4/13/02

Arroyo Seco selected for study of watersheds

 City News Service

      PASADENA -- The Arroyo Seco was among 10 watersheds selected statewide for projects aimed at sustaining the natural systems, according to a key legislative report delivered Friday.

"This important study will help to protect and preserve our natural resources, improve water quality and leave a priceless legacy for the future, Gov. Gray Davis said.

"Addressing the Need to Protect California's Watersheds: Working in Partnerships" by the state Resources and Environmental Protection agencies was part of a legislative requirement included in AB 2117 by Assemblyman Howard Wayne, D-San Diego.

      The Santa Ana River and the Los Penasquitos Lagoon watershed in San Diego County also were among the ecosystems included in the report. 

      A watershed is a defined area drained by a particular creek or river. For instance, the Arroyo Seco drains the region northeast of downtown Los Angeles, including Pasadena and the frontal range of the San Gabriel Mountains.

     The Arroyo Seco group is "doing a comprehensive plan to restore this watershed with the U.S. Park Service, the State Coastal Conservancy and others. This project will be used to demonstrate partnerships across agencies and between agencies and community groups," according to the governor's office.

      The Santa Ana River project is "nested within a greater Santa Ana Watershed Authority. This group was self-started and self-governed and may provide some insight to how groups form and why," according to the governor's office. 

     Other areas covered in the report are the Yuba River, Clear Lake Basin, Tomales Bay, Codomices Creek, Santa Clara Basin and Elkhorn Slough.

View Governor Davis' Release