Location: Sespe Cienega Property, Santa Clara River near Fillmore
Goal: This project removed 175 acres of Arundo from an extremely important portion of the Santa Clara River in Fillmore on California Department of Fish and Wildlife property, initiating the restoration of a native ecosystem at the site of a critical historic wetland. The primary objective of this project was to accomplish the initial step of invasive species removal prior to a comprehensive restoration project to protect and enhance native riparian woodlands and associated wildlife through restoration efforts. Arundo removal is the first phase of implementation that will re-create a fully functioning riparian ecosystem necessary for native species, while decreasing the risk from detrimental fires. Removal will also allow native vegetation to recover and sequester excessive nutrients discharged from the neighboring Fillmore Fish Hatchery and nearby agricultural areas, thereby improving water quality before it enters the main channel of the Santa Clara River. Increased water availability for sensitive terrestrial and aquatic species is expected, as research indicates giant reed uses approximately 3-4 times more water than native species. These changes will be long lasting and will contribute to resilience of the ecosystem along the Santa Clara River in the face of potential climate change and natural disturbances.
Scope: 175 acres of Arundo removal
Funding: Proposition 1
Entities involved: University of California, Santa Barbara / Santa Clara River Conservancy
Timeline: 2019-2021
Restoring the Santa Clara River 