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8/3/2019 California; Santa Cruz County Stream Care Guide
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St re a m C a re
G u i d e
Santa Cruz County
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Copies of this guide can beobtained from:
County o f Santa Cruz Planning Department701 Ocean Street, Room 400Santa Cruz, CA 95060(831) 454-2580
Online at co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Planning
This booklet has been pub lished bythe County of Santa Cruz Planning Departmentwi th funding from the Salmon and Steelhead TroutRestoration Account (SB 271, 1997Thom pson) asadministered by California Department of Fishand Game.
Second Edition, 2003
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Santa Cruz County Stream Care Guide 1
Introduction
Streams, from large rivers to small creeks, touch the lives of every SantaCruz County resident. More than 770 miles of waterways flow through theCounty, so no one lives very far from a creek, stream, or river. By providingwater supply, wildlife habitat, flood capacity, and aesthetic and recreationvalues, our waterways comprise an invaluable resourcebut one that can beeasily damaged by careless actions or improper land use.
Since most streamside acreage is in private ownership, much of the
responsibility for the life and health of our streams lies with you, thestreamside resident or property owner. Proper management of your streambank and its vegetation can prevent or minimize erosion, preserve waterquality, contribute to the survival of the areas fish and wildlife, help avoidflood losses, and protect property values.
The principles of proper stream care are simple, but they require your activeparticipation. This booklet seeks to stimulate that participation and to guide
you in your stream stewardship. With a little care, you can preserve andenhance your streamside environment and protect Santa Cruz Countysheritage of productive streams, flowing free and clear.
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2 Santa Cruz County Stream Care Guide
Santa Cruz CountyWatersheds
Everyone lives within a watershed. A watershedcomprises all of the land that drains into a distinctstream, creek, or river system. All Santa Cruz County
watersheds drain to MontereyBay and the Pacific Ocean.
Major watersheds in Santa Cruz County include the
San Lorenzo River, Waddell, Scotts, Soquel and Aptoscreeks, and the Corralitos and Salsipuedes subbasinsof the Pajaro River. Smaller watersheds in the Countyinclude Arana Gulch, Rodeo Gulch and the NorthCoast streamsSan Vicente, Liddell, Laguna, Baldwinand Wilder creeks.
Watershed all of the landand subsurface groundwaterthat drains to a particular point
along a stream or river.
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4 Santa Cruz County Stream Care Guide
The health of the stream environment depends onseveral physical factors: water quality; watertemperature; the amount of sunlight reaching thestream; the character of the stream bottom (whetherbedrock, boulder, gravel, sand, or fine silt); and thevolume and timing of water flowing through thestream. Human activities can influence all of these.
Riparian habitats cover only about 1 percent of theCountys watersheds, but provide food and shelterfor a great variety of wildlife. This zone is also criticalas a migration corridor for many animals, especially
where nearby upland development can be a barrierto overland travel.
Coastal streams are also important for the tidally-influenced lagoons in the lower portions of thewatershed. These highly productive ecosystemsdepend on high quality freshwater and adequatestream flows. In turn, healthy streams and lagoons
benefit the health of our coastal marine watersincluding the Monterey Bay National MarineSanctuary, one of the most biologically diversemarine ecosystems in the world.
Riparian habitatthe area adjacent toa stream togetherwith the plant andanimal communityit supports.
The Living Stream
A stream is more than just a channel for
rainwater in its passage to the ocean.It is a complex, living system where thecharacteristics of the stream beditscomposition, shape, and elevationdropinteract with the dissolved nutrientsand organic matter in flowing water tocreate a dynamic environment rich withplant and animal life.
Streams reflect what is happening on the surroundingland. A healthy stream will have:
cool, clear oxygen-rich water free of pollutants andexcess algae
gravel and cobble without too much sand and siltfor aquatic insect production and fish spawning
a balance of fast water riffles for aquatic insects,fish spawning and feeding, and pool habitats ascover and refuge from high flows
abundant woody material to provide habitat andcover for aquatic and riparian species, and to scourpools
adequate summer streamflow
lush streamside vegetation to stabilize banks andprovide shade and food for wildlife
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Santa Cruz County Stream Care Guide 7
The Riparian Corridor
The riparian corridor is the area adjacent to the
stream that supports a plant and animal communityadapted to flooding or wet conditions. Willows,alders, and cottonwoods are common riparian treespecies. Redwood and Douglas fir often inhabit theriparian corridor, particularly in the upper reaches ofthe watersheds. All of these tree species contributeto bank stability, shade, undercut banks, and woodymaterial within the stream. Understory plants, suchas ferns and native blackberry, are also importantcomponents of the riparian ecosystem.
In the County of Santa Cruz, the riparian corridor is aprotected habitat as defined by the Riparian Corridorand Wetlands Protection Ordinance (see page 22). Formost properties, the protected riparian corridor is 50from the bankfull flowline or the extent of riparianwoodland.
Healthy streams need banks with undisturbed nativevegetation. Riparian plants not only provide criticalwildlife habitat, they also directly affect livingconditions in the stream itself. Leaves and insectsdropping from nearby trees and shrubs supply foodfor many aquatic animals, while plant roots stabilizethe bank, preventing erosion.
Some streambank erosion is natural. Small areas oferosion can provide open areas for new treeseedlings to colonize. However, large areas of erosioncan significantly degrade the habitat quality withinthe stream. Whenever possible, you should avoidimproving your creekside area by mowing,clearing, or stripping vegetation. If you are
considering altering your streambank vegetation, you
should first consult with the County, as a permit maybe required (see page 22, the Riparian Corridor andWetlands Protection Ordinance, for details).
In times of flooding, a well-vegetated streambank isyour propertys best protection from bank erosion.The plants growing there are uniquely adapted tosurviving flood conditions, providing erosionprotection at high flows, and recovering quickly whenflood waters subside. The roots of riparian trees,especially willows, stabilize streambanks by holdingthe soil together with their strong roots.
Riparian vegetation can also act as a sediment andnutrient filter, trapping silt from adjacent propertiesand absorbing most of the nutrients released byanimals, fertilizers, and septic systems (6095%). Tobe an effective filter, this zone of vegetation must besufficiently wide, and the shrubs, vines, and grassesof the understory, not just the trees, must be present.
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8 Santa Cruz County Stream Care Guide
Common Riparian Plants inSanta Cruz County
Ground Covers: Sword Fern (Polystichum mumitum)
Chain Fern (Woodwardia fimbriata)
California Blackberry (Rubus ursinus)
Mugwort (Artemisia douglasiana)
Alum Root (Heuchera micrantha)
Shrubs: Blue Elderberry (Sambucus mexicana)
California Rose (Rosa californica)
California Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum)
Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus)
Coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica)
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Pink Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum
and R. californicum) Snow Berry (Symphoricarpos albus)
Hazelnut (Corylus cornuta)
Trees: Big Leaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
California Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica)
Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) Red Willow (Salix laevigata)
Red Alder (Alnus rubra)
Arroyo Willow (Salix lasiolepis)
Box Elder (Acer negundo)
Black Cottonwood (Populus balsamiferassp. trichocarpa)
Red Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)
Coffeeberry
SwordFern
California Rose
Use Native Riparian Plants
Only native species should be planted in a riparian
corridor. These plants provide low maintenance,attractive landscaping as well as habitat for nativewildlife. Local plants form the base of the food chainand are part of the complex web between insects,birds, fish, and other wildlife species. Native plantsoften require less water and are more resilient to
insects and disease than many non-nativeornamentals. When planted properly, native
plants can also help prevent soil erosion.
Plants that occurnaturally along a specificcreek are adapted to localconditions and will be theeasiest to grow. Contact your local native plantnursery to assist you in determining which plants arebest suited for your area (see page 24). Your plants
will have an increased chance of survival if you waterthem regularly during the dry season for the first 3to 5 years, and weed regularly. Native trees andshrubs do not require fertilizers and pesticides.
When selecting plants for your riparian corridor,choose a variety of species including ground covers,shrubs, and trees. By planting a diversity of riparianplants you will create a more natural setting, whichwill benefit both aquatic and terrestrial species.
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7. Avoid planting invasive, non-native plant species,such as acacia, ivies, and periwinkle in your ripar-ian area.
8. Do not release non-native wildlife, such as bull-frogs and exotic fish, into creeks. Avoid establish-ing non-native fish or wildlife populations in ponds.
9. To protect native birds and other wildlife, and to
help reduce the Countysferal cat population,participate in theCountys spay andneuter program.Do not leave foodoutdoors thatcan attract feralanimals.
California newtPacific giantsalamander
California red-leggedfrog
Foothill yellow-leggedfrog
Green heron
Common merganser
Wood duck
Red-shouldered hawk
Belted kingfisher
Downy woodpecker
Allens hummingbird
American dipper
Pacific-slopeflycatcher
Warbling vireo
Swainsons thrush
Yellow warbler
Wilsons warbler
Song sparrow
Spotted towhee
Black-headedgrosbeak
San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat
Bobcat
Raccoon
Local riparian wildlife species
Riparian Wildlife
In California, riparian forests support the greatest
diversity and abundance of wildlifespecies. Because of the availablewater and the complex vegetationstructure, insects, birds, reptiles,mammals, and amphibians use theriparian forest for nesting, food,shelter, and as corridors formovement. Protecting and restoring
riparian habitat is one of the mosteffective ways you can help wildlife.
Riparian Habitat Protection Measures:
1. Protect and enhance the riparian vegetation onyour property.
2. Unless there is a safety issue, keep your standingdead trees (snags) and dead limbs. Snags and dead
limbs are important resources for cavity-nestingand roosting species, such as common mergan-sers, wood ducks, woodpeckers, chestnut-backedchickadees, bats, and other small mammals.
3. If you must remove a tree or a snag, do thiswork during the non-breeding season for birds(i.e., generally outside of the period from March1stAugust 1st).
4. Leave downed woody material on the streambankto provide cover and feeding areas for wildlife. Ifnecessary for safety reasons, you can removematerial during the non-breeding season.
5. Avoid clearing dense native understory vegetationto create open park-like areas. Understory vegeta-tion provides foraging sites and concealment ofground nests.
6. Direct security lighting away from the riparian cor-
ridor to minimize disturbances to roosting andnocturnal wildlife, such as bats and owls.
California Newt
California Red-legged Frog
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Santa Cruz County Stream Care Guide 11
Managing Woody Material
Large woody material in the creekfallen logs,
stumps, root wads, and large branchesprovide animportant source of cover, food, and shelter for fishand other stream dwellers. Areas of accumulatedwoody material have been found to support thehighest number of juvenile steelhead and cohosalmon in local streams. A moderate amount of suchmaterial can also provide natural protection forstreambanks.
In cases where large woody material is causing rapidbank erosion by redirecting stream flow, or creatinga flood hazard on your property, modification orremoval of this material may be warranted. Thiswork requires a consultation with the CaliforniaDepartment of Fish and Game to ensure it is doneproperly without harming the stream. The County ofSanta Cruz Public Works Department provides
assistance with the assessment and modification oflarge woody material accumulations for flood controlpurposes.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind whilemanaging woody material in and surrounding yourstream:
Woody material should be left in the creek. Lack of
woody material can significantly limit habitat forsteelhead and coho salmon in local streams.
Woody material may need to be modified orremoved if it causes flooding or erosion thatthreatens life or property, or speeds up naturalerosion processes. In an emergency, you have theright to protect life and property, but must notifythe California Department of Fish and Gamewithin 2 weeks of starting a project. In a non-emer-
gency, contact Fish and Game for advice and in-formation about obtaining a permit.
In an emergency, trim smaller branches that catchother material first. Otherwise, modify woodymaterial so that trunks or root wads remain in-tact. Keep log lengths at least 11/2 times thestream width.
Most fish can swim through, under, or around logclusters or debris jams, especially during high
flows. If you know that fish cant swim through abarrier, contact the California Department of Fishand Game.
Brush, weeds, grass clippings, or other smallmaterial should not be thrown into a creek ordumped on creek banks where it can be washedaway by the stream. This small material couldcreate a debris jam or block a culvert which cancause flooding, erosion, or block fish passage.
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Erosion Control
Erosion and the movement of sediment through
watercourses are natural processes that shape astream and deliver nutrients and beneficial substratesto aquatic ecosystems. However, accelerated erosion,directly or indirectly caused by human disturbance,can overload a stream with sediment. Excessivesediment in the channel bed impairs water quality,reduces the streams ability to carry flood waters, andcauses or aggravates bank stability problems.
In local streams, excessive fine sediment, especiallysand, is a primary factor limiting habitat for steelhead,coho salmon, and other aquatic species. Excess finesediment degrades fish spawning and rearing habitat,and reduces aquatic insect habitat which diminishesfood supplies for steelhead and coho salmon.
Erosion control efforts can prevent and minimizeerosion and sedimentation in riparian corridors,upland areas and along streambanks. Your erosioncontrol efforts should also focus on minimizingerosion from nearby roads, especially dirt roads.
Basic Strategies for
Preventing Soil Erosion:
Protect bare soil surfaces. Nativetrees, shrubs and grasses, cover crops,or mulch (gravel, sterile straw, woodchips) hold the soil in place and allowwater to soak into the soil. During con-struction, use sterile straw or erosioncontrol fabrics to help protect exposedsoils.
Minimize disturbing existing plants.If plants are disturbed, such as for theremoval of invasive, non-native species,replant the area with native plants asquickly as possible.
Identify natural drainages and steep
slopes. Do not obstruct natural flows;allow water to flow in natural drainagesor sheet flow over the surface.
Maintain undisturbed buffersaround natural drainages.
Avoid concentrating water flows,unless absolutely necessary. Protectwater or pipe outlets by using carefullyplaced rock or an energy dissipater.
Know areas of concern, such aslandslides and fill slopes. Do not con-centrate flow into these areas.
Check and fix drainage concernssuch as gutters, roads, driveways.Make sure drainage is released onto
non-erosive surfaces .
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Streambank ErosionPrevention and Solutions
Remove debris and yard clippings dumpedon the streambank. Loose brush and debriscan kill existing bank-stabilizing vegetation,
inhibit growth of vegetation and contributeto bank instability.
Protect and enhance existing native vegeta-tion.
Plant native riparian vegetation, includinghardwoods.
Control over-bank flow, especially concen-
trated water runoff.
Work with your neighbors. Bank protection cancause bank erosion downstream and up-stream.
Consider biotechnical solutions first that useplant material to stabilize banks.
As a last resort, protect banks with structuraldevices such as rock slope protection inter-planted with willow trees and other riparianspecies.
Request your engineer to incorporate habitat
enhancement features.
Vegetated Rock Slope Protection
Roadside Ditches
When roadside ditches are steep,undersized, not maintained properly, or
filled with debris and rock, erosion andgullying can occur. To minimize erosionproblems, line the ditch with low growingvegetation or rock, install more frequentcross drains and culverts, and performregular maintenance. Regular maintenancewould include clearing cross drains, mowingand cutting vegetation, and addressinginitial erosion.
Native Plantings
Please see the Use Native Riparian Plantsand Planting Willows sections of this guidefor tips on how to use native plants to controlfor erosion.
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Santa Cruz County Stream Care Guide 15
Planting Willowsfor Bank Protection
Willows are an important component of a healthyriparian community. Historically, willows grew alongmost streams in California, and they still do. Whenplanted properly, willows are an effective andinexpensive way to repair eroding streambanks andto provide important wildlife habitat.
Revegetating with willows is the easiest way to
establish woody vegetation on a denuded creek bank.Willows need only sunshine and a year-round watersupply; even if surface flows evaporate, groundwatermay be close enough to the surface to supportwillows. Willows spread easily and respond well toheavy pruning.
Willow sprigs can be harvested and planted from
dormant cuttings following these steps:
1. Willow sprigs should be collected and plantedduring the winter when the ground is soft and wet,and the willow plants are dormant (i.e., leaves aregone). In Santa Cruz County, willows are typically
dormant in December and January. Planting in thewinter ensures the willows will have plenty of timefor the roots to become established before theysprout leaves in the spring.
2. Willow sprigs should be at least 3/4 inch in diam-eter, a minimum of 2-3 feet long, and stripped ofall branches and leaves.
3. Willows should be planted right-side up. One al-most-foolproof method is to point the planting endof the sprig right after it is cut from the tree. Togive plenty of area for root growth, sprigs shouldbe planted into the soil 75 to 80% of the length ofthe cutting. The top of sprigs should be angledslightly downstream to lessen the resistance to theflow of water.
4. Plant willows low enough on the bank to ensureadequate soil moisture during summer months. Ifplanted too high on the bank, willows will dry outand die, even if stream or gullies have year-roundwater. If the willow sprigs can be irrigated for thefirst summer, plantings can be placed higher onthe bank.
5. Try to plant more than one species of native wil-low. Some willows grow tall; others have a short,shrub-like form. Structural diversity greatly in-creases bird use. A dense growth of willow canalso reduce infestations of invasive, non-nativeplant species.
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Temporary or Flashboard Dams
Each year, many streamside residents erect small,seasonal dams to create temporary ponds or lakesfor recreation, water diversion, or aesthetic purposesduring the summer months. Most of these structuresare flashboard dams, consisting of separatewooden boards set in a supporting frame.
The construction and use of a flashboard dam
requires a permit from the California Department ofFish and Game and may require consultation withthe National Marine Fisheries Service.
These dams can interfere with the downstreammigration of steelhead and coho salmon smolts, fall-winter migration of adults, and summer movementof juveniles.
Flashboards should not be set in place before June15th and should be removed by October 15th or after1 inch of rain has fallen. In addition, flashboard damsshould be assembled and removed slowlyone boardat a timeto lessen their impact on the stream belowthe dam.
Keep Lagoons Closed!Breaching and draining a closed lagoon is illegal
and can kill juvenile steelhead and coho salmonby flushing them out to the ocean before theyare ready. If you see someone attempting tobreach a lagoon, call the California Departmentof Fish and Game (888) 334-2258.
Fish Passage Barriers
A fish barrier is an obstacle that prevents or inhibits
the natural migration of salmon, steelhead, andother native fish. These barriers typically
include culverts, dams, weirs, andfloodgates. Barriers also include
natural features such aswaterfalls and logjams.
Natural and human-madestructures can create
barriers when there isno pool at thedownstream sidefor fish to jumpfrom, the height istoo high for fishto jump over,water velocitiesare too high, or
the water depthis too shallow to
swim through.These barriers can
also cause behaviorchanges in fish. Barriers
can have a significantimpact on native fish by restricting migration duringspawning. As fish congregate at barriers, over-
crowding increases the likelihood of stress, injury,and predation. Barriers also lead to the under-use ofthe habitat isolated by the barriers. Removal ofhuman-made barriers will allow fish and otheraquatic creatures to fully use the stream and swimfreely throughout the watershed.
The removal of passage barriers is a priority for
fishery restoration. Contact the California Departmentof Fish and Game or Santa Cruz County ResourceConservation District for technical assistance.
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The Storm Drain Connection
Within urbanized areas of the County, water running
off lawns, gardens, roofs, and paved areassuch asstreets, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lotsempties into a storm drain system. The storm drainsystem is separate from the sanitary sewer systemwhich collects wastewater from households andcommercial sources through indoor plumbing. Waterin the sanitary sewer is treated at a wastewatertreatment plant before being discharged into the Bay.Water passing through the storm drain system
receives no treatment before entering local creeksand the Monterey Bay. Many storm drains are markedwith a No dumping! Flows to Bay stencil.
Storm water runoff is a major source of water
pollution in California. Water entering the storm drainsystemwhether rainwater or water from a hosecan pick up soil, bacteria, viruses, pet waste,chemicals, garbage, and other pollutants. Somepollutantssuch as oil, grease, car washing soaps,and heavy metals on parking lots and roadsenterstreams primarily through storm drain inlets. Do notput pollutants into storm drains or in areas wherethey can wash into them.
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septic system. Use of native vegetation adjacent tothe stream corridor will eliminate the need forfertilizers and pesticides.
Keep yard clippings and debris off thestreambank and out of the creek
Yard clippings dumped on streambanks will killvegetation underneath and can lead to bank erosion.Yard clippings can wash downstream and plugculverts, leading to flooding and property damage.
If you own a pool or spa, drain water into thesanitary sewer system not to a creek, street,or storm drain.
Chlorine and algaecides used in pools and spas aretoxic to plants and aquatic life. Try non-chlorinealternatives for pool maintenance. Use diatomaceousearth (DE) cautiously.
Wash cars and boats away from the stream orat a commercial carwash.
Dont use soap if it will drain into a storm drain orcreek. Detergents cause foaming and prevent oxygenfrom dissolving in the water.
Minimize impervious surfaces on your property.
Impervious surfaces such as your home, paved
driveways and patios, reduce the amount of rain thatsoaks into the soil. In turn, impervious surfacesincrease stream runoff, often resulting in increasedgully and bank erosion and flooding problemsdownstream. In some areas of the County,impervious surfaces also reduce the amount ofgroundwater recharge, impacting our local watersupply. Hard packed or compacted soils and denudedareas can increase surface runoff similar to
impervious surfaces.
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Regulations
County of Santa Cruz
Several County ordinances govern activities toprotect riparian and stream habitats. One of themost important is the Riparian Corridor andWetlands Protection Ordinance which was adoptedto protect wildlife and aquatic habitat, reduceflooding, and safeguard water quality and culturaland aesthetic values.
Under the Riparian Corridor and Wetlands ProtectionOrdinance, the protected riparian corridor is defined as:
Lands extending 50 feet (measured horizontally)out from each side of a perennial stream. Distanceis measured from the mean rainy season (bankfull)flowline.
Lands extending 30 feet (measured horizontally)out from each side of an intermittent stream. Dis-tance is measured from the mean rainy season(bankfull) flowline.
Lands extending 100 feet (measured horizontally)out from each side of a lake, wetland, estuary,lagoon or natural body of standing water.
Lands within an arroyo locatedwithin the Urban Services Line orthe Rural Services Line.
Lands containing riparian wood-land (cottonwood, sycamore,alder, box elder, etc.)
Within these defined areas, theordinance prohibits anydevelopment, including treecutting, vegetation removal,
grading or construction,without a Riparian Exception
permit from the Planning Department. Deposition ofdebris and use of pesticides are prohibited.
Grading, including grading outside of the ripariancorridor, can create erosion and degrade streamhabitats. Most grading requires a permit and shouldbe careful not to alter natural drainage patterns.Under the Erosion Control Ordinance, it is an ownersresponsibility to control erosion on their property. Formore information, contact the Planning Departmentor visit the County of Santa Cruz website:www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us.
State and Federal Agencies
Several state and federal agencies have jurisdictionover certain activities in the riparian corridor or stream.Most activities within the riparian zone require aStreambed Alteration Agreement from the CaliforniaDepartment of Fish and Game. Many projects withinthe riparian zone require a permit from the Regional
Water Quality Control Board, and an application for apermit from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, whichincludes review by the National Marine FisheriesService and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Native Plant Nurseries
Many nurseries carry native plants which are suitable forplanting within your riparian area. The following nurseries
specialize in native plants of local origin; these, and othernurseries, can provide you with assistance on what plantsare best for your area:
Central Coast Wilds336 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz(831) 459-0655
Elkhorn Native Plant Nursery1957 Highway 1, Moss Landing(831) 763-1207
Native Revival Nursery2600 Mar Vista Drive, Aptos(831) 684-1811
Erosion Control Supplies
Erosion Control Supplies are available at theNative Plant Nurseries and at:
Augies Feed2571 E Lake Avenue, Watsonville(831) 728-1711
Central Home Supply808 River Street, Santa Cruz(831) 423-0763
General Feed and Seed1900 Commercial, Santa Cruz
(831) 476-5344
John Snow Seed Company21855 Roseheart Way, Salinas(831) 758-9869
L.A. Hearne8525 Prunedale N. Road, Prunedale(831) 663-1572
San Lorenzo Lumber Garden Center
235 River Street, Santa Cruz(831) 423-0223
Scotts Valley Sprinkler SupplyScotts Valley (831) 438-6450Watsonville (831) 728-0446
For a list of Certified Professionals in Erosion and SedimentControl, contact the Natural Resources ConservationService or the County of Santa Cruz Planning Department.
Local Watershed Efforts
If you are interested in getting involved with a localwatershed effort, contact the Santa Cruz County ResourceConservation District for contact information about activewatershed efforts.
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Compiled and Written by:
Jennifer Michaud and Liza Prunuske,Prunuske Chatham , Inc. andKristen Schroeder, County of Santa CruzPlanning Department
With cont ributions by:Kathy Lyons, Biotic Resources Group,
Bryan Mor i, Wild life Biologist, andKell i Camara, Natural ResourcesConservation Service.
Graphic Design and Illustration:Lisa Krieshok
Many thanks to those who contributed
to and reviewed this Stream Care Guide.
Portions of this Stream Care Guide
appeared in:
Stream Care in Santa Cruz County: AGuide for Streamside Property Owners1989 by the County of Santa Cruz PlanningDepartment.
Creek Care: A Guide for Urban M arin
Residents1997 by Marin County Departmentof Public Works and Marin CountyStormwater Pollution Prevention Program.
Creek Care: A Guide for Rural Landow nersand Residents of Petaluma and SonomaCreek Watersheds2001 by the SouthernSonoma County Resource Conservation
District.Groundworkby Liza Prunuske 1987 byMarin County Resource Conservation District.
DISCLAIMER
Every attempt has been made to assure that the in form ation contained in this publ ication is accurate. The County ofSanta Cruz assumes no responsibility and disclaims any liability for any injury or damage resulting from the use oreffect of any product or information specified in this publication.
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C o u n t y o f S a n t a C r u zP la n n in g De p a r t m e n t7 0 1 O ce a n S t re e t , R o om 4 0 0
S a n t a C r u z , C A 9 5 0 6 0