Matilija Dam Removal Project Stakeholders Met to Move the Project Forward
On March 17th, 2016 the Matilija Dam “Design Oversight Group” met to discuss dam removal alternatives and achieve consensus on an approach to move forward. Presentations and materials from the meeting can be found at http://matilijadam.org/.
You can read a full summary of the meeting including next steps here and get additional information about the project at matilija-coalition.org.
Upper Ventura River GSA Formation Committee Launches Website
The committee that is working to form the Upper Ventura River Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) has launched a website, www.uvrgroundwater.org, to encourage maximum stakeholder participation in the formation process.
The new GSA is being formed in response to the California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, which requires local agencies to form groundwater sustainability agencies by June of 2017.
The new website explains how the Upper Ventura River GSA is being formed; describes the five organizations leading the process; provides information on the meetings that are being held, including meeting materials and presentations; gives an overview of the Upper Ventura River Groundwater Basin; includes a library of maps and relevant documents; and offers a form for submitting questions and comments to the committee.
The Formation Committee is comprised of four water suppliers – Ventura River Water District, Meiners Oaks Water District, City of Ventura (Ventura Water), and Casitas Municipal Water District – and the County of Ventura.
The goal of the Formation Committee is to have the GSA established by August of 2016. Once the agency is in place, the next step will be development of the required groundwater sustainability plan for the basin.
Anyone wishing to receive news about the Upper Ventura River Groundwater Basin and the GSA’s formation can sign up for their e-newsletter on the website. For more information, contact Bert Rapp, General Manager, Ventura River Water District at (805) 646-3403 or email at Bert@VenturaRiverWD.com.
Funding available for programs and projects in the Ventura River Watershed:
$ Fish Habitat Restoration Funding (NOAA) Applications Due April 6- Click Here
$ Environmental Education Grant (EPA) Applications Due April 8 – Click Here
CFCC Funding Fairs for Infrastructure projects
May. 5 Next Council Meeting – Arundo Free Watershed Campaign Meeting RESCHEDULED to April 14th at 1:30pm
Our next Arundo Free Watershed Campaign Meeting will be Thursday April 14th at 1:30pm at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy office at 370 W. Baldwin Road Bldg. A4 in Ojai. This meeting will be an opportunity for those who are “in the weeds” of giant reed removal to update the group on recently submitted grant applications, share giant reed removal Best Management Practices, and discuss opportunities to use giant reed as mulch to help stop the spread of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB).
The next meeting of the Council will be on Thursday, May 5, 2015. The meeting will be from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, in the Topping Room of the EP Foster Library, 651 E. Main Street. An agenda will be distributed closer to the meeting.