Santa Clara River Trail Final Master Plan - Development Services ...

Santa Clara River Trail Plan
Relevant Projects and Plans
It is important for the SCRT Master Plan to build upon existing project and planning efforts affecting the
short-term construction and long-term sustainability and vitality of the SCRT. Relevant plans include
regional Santa Clara River conservation planning efforts, neighboring city and county bicycle plans, flood
protection studies as well as several City of Oxnard specific plans.
Santa Clara River Regional Plans
Santa Clara River Enhancement and Management Plan
The Santa Clara River Enhancement and Management Plan (SCREMP) began in 1991. It is directed by a
Steering Committee of federal, state, and local public agencies, owners of property along the river
corridor and local conservation organizations. In 1999 the Steering Committee approved a set of
management recommendations to provide guidance for the preservation, enhancement, and
sustainability of the physical, biological, and economic resources that occur within the Santa Clara
River’s main stem.
The SCREMP recognizes that the south side of the river features extensive levees, SBP, groins, and access
roads necessary for flood control maintenance. These areas in Oxnard are not currently designed for
pedestrian use. Collaboration with VCWPD and Los Angeles County Department of Public Works –
Watershed Management Division (LACDPW-WMD) will be required. Riverwide Recommendation 3
from SCREMP states "Encourage local jurisdictions to develop Joint Agreements with VCWPD and
LACDPW-WMD to allow joint use of flood control maintenance roads with hiking and biking
opportunities, particularly on existing flood control levees on the south side of the river in the cities of
Oxnard and Ventura." The SCRT Master Plan effort is in direct alignment with the recommendations of
SCREMP.
Santa Clara River Parkway
In 2000, the California Coastal Conservancy (CCC) established the Santa Clara River Parkway Project.
The vision of the Santa Clara River Parkway is the acquisition and restoration of a 25 mile-long corridor
from the mouth of the Santa Clara River to the Sespe Creek confluence. The project has three goals: to
restore hydrologic and geomorphic processes that create and maintain habitat for endangered and
threatened species, to provide enhanced flood protection for adjacent private land and public facilities,
and to facilitate public access and environmental education, including the creation of a continuous public
trail system along the length of the Parkway.
Planning and acquisition for the Parkway has begun. The Santa Clara River Parkway Floodplain
Restoration Feasibility Study has been completed to assist the CCC with restoration and management
strategies for 2,400 acres of acquired property within the lower Santa Clara River corridor. The CCC is
in support of the City of Oxnard’s efforts to construct a trail along the Santa Clara River.
City of Oxnard | 25