Santa Monica Mountains BPG Monitoring with Topanga Creek Life Cycle Monitoring Station FY24/25

This study is a continuation of long-term monitoring efforts initiated in 2001 by the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM) to capture the Viable Salmonid Population parameters (abundance, productivity, spatial distribution, and diversity) of southern California steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) within the Santa Monica Mountains. During Fiscal Year 2024-2025, monitoring conducted by CDFW continued and expanded this long-term dataset throughout the Santa Monica Mountains Biogeographic Population Group (BPG) following the recommended sampling structure provided in CA Fish Bulletin 182 via a combination of redd surveys and summer low-flow surveys throughout the BPG.

The objective of this project is to address the Department?s Steelhead Restoration and Management Plan for California?s task SC-09-400-02: Design and/or implement monitoring projects consistent with Fish Bulletin 180, the CCMP for focal watersheds (DFG 1996). This will be accomplished by continuing monitoring efforts needed to satisfy data requirements for monitoring goals outlined by Fish Bulletin 180 and 182, specifically with regards to the VSP parameters including adult abundance, productivity, spatial distribution, and diversity using methods consistent with those described by the CMP.