SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The City of Santa Cruz is scheduled to begin its annual required San Lorenzo River Management Project on Tuesday, Sept. 12, in order to help flood conveyance. Work is expected to continue weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for four to six weeks. There will be minimal impact to vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Some paths may be closed for safety purposes.
This project is required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prior to the rainy season starting and will follow the environmental guidelines set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. These requirements include a biological survey of the area and avoidance of identified bird nests. A biological monitor will remain onsite throughout the duration of the project.
For safety reasons, a notice to vacate has been posted for individuals camping along the river outside of City-designated areas. A contractor is assisting in removing trash and debris along the work area prior to commencement of work.
The routine management activities associated with the flood control channel of the San Lorenzo River include annual evaluation of the need for a low flow channel; sediment disking in channel gravel bars and at the toe of the levee slope; vegetation maintenance and removal; and storm drain maintenance and clean out. Without this management and maintenance, the flood protection of this system is significantly reduced.
The City of Santa Cruz manages the flood control channel under an operations and maintenance agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
