nd s Long Beach Acquiring coastal wetlands and associated upland habitats that are primarily privately owned, and not Huntington Beach subject to any conservation guarantees, is a high priority. Additionally, acquiring contiguous wetland and dimensional hydrologic model for use in levee marsh heather, saltgrass, arrowgrass and upland areas helps preserve entire wetland ecosystems and can provide space for the wetland to migrate removal and habitat restoration planning, an glasswort. Bird surveys indicate that the site Oceanside Arundo removal strategic plan and a public is used seasonally by a variety of migratory in response to a rise in sea level. These preserved lands help provide spaces of refuge for humans and SAN other species within the urban landscape. access vision plan. shorebirds, as well as shoreline resident DIEGO species including gulls, terns and ducks. Wetlands Recovery Project Ballona Upland birds including small raptors also Completed Acquisition Projects Other Protected Lands (Fee and Easement) The Ballona Wetlands acquisition project make use of the wetland habitat. Bird species San Santa Monica Mountains The WRP partner agencies with Mountains Urban Diego of special interest observed in the project area Mexico Restoration Trust, National Park Service, acquired 192 acres of the Ballona Wetlands The Santa Monica Mountains lie within Los include nesting pairs of Belding’s Savannah Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority complex in Los Angeles County. As part Angeles and Ventura counties. Acquisition sparrow and foraging use by California least and others have worked together to identify of the transaction, additional acreage was of wetland and riparian areas throughout terns. priority acquisition sites, willing sellers, and donated, resulting in the protection 600 acres this region preserves and protects some of to pool funds to realize regional wetland of salt marsh and freshwater wetlands. This the last remaining undeveloped areas along Devereux Slough: Ocean Meadows preservation goals. acquisition resolved one of the oldest and the Southern California coast and establishes largest land use battles in Los Angeles and The Ocean Meadows acquisition in Santa “The Santa Clara River represents the largest and least altered major river recreational space for the 13 million residents Santa Clara River created an extensive natural area in an urban Barbara County was completed with $2.5 system in Southern California. Fifteen years ago none of its rich habitat of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. setting. million in Coastal Conservancy funds and The Santa Clara River Parkway project is The WRP over the last 15 years has helped to $500,000 in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was conserved. Today over 3,500 acres representing 15 miles of the river working to acquire and restore the Santa Restoration of the Ballona Wetlands will be acquire lands in the Santa Monica Mountains, funds granted to the Trust for Public Land. Clara River from the coast to the Ventura the largest wetland restoration project in Los including La Sierra Lake and Malibu Creek The Ocean Meadows property was formerly have been conserved and several restoration projects are in progress. and Los Angeles county line. The project Angeles County. The Ballona wetlands once watershed (90 acres), Solstice Canyon (117 part of upper Devereux Slough, but most of includes a 35-mile continuous trail. With spread across the coastal plain at the mouth This conservation success is a result of a strong and efficient partnership acres), Santa Monica Mountains National the wetland habitat was filled for construction its partner, The Nature Conservancy, the of Ballona Creek. However, the area has been Recreation Area and reaches of Corral Canyon of a nine-hole golf course. Upon acquisition Coastal Conservancy has acquired 19 substantially altered during the last century between the State Coastal Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy that Creek (849 acres), Cold Creek (71.5 acres), the property was conveyed to University of properties totaling 3,400 acres along 16 miles with the channelization of Ballona Creek Tuna Canyon (417 acres), and Topanga Creek California, Santa Barbara, which will develop is continuing to expand conservation of the Santa Clara River..” of the river. The Coastal Conservancy has and construction of Marina del Rey. Despite watershed (120 acres) for a total of nearly a restoration plan and act as the permanent completed several riparian studies and plans these changes, significant wetland habitat 1,665 acres. land steward. E.J. Remson, Senior Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy including a restoration feasibility study, a two remains at Ballona including pickleweed,

David Peevers

Devereux Slough Santa Monica Mountains Ballona Wetlands Santa Barbara Audubon Society

20 21

“Through the partnership of the Wetlands Recovery Project and establishment WRP Science Initiatives of the Science Advisory Panel, we have been able to advance wetland science and monitoring within the Southern California Bight. It is rewarding to see this Past, Present, Future research being applied throughout the state. The dialogue between scientists, resource managers and the public is critical to wetlands recovery.” The Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project is committed to basing its decision-making on the best Wetlands of the Southern California Coast: Historical Stephen Weisberg, Executive Director, SCCWRP available science. Extent and Change Over Time Through its projects and research, the WRP is advancing the science of wetland restoration and management throughout Southern California and beyond.

To identify regional goals and priorities The WRP initiatives below were developed Geodetic Survey topographic maps (T-sheets). Watershed and Site-Specific Historical • Historical Ecology of Northern San Diego This T-Sheet Atlas presents the first regional Eric D. Stein for wetlands restoration for the Southern to begin to answer these questions as well as Kristen Cayce Ecology Studies County Lagoons (2014) assessment of the relative distribution and Micha Salomon California coast, the WRP has worked during to synthesize more than a decade of scientific Danielle Liza Bram Danielle De Mello Numerous other historical ecology studies of • Historical Ecology of the Tijuana River the past decade and a half to gather data and data on regional wetlands assessments, abundance of different wetland habitat types Robin Grossinger Shawna Dark Southern California wetlands and watersheds Valley (in progress) develop methodologies for understanding historical ecology and climate change along the historical Southern California have been conducted or are in progress. WRP the answers to several questions essential to predictions. coastline. These data can be accessed through partners have provided funding for these developing an effective regional strategy for the T-Sheet Atlas, a GIS database, and an Monitoring projects, including the Coastal Conservancy, interactive website (www.caltsheets.org). wetlands restoration. Historical Ecology SCCWRP Technical Report 826 Early on in the WRP’s development, the SFEI Report 720 State of California Rivers and Mountains Images of each T-Sheet, with corresponding • Where are our wetlands? WRP partners have funded the Southern Conservancy, Santa Monica Bay Restoration Science Advisory Panel and Wetlands habitat information overlaid on aerial California Coastal Watershed Research Project Commission, Los Angeles Regional Water Managers Group identified the need to • What is the condition of our wetlands? photography, are presented in the Atlas along (SCCWRP), San Francisco Estuary Institute, Quality Control Board and U.S. Fish and develop a regional monitoring program. The with guidance for appropriate interpretation Survey topographic maps (T-sheets) to the • Where were our wetlands in the past? and CSU Northridge Center for Geographical Wildlife Service Coastal Program. These Integrated Wetland Regional Assessment and application. The Atlas provides a contemporary 2005 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Studies to conduct numerous studies to projects include: Program (IWRAP) was designed to provide a • How have the extent and condition of “snapshot” of historical coastal wetlands ca. Service National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) analyze the historical extent, composition and cost-effective way to evaluate the status and wetlands changed over time? 1850-1880. maps. • Historical Ecology of the Lower Santa change over time of Southern California’s trends in extent and condition of wetland Clara River, Ventura River, and Oxnard • How can we assess and measure the success coastal wetlands. Wetlands of the Southern California Coast: Knowledge of the changes in the extent and and riparian areas, and to assess the WRP’s Plain: An Analysis of Terrestrial, Riverine, of our wetland restoration projects not just Historical Extent and Change Over Time distribution of coastal wetlands should be progress toward achieving its regional Historical Wetlands of the Southern and Coastal Habitats (2011) in terms of dollars spent and acres restored an important component of restoration and wetland recovery objectives. The program Building on the T-Sheet Atlas analysis, the but also in terms of function and resilience? California Coast: An Atlas of U.S. Coast conservation planning. Along with other • Historical Ecology and Landscape Change was designed to be able to measure success goal of this study was to assess change in Survey T-Sheets, 1851 – 1889 information, this knowledge can help inform of the San Gabriel River and Floodplain the of WRP projects from a functional • What future conditions do we need to extent and composition of coastal wetlands Through this initiative the project team decisions about the composition and structure (2007) perspective. The program included three consider and account for due to climate ca. 1880 – 2005. The analysis is based acquired, interpreted, digitized and performed of restoration projects at both site-specific and levels of monitoring: inventory and mapping change and associated changes in sea level, on a comparison of wetlands mapped on • Historical Ecology of the Ballona Creek initial analysis of 26 historical U.S. Coast and regional scales. of wetlands; regional wetland condition and precipitation and storm patterns? the historical U.S. Coast and Geodetic Watershed (2011)

22 Series of historical topographical maps (T-sheets) with historical habitat types displayed as a GIS layer on the T-sheet as well as the present-day satellite image. 23

WRP Science Initiatives

extent assessment protocols; and a project Regional Strategy. The updated Regional Headwaters to Ocean (H2O) Conference site specific and more in-depth monitoring Strategy will be a scientifically based The annual Headwaters to Ocean (H2O) For further information and updates, please check our webpage: protocol. The California Rapid Assessment management framework developed through Conference covers a wide spectrum of coast Method (CRAM) was developed to fill the a collaborative approach. It will contain and ocean issues, including climate change, www.scwrp.org need of the site-specific monitoring. quantifiable recovery objectives developed sea level rise, coastal and estuarine processes, The IWRAP is an integrated program by synthesizing data on past, present and wetlands restoration planning and design, developed in a collaborative process with all future conditions. The updated Regional beach nourishment, water quality, ecosystem partners of the WRP. The IWRAP monitoring Strategy also will contain a decision support and habitat management, invasive and framework became the basis for the State tool to aid in prioritizing preservation and exotic species, wetlands biology and ecology, Wetland and Riparian Area Monitoring restoration activities, which will assist the regional sediment management and shore Program (WRAMP). WRP in developing the Work Plan. This protection. The conference is organized by initiative is being undertaken by WRP the California Shore and Beach Preservation The WRP and chair of the Science Advisory Wetlands Managers Group and the Science Panel continue to work closely with the Association, California Coastal Coalition, Advisory Panel with financial help from WRP Southern California Wetlands Recovery California Wetland Monitoring Workgroup key partners including the Environmental to improve the monitoring and assessment of Project, Society of Wetland Scientists — “The Wetlands Recovery Project brings together scientists Protection Agency, the Coastal Conservancy Western Chapter, and Tijuana River National wetland and riparian resources by developing and the Landscape Conservation Cooperative. a comprehensive wetland monitoring program Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training from universities, nonprofit organizations and agencies to for California and increasing coordination Program. Conferences, Workshops and Technical Evyan Borgnis improve the scientific understanding of Southern California’s and cooperation among local, state and Training The conference draws a diverse range of federal agencies, tribes and non-governmental professionals including researchers, coastal The WRP, through the combined efforts wetlands. Through the WRP, the Coastal Conservancy and organizations. The continued cooperation techniques and research, fish passage barrier engineers, wetland ecologists, coastal of the Science Advisory Panel, Wetlands further ensures coordination between removal, regional acquisition planning for resource managers, coastal scientists, Managers Group and staff, develops trainings, its partners are applying that knowledge to on-the-ground statewide and regional monitoring efforts. the Santa Monica Mountains, low impact aquatic ecologists, landscape architects, workshops and symposia in cooperation with development, climate change and sea level urban planners, coastal geologists, students, decisions about wetland conservation and management.” the WRP partner agencies, the NOAA Coastal Regional Strategy Update rise modeling, restoration project permitting professionals from local, regional, state and Training Program, universities and technical and more. These programs help support federal government, the private sector and Building on more than a decade of new consultants to build capacity of local agencies Mary Small, Deputy Executive Officer, Coastal Conservancy communication between research scientists, NGOs. research data and tools — and a growing and organizations to support and carry out technical experts, agency staff and resource momentum to address climate change and wetland restoration. to protect and restore resilient and dynamic management practitioners to facilitate ecosystems — the WRP has embarked on Topics of past trainings have included the best possible resource planning and a three-year process to update the WRP invasive species (Arundo donax) removal management.

CRAM surveys CRAM surveys CRAM surveys

24 25

WRP Organizational Chart Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project

Branches of the WRP the following organizations and agencies Forces provide a county-wide forum for are ex-officio members of the Wetlands public, private, and non-profit wetlands and The WRP’s structure is comprised of a Board Managers Group: California Department watershed stakeholders. Participants work State Coastal Conservancy of Governors, Wetlands Mangers Group, of Transportation; NOAA Coastal Training collaboratively to identify critical wetland Science Advisory Panel, Public Advisory Program; Rivers and Mountains Conservancy; resources, help implement feasible projects, Committee and County Task Forces. San Diego Association of Governments; Santa mobilize support for funding, channel Board of Governors Monica Bay Restoration Commission; and community concerns to the WRP member Science Advisory Panel Chair. agencies, incorporate wetlands protection and The Board of Governors meets annually to set recovery more fully into local government Governing policy direction for the WRP and to approve Science Advisory Panel processes, and promote wetlands education the annual Work Plan. The Secretary of the Board The Science Advisory Panel consists and information-gathering. California Natural Resources Agency chairs of leading researchers and restoration the Board of Governors, which is comprised of practitioners in fields related to wetlands Public Advisory Committee officials from the 18 state and federal member science. They identify key scientific questions, Local elected officials, environmental leaders, agencies. develop position papers for the Board of business people and educators serve on the Wetlands Managers Group Governors’ consideration, and work with Public Advisory Committee as well as the the Wetland Managers Group to ensure that co-chairs from each County Task Force. The Wetlands Managers Group consists management decisions are based in sound The PAC engenders support for wetlands of staff members from the public agencies science. The SAP has attracted more than recovery throughout the region and represents that make up the WRP. The group meets $3 million in grants and in-kind services to community interests in the WRP partnership. on a monthly basis to guide programmatic develop regional wetlands assessment models Past efforts have included region-wide and project goals. The group also facilitates and tools to help the WRP measure progress supervisorial summits to strategize cross- Wetlands inter-agency coordination, generates policy towards its regional goals. county support for wetlands recovery, and Public Advisory Science Advisory proposals for consideration by the Board participation in legislative educational Managers of Governors, and coordinates technical County Task Forces outreach events and keynote presentations in Committee Panel workshops, symposia, and conferences. The Group The grassroots base and innovative structure Sacramento. The Public Advisory Committee Wetlands Managers Group works closely of the five County Task Forces endows the has been on hiatus and will reactivate in 2015 with the WRP Science Advisory Panel to WRP with its distinctive vitality. Task Forces with planned participation in the annual ensure decisions are based on best available are co-chaired by a County Supervisor Watershed Day event in Sacramento. science. In addition to the 18 partner agencies and an environmental leader. The Task

Central Elementary School Field Trip, Tijuana Estuary Santa Barbara Ventura Los Angeles Orange San Diego

County Task Forces

“I was ecstatic when I first heard about the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project in 1998 — and signed up immediately to serve on the Public Advisory Committee. It ushered in a very welcome shift in statewide attitudes about the value of wetlands, especially in Southern California. The WRP has been a successful prototype for all parties working together.”

Jean Watt, President, Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks

26 27

WRP Projects Map

Aliso Estuary 1930s

SANTA This map shows all of the current Lancaster BARBARA VENTURA projects on the WRP’s Work Plan as of 2014. WRP partner LOS agencies are continuing to fund Santa Barbara ANGELES and seek additional support for these prioritized projects as well Oxnard as identifying new projects that align with the WRP’s Regional Santa Monica Strategy.

ORANGE C ha nn e l I s l a n d s Long Beach Orange County Coastkeeper Orange County Coastkeeper Huntington Beach

Alamitos Shell Placement Oysters

Oceanside Aliso Estuary

Wetlands Recovery Project Current Work Plan Projects SAN DIEGO Acquisition Planning Restoration

Other Protected Lands (Fee and Easement) Urban San Diego Mexico

Alamitos Bay Aliso Creek The Alamitos Bay Oyster Restoration Project Bay where the oyster strings will collect native The Aliso Creek Estuary Restoration Project including listed species. The Conceptual will augment suitable habitat by building a 60 oyster recruits. Following the recruitment takes the first step toward restoring a fully Restoration Plan will be developed through square meter oyster bed using oyster shells. period, the volunteers will attend a volunteer functional estuary for Aliso Creek. It will a stakeholder-driven process that builds The public will participate in the project day where they will place the shells with develop a Conceptual Restoration Plan to consensus for restoration and identifies through “oyster gardening” where community recruited spat, removed from their strings, restore coastal wetland habitats designed to objectives, constraints and feasible design members will hang strings of oyster shell off onto the mudflat to create the new oyster reef. support a wide range of fish and wildlife, alternatives. of private or public docks around Alamitos 28 29 Our Partners

The Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project is fortunate to work with fantastic partners. Our wetlands recovery and education goals could not be met without the hard work and expertise of partner agencies and organizations. The organizations and public agencies listed here have received funding through the WRP, provided technical expertise and support, and provided training and educational outreach in support of WRP goals and projects.

Nonprofit Organizations San Diego Audubon Society City of Santa Monica Universities Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation San Diego Canyonlands City of San Pedro California State University, Fullerton Alta Terra San Diego EarthWorks City of Seal Beach California State University, Long Beach Amigos De Los Rios San Diego River Park Foundation City of Solana Beach California State University, Northridge Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy City of Ventura Loyola Marymount University San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy Back to Natives Restoration Southern California Counties San Diego State University Ballona Wetlands Foundation San Gabriel Mountains Regional Conservancy Scripps Institute of Oceanography County of Los Angeles Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Santa Ana Watershed Association University of California, Irvine County of Orange Bolsa Chica Conservancy Santa Barbara Botanical Garden University of California, Los Angeles County of Santa Barbara Bolsa Chica Land Trust Santa Barbara Channelkeeper University of California, San Diego County of San Diego Buena Vista Audubon Santa Barbara County Audubon University of California, Santa Barbara County of Ventura California Audubon Santa Barbara County Land Trust University of Southern California California Coastal Coalition Santa Monica Bay Restoration Foundation, Ports California Native Plant Society aka. The Bay Foundation Port of Long Beach Channel Island Marine Institute Sierra Club, San Diego Chapter Port of Los Angeles Community-Based Restoration and Education Program South Coast Habitat Restoration Port of San Diego Community Environmental Council Southwest Wetlands Interpretive Association Special Districts and Joint Powers Authorities Concerned Resource and Environmental Workers The Ocean Foundation Antelope Valley Resource Conservation District (the C.R.E.W.) The River Project Council for Watershed Health Cottonwood Creek Conservancy The Nature Conservancy Los Cerritios Wetlands Authority Council for Watershed Health The Trust for Public Lands Thanks to the partner organizations and individuals Metropolitan Water District Crystal Cove Alliance Tree People who have made our 15 years of success possible. Mission Resource Conservation District Earth Island Institute Trout Unlimited Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains Earthroots Field School Urban Corp of San Diego A list of representatives of WRP member agencies San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority Environment Now Ventura County Coastkeeper on the Board of Governors and Wetlands Managers Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Friends of Ballona Wetlands Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Group, as well as Science Advisory Panel members, Ventura County Resource Conservation District Friends of Colorado Lagoon Whittier Narrows Nature Center Associates Task Force leaders and WRP staff can be found at Friends of Famosa Slough WILDCOAST State Agencies, Conservancies, and Programs www.scwrp.org. Friends of Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve, Inc. Wishtoyo Foundation California Coastal Commission Friends of Harbors, Beaches, and Parks Southern California Cities California Conservation Corps Coastal Conservancy Board Friends of San Diego Wildlife Refuges California Department of Fish and Wildlife City of Carlsbad Douglas Bosco, Chairman Friends of Shipley Nature Center California Department of Parks and Recreation City of Carpinteria John Laird, Secretary for Natural Resources Groundwork San Diego Chollas Creek California Environmental Protection Agency City of Compton Steve Kinsey, Coastal Commission Chair Growing Solutions California Natural Resources Agency City of Costa Mesa Michael Cohen, Department of Finance Director Heal the Bay California Sea Grant College Program City of Dana Point Ann Nothoff, Public Member Heritage Museum of Orange County California State Coastal Conservancy City of Del Mar Sara Ramirez Giroux, Public Member Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board City of Encinitas Peter Sodowski, Public Member Keep Sespe Wild Committee Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency City of Goleta Laguna Ocean Foundation Los Angeles & San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council City of Imperial Beach Legislative Oversight Members Long Beach Organic Inc. Los Angeles Conservation Corps/ SEA Lab City of Irvine Senator Noreen Evans Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board City of La Jolla Los Penñasquitos Lagoon Foundation San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board Senator Anthony Cannella City of Laguna Beach Mountains Restoration Trust San Diego River Conservancy Senator Jerry Hill City of Laguna Niguel Mission Resource Conservation District Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board Assemblymember Luis Alejo City of Lake Forest National Fish and Wildlife Foundation State Lands Commission Assemblymember Das Williams City of Long Beach Newport Bay Conservancy State Water Resources Control Board Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi City of Los Angeles North East Trees Wildlife Conservation Board City of Huntington Beach Ocean Discovery Institute Executive Officer City of Malibu Federal Agencies Ocean Institute Sam Schuchat, Executive Officer City of Newport Beach International Boundary and Water Commission Ojai Valley Green Coalition City of Oceanside National Park Service Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Report Preparation City of Oxnard National Marine Fisheries Service Once Upon A Watershed Thanks to the Coastal Conservancy staff who wrote City of Palos Verdes National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Orange County Coastkeeper City of San Clemente Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve this report and to our partners who provided photos Orange County Conservation Corps City of San Diego U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and reviews. Special thanks to Travis Armstrong, Palos Verdes Penninsula Land Conservancy City of Santa Ana U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Evyan Borgnis and Ellen Toomey. Preserve Calavera City of Santa Barbara U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Resource Conservation Partners City of Santa Clarita U.S. Geological Survey Rose Creek Watershed Alliance

30 31 “Southern California’s wetlands — coastal regions where saltwater and fresh water meet and plants and animals thrive — are vital to the health of the environment. Unfortunately, these wetlands are quickly disappearing. “Thankfully we have the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project to help stem the loss. Over the last 15 years, the Wetlands Recovery Project has acquired more than 8,200 acres and restored nearly 5,000 acres of wetlands throughout coastal Southern California, including the important Upper Newport Bay Ecological Restoration Project. I’m grateful for the contributions this group makes to the environment and look forward to its continued success.” The Honorable Dianne Feinstein, United States Senator for California Hugo Garcia WILDCOAST

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