About the Ventura River Watershed Resilience Plan
About the Watershed Resilience Plan Plan
The Ventura River Watershed Resilience Plan (VRWRP), completed in 2026, is a comprehensive, watershed‑scale effort designed to strengthen long‑term climate resilience, water reliability, and ecosystem function throughout the Ventura River Watershed. It serves as both a planning document and a resource summarizing watershed conditions, climate risks, and opportunities for action. This plan builds on the 2015 Ventura River Watershed Management Plan by addressing topics not covered there, including:
- Progress and key developments since 2015, including implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), advancement of Matilija Dam removal project, and alignment with ongoing watershed efforts
- Stronger watershed collaboration and more inclusive engagement, including assessment of the Watershed Council network and expanded participation from underserved communities and Tribes
- Development of a shared vision and guiding principles for watershed resilience
- Updated watershed understanding, with enhanced “state of the watershed,” a watershed-scale water budget, and integration of recent hydrologic studies and modeling outputs
- A clearer picture of climate risk, informed by updated climate projections and identification of key vulnerabilities across watershed systems
- Action-oriented adaptation strategies and implementation pathways, including priority actions and metrics to track progress over time
The VRWRP provides a data‑informed and locally grounded framework that aligns regional priorities, assesses climate vulnerabilities, and identifies pathways to action shaped by the watershed’s unique hydrology and high level of community engagement. In doing so, the plan is intended to support coordinated decision-making, inform project development, and position the watershed for future funding and implementation opportunities.
The VRWRP builds on and aligns with existing regional efforts, including the 2015 Ventura River Watershed Management Plan, the 2019 Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan, Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs), and other land use, hazard mitigation, and resource management programs.
Clarity, accessibility, and ease of use were key priorities in the development of the plan. The document includes maps, charts, and other visual elements to support understanding and navigation.
Climate resilience in watersheds is the ability of a watershed to recover from and respond to extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and seasonal changes in hydrology. Resilient watersheds can continue to provide services like water supply, flood management, and ecosystem support even after a climate-related disaster.
California’s watersheds are currently experiencing major climate change challenges that will be magnified in the future. Improving and accelerating climate resilience planning and implementation at the watershed scale will improve water resilience where impacts are most acutely experienced.
Water resource planning is necessary to safeguard water supply and quality, food security, protect vulnerable populations from drought, flooding, and extreme heat, prepare for sea level rise, and protect critical natural and built environments.
A variety of meetings and forums were held throughout the formation of the Ventura River Watershed Resilience Plan. Access the table below to see relevant meetings and documents.
| Meeting | Location | Date | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
|
February VRWC Meeting |
Hybrid |
Thursday, February 6, 2025 9 am – 12 pm |
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April VRWC Meeting |
Virtual |
Thursday, April 3, 2025 9 am – 12 pm |
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Forum #1— Shape Our Shared Vision |
Camp Arnaz |
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 3 pm – 5:30 pm |
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June VRWC Meeting |
Virtual |
Thursday, June 5, 2025 9 am – 12 pm |
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Forum #2— Assets, Impacts, and Community Insights |
Camp Arnaz |
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 12:30 pm -4 pm |
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September VRWC Meeting |
Hybrid |
Thursday, September 4, 2025 9 am – 12 pm |
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October VRWC Meeting |
Virtual |
Thursday, October 2, 2025 9 am – 12 pm |
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Downscaled Climate Projections & Hazards for Ventura River Watershed |
Virtual |
Presentation during October VRWC Meeting |
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VRWC & Advisory Group Special Session |
Virtual |
Thursday, October 23, 2025 1 pm – 4 pm |
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December VRWC Meeting |
Oak View Park & Resource Center |
Thursday, December 4, 2025 8:30 am – 12 pm |
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Forum #3— Advancing Priority Actions in the Ventura River Watershed |
Camp Arnaz |
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 11 am – 4 pm |
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March VRWC Meeting |
Virtual |
Thursday, March 19, 2026 9 am – 11 am |