2nd Annual Picnic at the River:  Reconnecting the Community with the River

Date: Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 11AM-1PM

Friends of the Ventura River and Ventura Hillsides Conservancy will host a free community picnic and present information about the Ventura River Parkway on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 11am-1pm. The event will be held on the Conservancy’s Willoughby Preserve in the Ventura River, south of the Main Street Bridge.

The public is invited to take a self-guided tour to witness first-hand the progress made in restoring the property over the past year. Informational exhibits will be stationed at areas throughout the preserve extolling the various benefits of the parkway plan. The theme of the event is “reconnecting Ventura to the river in our backyard.” Visitors can take advantage of new trail connections between the Ventura River Trail and Emma Wood State Beach.

A diverse coalition of partners has gathered under the Friends of the Ventura River umbrella including the State Coastal Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, California State Parks, National Parks Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program, Coastal Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Environmental Defense Center, Tortilla Flats Archive, Project Understanding, Downtown Ventura Organization, Ventura Chamber of Commerce, Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau, Ventura Audubon, Ventura Water, the City of Ventura’s Community Development, Environmental Sustainability and Parks and Recreation departments, Ventura Surfrider, Santa Barbara Channel Keeper, Ventura Citizens for Hillsides Preservation, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy and the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy.

Parking is available in the Main Street Lot across from the Peking St. bus stop, with overflow available on Olive St, but as always please consider walking, biking, taking the bus or carpooling.

Please join us to learn more about this exciting opportunity to reconnect with our river! For more information call Lee Sherman, Ventura Hillsides Conservancy Development & Volunteer Coordinator at 805-643-8044.

THE FRIENDS OF THE VENTURA RIVER COALITION

MEETING

TUESDAY May 21, 2013

PATAGONIA FIREHOUSE BUILDING

from 4:30-6:30p

Directions:

The meeting will take place on the 2nd floor of Patagonia’s Firehouse building, in the Grand Room.

The Firehouse is the tall building closest to Main St, address: 280 W. Main St. Enter Patagonia’s campus from Main St. and park anywhere in our lots (the lot at the corner of Main and Olive is most likely to have space available — all parking lots will remain unlocked until after this meeting is over). Enter the Firehouse on the south side of the building (furthest from Main St.)- we will have someone at the door directing you upstairs.

For Late Arrivals:

There will be someone at the door until 4:45pm, if you arrive after that call one of these cell numbers to be let in.

(If you think you will may be late, bring phone & call Kathy Bremer: 805 901-6415 & she can run down and let you in.)

Agenda:

Sign in sheet / Brief round table introductions

Old Business:

New Business:

• Paul Jenkin will talk about NPS-RTCA new fold-out Parkway Trail Guide and progress made on River Parkway trails planning document

• Lee Sherman will discuss Planning June Picnic at River June 8 on VHC Willoughby Property– the event will be more tour-oriented than last year, but there will still be tabling opportunities for FOVR member groups

• Kathy Bremer/ Miguel Rodriguez talk about shared FOVR/ Cause Summerfest booth on June 1, 2013 (Booth volunteers needed.)

• Discuss FOVR strategies for getting business sponsorship for picnic and future map printings

• Review projects that FOVR will be “championing” in the new Ventura River Watershed Plan.

• Announce upcoming River Clean-up Events

• Other Ventura River-related Announcements or events

• Be aware of 2013 Water Resources Report draft — due back to Ventura City Council in mid June of interest to FOVR because portions of city water come from Ventura River (May was pushed to June)

Paraphrased from Vta City Council staff report 3-4-13 Agenda Item 3:

In Nov 2012 LAFCO mandated Municipal Service Review (MSR) to determine if currently approved and proposed development in the City’s sphere is outpacing projected water supply. Staff prepared 2013 Comprehensive Water Resources Report draft & presented it to Council Mar 4 w/ final to return in May. “The data reveals that prudent planning and collaboration will be needed in the coming years to develop practical strategies to manage demand, balance economic growth, and pursue new water supplies.”

Other business or announcements

Next meeting date

Adjournment no later than 6:45 Thank you everyone for staying involved!

Reclaiming the Ventura River and expanding outdoor opportunities in the Ventura River Parkway

V.C. Star Photo by Chuck Kirman

Derek Poultney, Ventura Hillsides Conservancy’s Conservation Manager, lead a tour of the Willoughby Preserve between the Main Street and 101 Freeway bridges following the Conservancy’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2013.   Meeting attendees were impressed with the vast amount of work that has been accomplished on the property.  Illegal camps have been removed from the Ventura River as well as tons of trash and tons of invasive arundo donax (giant reed).  Trails are being built on the property to provide for hiking, birdwatching and connectivity to Emma Wood State Beach.

Read the Star article:  http://www.vcstar.com/news/2013/apr/25/conservancy-shows-off-progress-on-ventura-river/

Jason Irwin with Horny Toad, carries a pile of arundo to the green waste at the Ventura River bottom   cleanup.  A group of Ventura businesses came together for the Ventura Backyard Collective to clean up the river bottom.  Local volunteers from businesses like REI, Patagonia and Deckers worked together to remove trash, cut and remove arundo and plant willow cuttings.

THE FRIENDS OF THE VENTURA RIVER COALITION MEETING

TUESDAY March 26, 2013 from 4:30-6:30

PATAGONIA FIREHOUSE BUILDING

Directions:

The meeting will take place on the 2nd floor of Patagonia’s Firehouse building, in the Grand Room.

The Firehouse is the tall building closest to Main St, address: 280 W. Main St. Enter Patagonia’s campus from Main St. and park anywhere in our lots (the lot at the corner of Main and Olive is most likely to have space available — all parking lots will remain unlocked until after this meeting is over). Enter the Firehouse on the south side of the building (furthest from Main St.)- we will have someone at the door directing you upstairs.

For Late Arrivals:

There will be someone at the door until 4:45pm, if you arrive after that call one of these cell numbers to be let in.  (If you think you will may be late, bring phone & call Kathy Bremer: 805 901-6415 & she can run down and let you in.)

Agenda:

Sign in sheet / Brief round table introductions

New Business:
Community Dev. Director, Jeff Lambert, who recently attended briefing on LA River will share some ideas that might translate to the Ventura River (Below are two sites of interest)

http://larivercorp.org/ http://www.urbanwaters.gov/
NPS-RTCA work group progress on new fold-out Parkway Trail Guide (Patrick Johnston, Cynthia Hartley, Paul and members of the FOVR NPS-RTCA work group have done some great work.)

• Show map
• Talk about printing time line

Discuss Planning June Picnic at River (possible event for Parkway Trail Guide Roll-out ?)
Plan FOVR Summerfest booth on June 1, 2013
Report on Ventura Backyard Collective / Conservation Alliance scheduled for Thursday, March 21^st from 12:00 – 1:00 PM located in the Patagonia parking lot.
Announce upcoming River Clean-up Events

Be aware of 2013 Water Resources Report draft — due back to Ventura City Council in May

Paraphrased from Vta City Council staff report 3-4-13 Agenda Item 3:

In Nov 2012 LAFCO mandated Municipal Service Review (MSR) to determine if currently approved and proposed development in the City’s sphere is outpacing projected water supply. Staff prepared 2013 Comprehensive Water Resources Report draft & presented it to Council Mar 4 w/ final to return in May. “The date reveals that prudent planning and collaboration will be needed in the coming years to develop practical strategies to manage demand, balance economic growth, and pursue new water supplies.”

Other business or announcements

Next meeting date May 28, 2013

Adjournment no later than 6:45 Thank you everyone for staying involved!

Don’t miss this year’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival!

March 7th and 8th, 2013 from 7 – 9:30pm

Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd  Ventura, CA 93003

The Ventura Hillsides Conservancy and a small army of workers and volunteers have made incredible progress in removing trash & arundo from the river.   Now they are beginning to build trails on Conservancy land holdings in the Ventura River.

Read VC Star Eye on the Environment for news about the Parkway and upcoming March events!

A workgroup comprised of members of Friends of the Ventura River has been working on the creation of a map of the Ventura River Parkway to identify spots of interest, outdoor hiking and biking opportunities, wildlife viewing sites and viewsheds for the benefit of residents and tourists alike.  The map will be printed in English and Spanish and will be ready for public distribution soon.

See article in the Ventura County Star.

RIVER PARKWAYS GRANT RECIPIENTS:

Alpine County – Markleeville Creek Acquisition – $136,000

Acquire six acres to restore riparian habitat, re-establish historic floodplain and provide passive recreation in Markleeville.

Sarah Green, (530) 694-2327, watershed@alpinecountyca.gov

Amargosa Conservancy – Amargosa Wild and Scenic River Trail – $299,000

Restore over four miles of the historic Old Spanish Trail through the Amargosa River Canyon and create several connections to existing BLM trails; restore approximately 25 acres of habitat.

Katherine Boxer, executive director, (760) 852-4339, Katherineboxer@msn.com

American River Conservancy – Cosumnes River Parkway – $1,800,000

Acquire 2,566 acres of riparian habitat and blue oak woodland to protect native fisheries and wildlife corridors adjacent to the main fork of the Cosumnes River in El Dorado County.

Alan Ehrgott, executive director, (530) 295-2190, ehrgott@arconservancy.org

Atascadero Land Preservation Society – Three Bridges Oak Preserve Trails and Signage – $302,500

Construct three miles of trail adjacent to Highway 41 in San Luis Obispo County for hiking and seasonal equestrian use that will connect to existing trails in the city of Atascadero and future trails in the Los Padres National Forest.

Bruce Bonifas, president, (805) 466-0526, bruce.bonifas@gmail.com

Bear Yuba Land Trust – Rice’s Crossing: Yuba River Acquisition – $1,900,000

Acquire the 2,706-acre Rice’s Crossing property immediately below New Bullards Bar Dam adjacent to Yuba River State Park to provide trails for public use and improve river health for salmon fisheries.

Marty Coleman-Hunt, executive director, (530) 272-5994, Marty@BearYubaLandTrust.org

Big Sur Land Trust – San Jose Creek Trail – $552,701

Construct nearly two miles of trail with creek crossings and interpretive signs along San Jose Creek to complete the southern coastal segment of the Carmel River Parkway; construct parking lot and develop picnic area.

Lana Weeks, director of community stewardship, (831) 886-7810 Ext 102, lweeks@bigsurlandtrust.org

Burbank (City) – Johnny Carson Park Creek Restoration and Revitalization – $1,780,000

Restore an existing 885-foot stormwater channel to a natural creek and create multi-story habitat (eight acres) with a one-half mile ADA accessible creek side loop trail.

Judie Wilke, park, recreation & community services director, (818) 238-5300, jwilke@ci.burbank.ca.us

California Trout – Hat Creek River Parkway – $658,629

Restore approximately six acres of habitat and construct a 1.5-mile accessible trail with amenities along Hat Creek in Shasta County to improve public access for recreational uses including hiking and fishing.

Andrew Braugh, (530) 926-3768, dbraugh@caltrout.org

Community Conservation Solutions – L.A. River Greenway Walking Trail – $751,863

Convert flood control district right-of-way into a one-half mile recreational trail along the Los Angeles River. Install vegetated bioswales and native vegetation to treat stormwater runoff; install interpretive signage.

Esther Feldman, president, (310) 398-8584, efeldman@conservationsolutions.org

Conservation Fund (The) – Mount Baldy Ranch Land Acquisition – $868,000

Acquire 237 acres along San Antonio Creek in the San Gabriel Mountains to protect wildlife corridors and riparian habitat and provide trail connections to adjacent public lands.

Scott Ferguson, director of Southern California programs, (949) 494-8034, sferguson@conservationfund.org

Glendale Community Services & Parks Department (City) – Glendale Narrows Riverwalk Project – Phase 2 – $975,000

Extend the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk recreational trail along the Los Angeles River east and south to the Verdugo Wash. The project includes a river overlook, a confluence park and interpretive elements.

Tom Lorenz, public information officer, (818) 937-8817, TLorenz@ci.glendale.ca.us

Humboldt Fish Action Council – Powers Creek Parkway Connection Project – $199,903 Provide public access over Powers Creek to connect to main trail system; upgrade trails for multi-modal access; install interpretive kiosks and restore 1,500 linear feet of creek habitat to support endangered and threatened salmonid and aquatic populations.

Sarah Caldwell, project manager, (707) 822-5785, sarah@streamlineplanning.net

Kern River Corridor Endowment – Panorama Vista Preserve Restoration Project – $1,044,275

Restore approximately 129 acres of riparian habitat and historical floodplain along the Kern River and install interpretive elements to highlight the resource and its conservation to enhance the public experience when visiting this preserve.

Carolyn Belli, (661) 872-3569, jgbelli@bak.rr.com

Lakewood (City) – West San Gabriel River Parkway Phase 3 Development – $1,446,203

Restore 7.5 acres of riparian greenbelt trail; construct one-half mile of decomposed granite ADA trail, with trail heads; install California native plantings and interpretive signage.

John Buck, community services manager, (562) 866-9771 ext. 2405, jbuck@lakewoodcity.org

Oakdale (City) – Stanislaus River Valley View River Access Trail – $862,625

Convert 15.2 acres into a river parkway including a 750-foot, multiple switchback public access trail to the Stanislaus River in the city of Oakdale.

Pat Paul, mayor, (209) 845-3571, ppaul@ci.oakdale.ca.us.

Ontario (City) – Cucamonga Creek Trails & Riparian Restoration – $1,500,000

Restore 23 acres of riparian and upland habitat and add 3.5 miles of hiking/biking and equestrian trails with wildlife viewing areas along Cucamonga/Mill Creek.

Scott Murphy, assistant planning director, (909) 395-2419, smurphy@ci.ontario.ca.us

Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District – Arroyo Simi Greenway Project Phase 2 – $886,642

Construct nearly two miles of trail through the urban core as part of the 12-mile river parkway in Ventura County, and develop three new access points for pedestrians, bicycle commuters and recreational users.

Robin Walker, (805) 584-445, robin@rsrpd.us

Redlands (City) – Orange Blossom Trail – $899,911

Extend the Orange Blossom Trail nearly one mile along Zanja Creek, providing interpretive signage and safe crossings over city streets before the trail connects to the Santa Ana River Trail.

Carl Baker, public information officer, (909) 798-7633, cbaker@cityofredlands.org

Redwood Forest Foundation, Inc. – Ryan Creek Community Forest Project – $1,000,000

Acquire approximately 1,200 acres of timberland adjacent to Ryan Creek, establishing a Community Forest for the city of Eureka, which will practice sustainable timber management.

John Bernstein, (415) 800-5281, John.Bernstein@tpl.org

Sacramento (City) – American River Parkway Enhancement at Sutter’s Landing Park – $1,479,502

Create a three-quarter mile multi-use trail with entry improvements to enhance public use; restore over three acres on the banks of the American River with native understory vegetation and provide interpretive signage.

Linda Tucker, public information officer, (916) 808-7523, LTucker@cityofsacramento.org

San Diego County – Tijuana River Valley Interpretive Trail Loop – $611,250

Create two trail sections, including trail heads and interpretive features and connectivity to existing trails within the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park.

Brian Albright, director, Department of Parks and Recreation, (858) 966-1301, Brian.albright@sdcounty.ca.gov

San Marcos (City) – San Marcos Creekside Promenade – $1,000,000

Construct nearly one mile multi-use trail combined with open space areas that meander along San Marcos Creek and restore over three acres of riparian habitat through re-vegetation of native flora and stormwater management practices.

Mike Edwards, city engineer, (760) 744-1050 ext. 3235, medwards@ci.san-marcos.ca.us

Sequoia Riverlands Trust – Kaweah Oaks Preserve Acquisition $410,181

Acquire approximately 22 acres of riparian habitat adding approximately one-half mile of creek frontage along Deep Creek to the Kaweah Oaks Preserve in Tulare County.

Kelly Ryan, communications director, (559) 738-0211 ext. 105, kelly@sequoiariverlands.org

Sierra Fund (The) – Deer Creek Tribute Trail & Restoration Project (Acquisition) $739,111

Acquire approximately 32 acres of riparian habitat in Nevada County for the purpose of habitat restoration/enhancement and public access.

Elizabeth Martin, chief executive officer, (530) 265-8454 ext. 11, izzy.martin@sierrafund.org

Sierra Fund (The) – Deer Creek Tribute Trail & Restoration Project – $563,025

Construct approximately 2,000 linear feet of trail and bridge over Deer Creek, connecting existing segments of the Deer Creek Tribute Trail which is accessible from downtown Nevada City. Project includes riparian habitat restoration/management and interpretive signage.

Elizabeth Martin, chief executive officer, (530) 265-8454 ext 11, izzy.martin@sierrafund.org

Solano County Water Agency – Winters Putah Creek Channel Realignment Phase III – $1,162,640

Restore former sewage aeration ponds to create a river parkway; realign 1,100 feet of channel to natural meander form, restore functional channel width and capacity for salmon spawning habitat, grade five acres to functional floodplain elevation, connect upstream and downstream creek edge trails on both north and south banks; restore and enhance diversity of native vegetation.

Rich Marovich, stream keeper, (530) 902-1794, rmarovich@scwa2.com

Sonoma County Regional Parks – Mark West Creek Regional Park and Open Space Preserve – $1,000,000

Acquire 297 acres in the Mark West Creek watershed creating a 1,100-acre regional park and open space preserve providing hikers, cyclists and equestrians access to 20 miles of developed trails crossing grasslands, woodlands and creeks.

Caryl Hart, director, Sonoma County Regional Parks (707) 565-2041 Caryl.hart@sonoma-county.org

Tahoe City Public Utility District – Truckee River Restoration and Access Project – $344,263

Create three formal access points to the Truckee River and the Truckee River Bike Trail along Highway 89, north of Tahoe City; restore degraded riparian habitat on riverbanks and wet meadows, create staging areas and install directional and interpretive signage.

Kelli Twomey, director of resource development and community relations, (530) 583-3796 ext. 21, ktwomey@tcpud.org

Town of Truckee – Truckee River Legacy Trail Phase 3B – $2,900,000

Construct approximately 1.5 miles of Class 1 bicycle/pedestrian trail, continuing the Truckee River Legacy Trail from the town of Truckee east just across Martis Creek where a trailhead will be constructed. The project will also install signage interpreting the natural and cultural resources of the Truckee River.

Tony Lashbrook, town manager, (530) 582-2901, tlashbrook@townoftruckee.com.

Trust for Public Land – North Fork American River – Big Bend Acquisition – $1,368,000

Acquire 460 acres known as the Big Bend Property which is bisected by the North Fork American River to protect habitat and wildlife corridors and improve public access to the river.

Carl Somers, associate director Northern California, (415) 800-5287, carl.somers@tpl.org

Waterford (City) – Tuolumne River Parkway Project – $1,478,340

Construct a two-mile multi-use riverfront trail with visitor amenities along the north side of the Tuolumne River in Stanislaus County. The project will also protect and restore the riparian corridor, and stabilize the riverbank.

Tim Ogden, city manager, (209) 874- 2328 ext .103, togden@cityofwaterford.org Watershed

Conservation Authority – Duck Farm Riparian Habitat and Interpretive Elements – $1,400,000

Develop 31 acres located on the eastern bank of the San Gabriel River into an urban greenway. Project includes wetlands, overlook, and a 1.5-mile meadow-lined trail with interpretive stations.

Mark Stanley, executive officer, (626) 815-1019 ext. 100, mstanley@rmc.ca.gov

Yuba City – Feather River Parkway – Willow Island Project Phase II – $1,743,000

Convert 84 acres into a park along the Feather River, preserve 10 acres of woodland oak and extend approximately two miles of trails; restore and enhance more than two acres of wetlands.

Brad McIntire, parks and recreation director, (530) 822-4652, bmcintir@yubacity.net

Sign in sheet / Brief round table introductions (Welcome Darcel Elliot new Field Rep Das Williams’ Office)

Old Business:

1. Paul Jenkin Will Start Off a Recap of All that FOVR and Coalition Members Accomplished in 2012

2. Lee Sherman/ Derek Poultney of Ventura Hillside Conservancy Update VHC 2012/2013

3. Greg Gamble Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Update OVLC 2012/2013 Progress

4. Update on City of Ventura River Clean-Up Efforts in 2012/2013

5. Steve Offerman (Supervisor Bennett’s Office) San Antonio Bridge Bike Path Crossing Completion and County’s Arundo Removal & Homeless Aid Efforts

New Business:

1. Patrick Johnson showNPS-RTCA work group progress on new fold-out Parkway Promotional Map (Patrick Johnston, Cynthia Hartley and members of the FOVR NPS-RTCA work group have done some great work.)

• Explain concept
• Show map
• Get Group Input

2. Discuss if 4^th Tuesday of Month is still viable meeting day for FOVR Meeting

Other business or announcements

Next meeting date

Adjournment no later than 6:45p.  Thank you everyone for staying involved!