AGWA’s dedicated volunteers:

• Conserve natural resources through community landowner and policy makers’ involvement
• Restore water quality, fish and wildlife habitats throughout the watershed.

View Documents from the last Meeting (September 2004)!

The meeting included watershed progress and speakers from County Environmental Health, a hydrologist, Port District updates, Friends of the Harbor Group (FOHG) and more.

Note: The documents below require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, please download the plug in here.
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• Arana Gulch: Challenges and Opportunities (pdf document; 1.8MB)
• AGWA: A Voluntary Approach to Watershed Enhancement; 2004 Progress (pdf document; 3.4MB)
• Critical Changes facing Santa Cruz Harbor (pdf document; 1.7MB)

By: Jack Harrell, Monterey Bay Salmon & Trout Project Fish Trapping & Research Division and L.B., a Paul Sweet Road resident .

Survey began at culverts north of Santa Cruz Harbor continuing approximately 2 miles upstream to Paul Sweet Road (L.B.’s property). Jack wore wet suit, scuba gear, and used an underwater camera. L.B. wore chest high waders and used a machete to traverse the thick vegetation.

Wildlife counted:

Trash:

• Tires ~ 40
• Cans / Batteries
• Socks and Grocery Carts

Water Attributes:

• Pools, riffles, and graves in a number of locations
• 5′ hidden water fall is a barrier to fish migration, however fry found above the falls (may be released fish).
• Blue hazy color of water making for a cloudy turbidity.
• Yellowish brown water flowing from tributary at the Oakwood cemetary

Conclusions:

• Site of Homeless camp upstream from Brookwood Road crossing

• Since no adult fish were seen, the chance of predation is great. Likely they have been eaten by racoon or by humans fishing or trapping them.

• Arana is a viable habitat for salmonid. Concentrate habitat enhancement in pools and gravel areas where fry were counted.

• Next year do an April survey to find adults. Historically this was probably home to 20 adult steelhead and trout.

• Consider installing swinging bar covers over the four culverts at harbor to prevent seal predation.

• Plan a stream cleanup.

Summary submitted by Bobbie Haver, AGWA Coordinator from field notes and interviews 5/26/99

Prepared for:
Jess Mitchell, Game Warden,
California State Fish and Game

ln Compliance of Stream Alteration Agreement # 04 76-99

The first part of this report explains the background and benefits of the project. The second part presents the methodology of the project and the agreement of parties.

1. INTRODUCTION

Arana Gulch Watershed Alliance (AGWA) is a local group organized three years ago focusing on the management of resources in the Arana Gulch Watershed. This is a collaborative group dedicated to restoring, protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, and natural resources throughout the watershed. Arana Gulch is a 3.5 square mile coastal watershed, and is a historic spawning stream for steelhead, with a substrate consisting primarily of Prisma sand. Sediment loading into the stream is a major problem. This is our first action project to address excessive sediments clogging the stream. Concurrently AGWA is in partnership with others at Harbor High School fish ladder to control bank erosion and improve fish and wildlife habitat.

BENEFITS

Benefits to the watershed which would result from clearing this sediment basin:

1. Immediate development of deeper pools downstream, as well as fewer of the large, soft bars, which inhibit adult upstream migration following the storms of the past several years.

2. Reduce bank erosion, since streams with partly-cohesive or non-cohesive banks become narrower and slightly deeper when coarse sediment transport is diminished.

3. Reduce sedimentation and the resulting excess oxygen demand in the tidal segments of the stream and the upper harbor.

4. Maintaining channel capacity not only through the high-school parcel, but also through the Jeffrey’s reach and City’s greenbelt parcel.

5. Speeding post-El-Nino recovery of all downstream channel segments from the sedimentation episode caused by 1998 storms, and enhancing steelhead passage by reducing the number and width of the sandy bars and shoals which inhibit steelhead migration.

6. Adding to stability of all reaches downstream from the basin, including the fish-ladder reach about to be restored, but also including the intervening (‘tennis court’) reach, the City’s greenbelt parcel, and the tidal area just upstream of the harbor.

7. Reducing sedimentation of the harbor.

8. Reducing wear-and-tear and downtime due to flooding of the sewer lift station on the downstream side of Soquel Drive, resulting in lower costs and increased reliability, plus less likelihood of an uncontrolled overflow/upset.

The plan for clearing the sediment basin in compliance with Stream Alteration Agreement 0476-99 has four key players; Santa Cruz City Schools, Santa Cruz Port District, Coastal Watershed Council, and AGWA. All parties will continue involvement throughout the process.

• Santa Cruz Schools gives permission for work and will be assisting in the monitoring by photo documenting the before, during and after condition of the site and help with the watering regime. Their interest in the project is primary property protection and flood control.

• The Port District will facilitate the removal of the sediment. Removal of sediments before reaching the harbor is a direct benefit to the Port District Harbor operation.

• The Coastal Watershed Council (CWC) will assist in the turbidity monitoring before and after sediment removal and in the revegetation process and in monitoring. CWC is a local nonprofit dedicated to volunteer water monitoring and habitat protection and restoration.

• AGWA will orchestrate the removal of vegetation and planting of new vegetation. A representative member of AGWA will be in attendance during all four phases of the project: 1) vegetation removal, 2) sediment removal, 3) revegetation and 4) monitoring. AGWA continues to work on managing resources throughout the Arana Gulch Watershed.

The proposed methodology to perform the sediment removal from the basin and adherence to the Stream Alteration Permit is presented below followed by the Monitoring Plan:

II. Sediment Basin at Harbor High School Action Plan (see Table I)

Exotic Plant Removal and revegetation:

(Balance Hydrologics, Inc. August 2, 1999)

1. Thirteen alders within the basin and other trees within the actual confines of the basin walls will be removed. Twenty-foot lengths of the larger alders will be stockpiled along the southeastern edge to allow quick construction of a log structure to aid migration through the basin, if such proves needed.

2. Exotic vegetation will be removed including the two large acacias on the southeast bank. Revegetation of oaks, big leaf maples, and box elders since that grow well will improve habitat cover. The hope is the growth of equally large and vigorous trees immediately beyond the basin may be spurred by the removal of competition, such that a semi-closed canopy may develop, more amenable to occasional long term re-occupancy of the basin when necessary.

3. Trees within six feet upstream of the service road will be retained, which include several willows and alders that are 8-to 15-feet high. These will help shade the stream from the southwestern sun, screen the basin from the road, and provide both hydraulic roughness and cover under all seasonal conditions. Further they can lead to diverse and changing patterns of flow through the arch culvert beneath the access road, facilitating upstream migration of steelhead.

4. Vegetation and tree removal is scheduled for completion by August 30, 1999.

Sediment removal (see attachment A):

1. City and County Public Works Departments may contribute to the work as well as an outside contractor will perform mechanical removal of sediments in basin.

2. Mechanical sediment removal to be completed by October 15, 1999.

Turbidity:

1. Before and after turbidity collection before and after records by CWC.

2. Stream turbidity shall not exceed JTU’s =50 NTU’S.

3. Results will be submitted to Fish and Game and kept at AGWA office.

Revegetation mitigation:

1. Up to 39 mix trees: alders, maples, box elders are to be planted in vicinity of sediment basin.

2. Sites will be prepared by October 1.

3. Best planting time is in October or after first winter rain.

4. New arboreal to be watered as needed (see monitoring plan, p.4).

Recommendations 1-9, 11, 16, 19-21 and 22:

1. All recommendations are to be adhered to.

2. Fish and Game will be notified by AGWA Coordinator of date of commencement of at least five days prior to completion. Fish and Game representative will be invited to inspect for compliance.

3. Work is to be completed by October 15, 1999.

Recognition Plaque:

1. Volunteer recognition plaque to be created and installed in area by AGWA.

2. Plaque acknowledges all participants in this project.

3. To be installed within six weeks of completion of planting.

Monitoring Plan

Photo Documentation:

1. Digital camera photo documentation by Santa Cruz Schools staff will be submitted to Fish and Game.

2. Photos are to be taken before work begins, during the removal process, after revegetation and on an annual basis for the next five years.

Revegetation Monitoring:

1. Alder cuttings from existing trees will be used for some of the replacement of cut alders, watering these cuttings is crucial to success of their rooting,

2. AGWA and CWC volunteers, students and parents will be watering and monitoring these plants for 5 years,

3. A 70-80% success is to be maintained. AGWA will replant if needed.

Review, monitoring and reapplication for next year:

1. AGWA members will evaluate the project during and after the winter storms,

2. Reapplication to Fish and Game for an annual maintenance program.

Background

Watershed Description

Arana Creek is located within the County of Santa Cruz and partially within the city limits of the City of Santa Cruz. The watershed drains a 3.3 square mile drainage and includes approximately six miles of streams. The watershed drains into the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor approximately 1 mile from Monterey Bay. Land ownership within the watershed is approximately 61% private and 29% public. Peak flood discharges for Arana Creek range from 790 cfs for a 10-year event to 1650 cfs for a 100-year event (FEMA, 1986).

Arana Creek includes the main stem and two unnamed tributaries, which enter the main stem at approximately 3 miles from the mouth of the creek. Highway 1 is the major transportation corridor, which divides the watershed. In the headwaters above Highway 1, Arana Creek is characterized by a steep, narrow, relatively straight channel, which is deeply incised into a wide alluvial floodplain and confined by steep bedrock-valley side slopes. Bed and bank materials are predominantly sand, which is generally well rooted with riparian vegetation. Relatively little development has occurred within in the upper reaches of the watershed, but some flood plain alterations (road fill, drainage improvement, and vegetation removal) are present. Most of the upper watershed is occupied by mixed willow or willow-alder riparian forest. Upland tree species, notably coast live oak and California Bay, are scattered in this forest and are most abundant around the margins. Tree canopy cover over the creek generally exceeds 80 percent in the upper reaches of the watershed.

The lower portion of the watershed (below Highway 1) has been heavily urbanized and the stream channel has been altered. Channelization is common and removal of the riparian zone has occurred in several places. The lower portion of the watershed is characterized by two place areas through which the creek travels. These areas are the Santa Cruz Greenbelt property adjacent to the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor and Harbor High School just upstream of the greenbelt area.

Aquatic species known to be present in the creek include the steelhead trout and the California Redlegged Frog. Habitat conditions are also suitable for the Western Pond Turtle. Antidotal reports of steelhead sitings have been recorded for the creek near the Harbor High School site and the Greenbelt property during the last five years. The last recorded spawning by a female steelhead was observed March 1, 1984 (Titus & Erman, 1993). Limiting factors associated with steelhead decline include riparian dysfunction including lack of canopy cover and nutrients, excessive sediment yield resulting from bank instability, and lack of adequate spawning gravels and resting/pool areas due to siltation. The riparian community on the project site has been highly impacted by exotics, although communities of willow-dominant and alder-dominant riparian forest are present as well as a remnant of oak woodland. A vegetation map created for the project site identified 42 native species present and 43 exotics present.

Community involvement within the watershed is high. A Coordinated Resources Management Program, the Arana Gulch Watershed Alliance (AGWA), is active in the watershed and is assisting in the prioritization of watershed management planning and restoration. AGWA is submitting a grant application for preparation of a Watershed Enhancement Plan for Arana Creek. The Coastal Watershed Council is supportive of this proposal. A volunteer monitoring program has been ongoing in the watershed since September 1996, managed by the Coastal Watershed Council. Water quality data collected through the volunteer program demonstrates that water quality is not the primary limiting factor to salmonid populations. Water quality conditions are supportive for both spawning and rearing of salmonids, although problems with temperature and dissolved oxygen levels are present at the Harbor High School site.

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Restoration Site Description

In June 1997, the Arana Gulch Watershed Alliance established a volunteer restoration subcommittee to evaluate potential restoration sites within the watershed. The Coastal Watershed Council was a member of the committee. Four priority sites were identified by the committee and ranked according to land ownership, contribution to habitat decline and potential for funding and/or community involvement. The committee informally agreed that the first restoration focus would be a site at Harbor High School.

Over the last several years this area has been experiencing severe channel cutting and streambank failure due to channelization and increased flows from impervious surfaces (see photos). The channel is attempting to increase its width with accelerated erosion. The channel has become entrenched and is eroding the streambank vertically. The heavy sediment deposition in this area has resulted in an important loss of stream habitat in the project site and downstream. A 1993 survey by an independent fisheries biologist identified this reach of the creek as having the poorest fish rearing conditions do to lack of in-stream and canopy cover and sedimentation of the streambed.

Additionally, this section of creek is overrun with nonnative tree and shrub species which further the instability of the stream banks and do not provide necessary habitat for associated native avian, fish, and amphibian species found in the watershed. Over 40 species of exotics have been identified on the project site. The project site is approximately 350 linear feet and includes both sides of creek for a total project area of 700 linear feet. Streambank stabilization and revegetation will occur in an approximate 300-foot section on the southern side of the bank. Non-natives removal and native replanting will occur in the entire project area.

The Coastal Watershed Council conducted a habitat assessment on the 668 foot section of the creek adjacent to Harbor High School in the summer and fall of 1998 using protocols from the DFG Restoration Manual. A DFG fisheries biologist assisted with field observations to ensure quality data. The assessment focused on stream channel morphology, habitat characteristics, and the presence of large woody debris. Results showed the channel was rated “B-5″ according to Rosgen stream type classification. There were 21 habitat units identified within the reach and included 10 pools, 8 glides, and 3 low gradient riffles. The primary shelter present were undercut banks with root mass, although some units contained boulders and large/small woody debris. A lack of large woody debris was also noted due to the dominance of normative vegetation and lack or recruitment.

A visit by a DFG Fisheries Biologist in August 1998 resulted in the recommendation that stabilizing the stream bank failure near the high school and providing increased canopy cover and in-stream cover and resting areas would be beneficial to efforts to restore the steelhead population within Arana Creek. Removal of normative species and replacement by natives will also improve nutrient input into the aquatic system.

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Proposed Land Use

The proposed project is located at Harbor High School within the Santa Cruz City School District. The project site is currently a natural area with no plans for construction of any facilities in the future. An informal pedestrian pathway along the creek will remain following restoration.

The proposed project is not required as mitigation in a CEQA approval process, Timber harvest Plan process or otherwise required as mitigation for other activities.

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Objective

The project will improve instream and upslope habitat for spawning and rearing steelhead by removing existing sediment sources, providing native plant cover, and increasing channel capacity for sediment transport. An eroding streambank will be stabilized and revegetated and existing nonnative species will be eradicated and replaced by native riparian species.

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Location

The project site is located in the County of Santa Cruz adjacent to Soquel Drive and LaFonda Avenue. The project site is located on Santa Cruz City School District property south of the football field at Harbor High School. Bank stabilization and revegetation will occur along a 300-foot linear section of the southern bank of the creek. Nonnative removal will occur along 700 linear feet of streambank and upland area. See project maps enclosed.

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Project Description

The project will include:

1. Bank stabilization and revegetation along a 300-foot section of the streambank, and
2. Rehabilitation of the riparian corridor with native vegetation.

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1. Bank Stabilization and Revegetation:

The project will involve the grading and re-sloping of 300-feet of the south bank of the creek to stabilize the existing vertical bank. An estimated 100 cf of material will be removed and disposed of. The bank will be re-sloped and the toe of the bank will be stabilized with rootwads and vortex rocks. Brush layering and live post revetments and live cuttings will then be used to stabilize and re-vegetate the bank slopes. Branch packing will be used at five sites where slumping/gullying is occurring. These sites are upstream of the 300-foot section of bank erosion. A consulting engineer will manage this portion of the project with guidance from the Executive Director of the Coastal Watershed Council.

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2. Rehabilitation of Riparian Corridor with Native Vegetation

The project will also involve the rehabilitation of the riparian corridor with native vegetation to increase canopy cover, provide shade and cover and improve nutrient load to the system. This will be done on both sides of the streambank and upslope areas for a total of 700 feet. A Revegetation Management Plan has been prepared for the project site which includes a complete map of all native and nonnative plants, recommended eradication methods, recommended natives for propagation and cuttings, and long term weeding and management of planted natives. Much of this work will be completed with the help of high school students and community volunteers. A Coastal Watershed Council staff botanist will manage this portion of the project.

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Permits

It is anticipated that the project will require a DFG 1601/03 Streambed Alteration Agreement; Landowner Access Agreement; US. Corps of Engineers 404 permit; Regional Water Quality Control Board 401 permit; and California Environmental Quality Act compliance.

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Scheduling

Work on the project has already begun with regards to pre-project monitoring, seed collection and native plant propagation and non-natives removal. The local high school is helping with nonnative removal and propagation.

Funding for initiating the project has been provided through a grant provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in the amount of $17,000. An additional $7,000 has been raised from involved agencies and non-profits. In-kind services have been provided by professional biologists, hydrologists, and engineers. Total amount of match funds raised for the project is estimated at $40,000.

The proposed schedule for the project is as follows:

• Bank re-sloping and stabilization – August 1999
• Removal of non-natives – August – November 1999
• Revegetation of bank area – October 1999
• Replanting with natives in bank and upslope areas – October – February 1999/2000

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Download a free version of Acrobat Reader

Fish Ladder Installation

The AGWA office also holds a small collection of books, videos and publications related to the watershed which are free for viewing/borrowing to the public.

Household Chemicals – Landscaping/Gardening – Septic Systems – Other Areas

Household Chemicals

• Many cleaners commonly used around the home are toxic; use less toxic substitutes wherever possible (e.g., use water-based products and low-phosphate or phosphate-free detergents whenever possible).

• Buy chemicals only in the amount you expect to use, and apply only as directed. More is not better.

• Take unwanted chemicals to hazardous waste collection centers; do not pour them down the drain or on the ground. Pouring chemicals down the drain may disrupt septic systems or contaminate treatment plant sludge; since soil cannot purify most chemicals, the chemicals may eventually contaminate runoff.

• Do not indiscriminately spray pesticides, either indoors, or outdoors, where a pest problem has not been identified. Dispose of excess pesticides at hazardous waste collection centers.

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Landscaping and Gardening

• When landscaping your yard, select plants that have low requirements for fertilizers, pesticides, and water. Cultivate plants that discourage pests. Minimize grassed areas which require high maintenance.

• Preserve existing trees, and plant trees and shrubs, to promote infiltration of water into the soil and reduce erosion.

• Use landscaping techniques such as grass swales (low areas in a lawn) or porous walkways to increase infiltration and decrease runoff. Spread mulch on bare ground to help prevent runoff and erosion.

• Leave lawn clippings on your lawn to recycle nutrients in the clippings and send less waste to landfills.

• Compost your yard trimmings. Compost releases nutrients to your lawn or garden and retains moisture in the soil, thus decreasing the amount of fertilizer you need to apply and helping you conserve water.

• Test soil before applying fertilizers. Excess fertilizer can leach into groundwater or contaminate surface waters. Do not apply pesticides or fertilizers before or during rains because of the likelihood of runoff.

• Keep storm gutters and drains clean of leaves and yard trimmings. Decomposing vegetative matter leaches nutrients and can clog storm systems and result in flooding.

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Septic Systems

• Inspect your septic system annually and pump regularly. Improperly maintained septic systems can contaminate surface and ground water with nutrients and pathogens.

• Do not use septic system additives. There is no scientific evidence that biological and chemical additives help, and these additives may be detrimental to septic systems or contaminate groundwater.

• Do not divert storm drains or basement pumps into septic systems.

• Avoid or reduce the use of your garbage disposal. Garbage disposals contribute unnecessary solids to your septic system and can also increase the frequency with which your tank needs to be pumped.

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Other Areas Where You Can Make a Difference

• Conserve water! This helps reduce the amount of pollution that flows through our storm drain and sewer systems. You can conserve water by taking shorter showers, washing your car with a sponge and bucket on the lawn, and by using a low-flow toilet.

• Pick up pet wastes. Pet wastes contain nutrients and pathogens that can contaminate surface water. Pick up after your pet so that pet wastes from sidewalks, streets or paved surfaces won’t be washed into storm drains and out to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

• Drive only when necessary. Driving less reduces the amount of pollution your automobile generates.

• Recycle used oil and antifreeze by taking them to service stations and other recycling centers. Never put used oil or other chemicals down storm drains or in drainage ditches. When motor oil and other fluids leak from our cars and wash down the storm drains and into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, they can harm ocean life, stick to swimmers, and wash up on shore.

Jan 24, 1999:

Feb 27, 1999: Santa Cruz Harbor at the terminus of the Arana Gulch Watershed. Note sediment in navigation channel caused by upland erosion. Sedimentation occurred when February storms brought sand and silt material down Arana Creek. Tide -.6 MLLW datum. Normal depth +7 ft.

The Arana Gulch watershed is representative in size of many small coastal watersheds in central California. Small watersheds are often the breeding grounds of relic populations of steelhead, which raises the preservation stakes. To ensure their adaptability to changing environmental conditions, it is critical to maintain genetic diversity within the species.

There are several jurisdictions that have watershed management responsibilities in the Arana Gulch watershed, including the City and County of Santa Cruz. Additionally, the lower reaches of the watershed fall within the Coastal Zone, the Santa Cruz Port District, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Much of the lower mile of Arana Creek flows through a residential and mixed-use area. While facing some of the typical problems associated with urbanization, particularly relating to fish passage, the crucial lowermost and estuarine reaches of the stream are in public ownership with adequate buffers to provide fish and wildlife habitat. AGWA has made considerable strides in making this urbanized reach passable and usable, and plans to continue and expand this effort.

The upper reaches of the stream and its major tributaries flow through several miles of large parcels and extensive open-space holdings supporting grasslands, mixed woodlands, redwoods, and coastal scrub. Many of the factors affecting the lower reaches, particularly as they relate to steelhead restoration and sedimentation in the harbor, have their origins in the upper watershed. For example, due to a water diversion above the property and poor grading, Arana Creek eroded a gully 75 yards long and 8-10 feet deep through an orchard, resulting in the loss of trees and an increase in the sediment load. More native riparian woodland cover adjoining the stream is needed, both to stabilize eroding bank segments and to provide the corridor values and cover needed for a restored natural system.