Ventura River Arundo Removal & Riparian Restoration - South Santa Ana Site (HR)

The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) proposes to restore five acres of riparian habitat in the mainstem Ventura River, critical habitat for endangered Southern California Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The worksite abuts the eastern bank of the Ventura River; in wet years, a seep from the alluvium feeds a small stream that feeds into the braided river channel. The site is dominated by dense, mature stands of Arundo (Arundo donax) and dispersed non-native invasive species, which impair steamflow and provide little habitat value for steelhead. Restoration will include treatment and removal of two acres of noxious Arundo, removal of 30+ invasive species located throughout the worksite, and restoration with native riparian plantings.

Restoration of this riparian section of the Ventura River will directly benefit salmonids such as southern California steelhead (Onchorhynchus mykiss) by providing critical summer habitat, restoring macroinvertebrate communities therefore providing forage, and improving sedimentation rates plus substrate conditions. This segment of the floodplain provides refuge during periods of high velocity, allowing steelhead to find refuge in areas of less turbidity and return once discharge rates drop.