Rodeo Grounds Berm Removal Project
Program
In-stream Habitat Restoration
Primary RCD
Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains
Lead Implementer
Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains
Funders
California Department of Fish & Wildlife, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Coastal Conservancy, Los Angeles County, CA, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, NOAA Fisheries, NOAA Restoration Center, Office of Supervisor Yaroslavksy (Los Angeles), Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission, Wildlife Conservation Board
Project Primary Contact
John Hendra (jhendra@rcdsmm.org)
Project Stage
Completed
Duration
2008
Watershed Restoration
In-stream Habitat Restoration
The Rodeo Grounds Road Berm is located on Topanga Creek, approximately 2,500 feet upstream from the Pacific Ocean, in Topanga Creek State Park, Topanga, CA. The berm was constructed between the late 1960’s and 1980 and extended roughly north to south, forming a barrier to natural flood inundation patterns and redirecting the flow of the creek channel to the east. In order to restore the natural creek hydrology, provide access to the entire floodplain, and restore access and habitat for endangered southern steelhead trout, the landowner, CA Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR) determined that removal of the berm is necessary.
Key Accomplishments
- Fish Passage Barrier Treatment: 1
- Habitat Restoration/Creation: 16.00 acres
- Special Status Fish Species Habitat: 2,600.00 lf
Project Themes
- Climate Change
- Wildlife/Endangered Species
- Forests and Fire
- Healthy Watersheds
Before Removal - On Berm Looking Downstream
Credit: RCDSMM Field Biologists
Location
Expenditures
Expenditures by Funding Source to Date: $3,313,686.00
Fisheries Restoration Grant P... (CDFW): $240,000
General Fund (CDPR): $367,696
Prop 12 (SMBRC): $500,000
Prop 50 (WCB): $1,591,300
Wetland Mitigation In-Lieu Fe... (MRCA): $90,000
General... (Santa Monica Mountains RCD): $24,690
Community Based Restoration P... (NOAA): $50,000
Redevelopment Fun... (Sup. Yaroslavsky): $450,000
Photos
Before Removal - Houses in Flood Plain (Timing: Before)
Credit: RCDSMM Field Biologists
Before Removal - Looking Upstream (Timing: Before)
Credit: RCDSMM Field Biologists
After Removal - Where Berm Was Looking Downstream (Timing: After)
Credit: RCDSMM Field Biologists
After Removal - Looking Upstream (Timing: After)
Credit: RCDSMM Field Biologists
Project last updated 3/1/2023