THE LAND CONSERVANCY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY

Featured Project: Nipomo Creek Stream Restoration

Overview/History

In 2006 the final draft of the Nipomo Creek Watershed Management Plan was released by the Land Conservancy and Central Coast Salmon Enhancement. Though the process of producing the plan, priority projects were identified, and relationships with landowners and stakeholders were developed which enabled us to move forward with applying for funding to implement the top three projects. Two of the projects are still in the early phases of planning and design, however we are currently implementing one project across Nipomo Creek from the Dana Adobe. This project focuses on revegetating the riparian zone along Cat Creek and another tributary for the benefit of wildlife and to improve water quality.

Property Description & General Location

The property is located along Thompson Road in Nipomo, across from the Historic Dana Adobe, and is owned by the County of San Luis Obispo. This 100-acre site has historically been used for hunting by the Chumash, and for grazing and crop production in more recent years. The property will continue to be used as a working landscape while retaining other beneficial uses, such as a migration corridor for wildlife and a network of trails accessible by the public.

Goal

The goal of this project is to protect and maintain ecosystem function and services within this fragile coastal dune system.

Challenge/ Special Considerations

The goal of all three projects is to improve water quality and provide important habitat for wildlife. The current project strives to revegetate the riparian corridor with native shrubs and grasses that provide food and cover local wildlife, and filter out sediment and pathogens from surface water.

Agency Cooperation

The three Nipomo Creek Watershed projects we are working on are funded through a settlement between regulatory agencies and the Unocal Corporation over a 1997 petroleum spill. Two State agencies were named as trustees for the funds, the State Coastal Conservancy (SCC) and the California Department of Fish and Game Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFG-OSPR), collectively known as the Restoration Subcommittee.

The County of San Luis Obispo, the Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos (DANA), private landowners, and Growing Grounds are all important partners for this project.

Actions

• Identify priority areas & treatment methodologies
• Adaptive management

Conservation or Restoration Tools Used

• Biomass removal via goats
• Mechanical & chemical invasive species treatment
• Broadcasting native seed
• Outplanting container stock
• Scientific monitoring

Results

Phase I of the project is showing promise with thousands of native plants beginning to take hold and expand. Phase II is underway now with thousands of native shrubs and plants awaiting placement at the site.