The city of Goleta is ready to take its Creek and Watershed Management Plan (CWMP) to the next level, but with limited funding, feedback from the community is needed to prioritize work efforts.

Goletans are asked to offer their thoughts by completing the recently released Creek and Watershed Survey (available in English and Spanish). Deadline to take the survey is Oct. 31.

The city wants to know what is important to the community when it comes to creeks and watersheds in Goleta. Responses will help Goleta prioritize which projects to focus on, such as: Should the City:

Support cleanups of trash and homeless encampments
Support restorative riparian planting and removal of invasive species
Support more walking trails and bike paths along creeks and watersheds
Maintain proper flood control and drainage within creeks and throughout local watersheds
Ensure high water quality in order to provide safe water to swim in, safe shellfish to eat, and healthy plant and animal habitats
Support projects for groundwater recharge and water reuse to protect water supply
Support removal of concrete channels and restoration of creeks to their natural state
Support fire prevention projects within corridors and open spaces

The Creek and Watershed Management Plan, adopted in December 2020, includes detailed information on the dozen creeks that run through the community, identifies impairments to these creeks, and outlines programs and specific future actions to address identified impairments.

The plan also outlines best practices to provide habitat for fish and wildlife, accommodate wildlife movement corridors, convey stormwater runoff and floodwaters, and furnish open space and passive recreational areas for city residents.

Based on outreach the city did during the development of the CWMP, and outreach conducted in the years after its adoption, Goleta residents consistently voiced support for protecting and enhancing local creeks.