Steelhead trout and other aquatic organisms now have greater ability to swim upstream through Ojai’s Wheeler Gorge after the completion of major projects removing barriers from North Fork Matilija Creek and Bear Creek within the Wheeler Gorge Campground.

In total, the barriers opened 13.3 miles of creek that have not been accessible for 48 years. The successful project was completed using $6 million in grant funding and will increase access and safety for campers while restoring natural hydraulic and geomorphic processes to the creeks.

“One barrier at a time, we have been able to restore watersheds in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in order to give creeks back to nature and increase the likelihood that the endangered Southern Steelhead Trout can repopulate its historic habitats,” said Mauricio Gomez, executive director of South Coast Habitat Restoration (SCHR) a Carpinteria-based nonprofit.

Located above Ojai along Highway 33 in Los Padres National Forest, Wheeler Gorge Campground is a nestled in sycamore trees and native riparian habitat.

Prior to the construction, vehicles accessed the campground through at-grade creek crossings, which allow water to flow over them. These barriers to movement of fish and other riparian species were replaced by two bridges engineered to provide clearance during 100-year storms.

The at-grade crossings not only stood in the way of aquatic species accessing upstream habitat, they altered natural hydraulic conditions. Creek bed work was also completed to enhance the depth and grade of the creek to a more natural state that supports ecological health.

Following work to remove barriers and improve creek stability, the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy planted dozens of native plants along the banks of the creek to restore and enhance areas that were disturbed by the project.

OVLC collected native seeds and propagated them in the local nursery before planting as the last phase of the project.

“These improvements at Wheeler Gorge Campground serve both migrating fish and Forest visitor access,” said Marshall Alford, district ranger on the Ojai District of Los Padres National Forest.

“These bridges are an important investment in the ecology of the watershed and will facilitate recreation access for many years to come.” Alford said.

“This kind of partnership and collaboration is a great example of how we can work together to maintain and improve these watersheds and forest resources for current and future generations to explore and enjoy,” Alford said.
 
The project was made possible by the support of the Wildlife Conservation Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Los Padres National Forest, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Patagonia.

South Coast Habitat Restoration is dedicated to environmental stewardship and habitat enhancement. It emphasizes steelhead trout recovery through a variety of watershed restoration projects throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.