Santa Monica Mountains Restoration

Momentum in Santa Monica Mountains

The Santa Monica Mountains Steelhead Habitat Assessment was produced by CalTrout in 2006. By outlining priorities and actions across the area’s 23 watersheds, this document laid the foundation to launch a steelhead recovery campaign in the L.A. area. From 2006 to 2011, other groups worked to implement several critical actions, including Malibu Lagoon restoration, Topanga Creek rodeo grounds restoration and the proposed removal of Rindge Dam on Malibu Creek. CalTrout participates in the Malibu Creek restoration project group. The group consists of state, federal, local and non-profit stakeholders focused on the potential removal of the Rindge Dam on Malibu Creek. This 100-ft. dam that was built in the 1920s has completely filled with sediment and has been blocking steelhead passage to historic spawning grounds for decades.

Conservation Goals

  • Provide fish passage to historic spawning / rearing habitat.

Recent Accomplishment

  • In 2012, California Trout’s contractors completed a study to replace an “Arizona crossing” and restore steelhead passage near the mouth of Zuma Creek.

What We Will Accomplish in 2013-14

  • Seek funding from government and other sources to design and build a replacement (i.e., a bridge) for the crossing that provides fish passage on Zuma Creek.
  • Participate in The Watershed Group Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to prepare a dam removal feasibility study on Malibu Creek, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of Summer 2013.

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