Agua Hedionda Creek Restoration Project
Project Updates
July 16, 2009
Due to safety concerns, the footbridge across Agua Hedionda Creek, at the east end of Buena Vista Park, was removed. A new bridge is planned as part of the upcoming creek restoration project; the bridge itself will be similar to the one below:
Engineering of the creekbed and side slopes must first be developed in order to create a stable environment to install a foundation for the new bridge; this process will ensure public safety and satisfy environmental requirements.
Please DO NOT enter the creek area to cross the creek.
The area has rocks; rattlesnakes; poison oak and ivy; and the side slopes of the creek are unstable in several places; foot traffic will degrade the condition of the creek. Furthermore, the creek area is a designated Wildlife Corridor and should remain as undisturbed as possible.
Please stay on the trails.
There are many trails on the north side of the creek to utilize while the Agua Hedionda Creek Restoration Project is underway. The trails on the south side of the creek can still be accessed via the sewer gate off of S. Melrose Avenue.
Please don’t leave any trash behind. Keep the park clean. It is good for the community and the environment.
Tentative Timeline for the Project
The Agua Hedionda Creek Restoration Project will begin at the Buena Vista Park property boundary with the Dawson Preserve continuing upstream to the property boundary with Green Oak Ranch. Planned project highlights: streambed stabilization and restoration, side slope restoration, removal of non-native plants, re-vegetation with native plants, and a new bridge on the east end. The goal of the project is to enhance the natural environment for wildlife, while providing the community with an opportunity to observe the local wildlife and enjoy the trail system.
September 2009:
Tory R. Walker Engineering hired by the City to complete preliminary design services for the Agua Hedionda Creek Restoration Project.
September 2009 - February 2010:
Preliminary design engineering for the entire restoration project (including engineering for the construction of a foundation for the new bridge).
February 2010 - August 2010:
Final design engineering for the entire restoration project. Begin environmental review and permitting phases.
Spring 2010:
Begin search for grant funding to construct Phases 2 and 3 of Agua Hedionda Creek Restoration Project (many funders require that the design and environmental phases be completed before award of funding).Phase 2: S. Melrose to large rock outcropping in creek.
Phase 3: Large rock outcropping to property boundary with Green Oak Ranch (this is the phase that includes installation of the new bridge).
Late 2010:
Begin construction of Phase 1 of the Agua Hedionda Creek Restoration Project (Dawson Preserve to S. Melrose). This phase will serve as environmental mitigation for the sewer pipeline rehabilitation program.
Please Note: Construction for Phases 2 and 3 are dependent upon funding.
Buena Vista Park Reminders
Please stay on the dirt paths. The creek area is a Wildlife Corridor and is not meant for pedestrian traffic. Birds and other wildlife are more likely to permanently take up residence when left undisturbed; the egrets and heron are especially shy. Wildlife Habitat signs will be installed around the creek as reminders.
Please clean up after you dogs. Please ensure that your animal’s waste does not go in and around the creek area. Doggie waste bags are available at the doggie station, located at the access gate next to Fire Station No. 5. Another doggie waste station will be installed on the south side of the creek, under S. Melrose bridge.
Emergency? If assistance is needed on the weekend with an issue (i.e., a dead animal is found, etc.) in Buena Vista Park or any City-owned property, please contact: Public Services After Hours Emergency Number at 858-756-3006
Pictures:
Look closely…the tiny white image in the middle of this picture is a great egret at Agua Hedionda Creek.
