Campaign Intent

The Floodplain Management and Natural River Processes Campaign works to preserve and enhance the last remaining wild river and its processes and its watershed for society.

Strengths:ecosystem services, long-standing collaboration among stakeholders, land use planning

Weaknesses: Need enhanced dialogue among regulatory agencies – streamlining (overlapping requirements),land use planning.

Opportunities:Ventura County General Plan Update, use of technology to share campaign, public access, green infrastructure to connect people to the river and watershed

Threats:Development, climate change, fire and flooding, invasive species, multiple needs – sometimes solutions in conflict with natural process

Campaign Specific Targets

  • General Public
  • Future generations
  • Multi-generational education, work with schools

Programs and Practices:

  • Ventura County General Plan Update
  • Groundwater Sustainability Plans
  • Groundwater Sustainability Agency Formation
  • Open space – land acquisition
  • Support basin and groundwater management projects
  • Agriculture

Future Programs

  • Enhance public access and awareness of the natural river processes through trails
  • Development of educational systems to ensure future generations understand and appreciate the value of the river and its functions
  • Maintain agriculture operations adjacent to the river as a compatible land use with natural river processes
  • Increase storm water capture to recharge groundwater basins

Santa Clara River Watershed Vision Elements:

      Allows for natural river processes, to the maximum extent feasible, including permitting the river to freely meander within its floodplain and to accommodate flows within the natural range of variation.

      Emphasizes environmentally sensitive flood management that allows for a functional floodplain while minimizing damage to life and property.

      Allows for the preservation and protection of existing and future sustainable uses in the watershed including cultural, agricultural, and educational activities, water use efficiency and conservation, low impact recreation, scientific studies, and aesthetic and spiritual enjoyment.

      Maintains biodiversity through matrix of native aquatic, riparian, and upland habitat with minimal habitat fragmentation and barriers, with emphasis on enhancing recovery of species of conservation concern.

      Supplies water for agriculture, groundwater recharge, and habitat maintenance.

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