Agua Hedionda Creek Channel Vegetation Maintenance Project (Notification of Streambed Alteration, No. EPIMS-SDO-54193-R5)

The Agua Hedionda Creek Channel Vegetation Maintenance Project is governed by Streambed Alteration Agreement EPIMS Notification No. EPIMS-SDO-54193-R5, executed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the City of Carlsbad. The project is located in San Diego County, specifically within Agua Hedionda Creek between the Cannon Road and El Camino Real bridges, situated upstream of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Ecological Reserve. The primary objectives are to improve flood capacity and reduce wildfire fuel loads through strategic vegetation thinning and removal. The scope of work requires that vegetation exceeding 12 inches be cut to a maximum of four inches above grade, with overall understory vegetation reduced to half of the site's ground cover. To maintain ecological stability, at least 10 willow trees, including black, red, and arroyo varieties, must be preserved and limbed up to at least six feet above grade. Work must be performed by hand whenever possible. Compliance and quality are ensured through qualitative monitoring conducted in August or September, following the peak vegetative growing season. The project is categorized under a Class 4 Notice of Exemption for minor land alterations and fuel management activities.