SANTA CLARA RIVER PROJECT
The Santa Clara River is a 150 km long riparian ecosystem draining the Transverse Range in Ventura and northern Los Angeles Counties, and is one of the most hydrologically-intact watersheds present in the Central/Southern California bioregion. It supports over 17 federally-listed species and provides migration corridors for key wildlife species, in particular Southern Steelhead Trout. At the same time, the watershed provides water resources for an exceptionally productive agricultural industry and recreational opportunties for the rapidly growing communities in the region. Invasion by Arundo donax, of Giant Reed, is one of the most pressing conservation issues in the watershed. The California Coastal Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy have identified conservation of the Santa Clara watershed as one of their primary objectives.
The RIVRLab has been involved in numerous studies in the Santa Clara sytem, including evaluation of impacts of Arundo invasion and potential application of biological control of it and other invasive plants such as tamarisk and Cape ivy. In addition, we are evaluating the effects of invasive New Zealand mud snails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) on native biota, particularly competition with aquatic invertebrates and larvae of the endangered ArroyoToad (Bufo californicus). We are in the process of developing a research station in the watershed to facilitate research on native and non-native species in the watershed, as well as to explore the integration of ecological restoraton, biodiversity protection and agricultural sustainability in this valuable floodplain ecosystem.
© May 2009 Rivrlab