Buena Vista Creek Channel Maintenance Project

The Buena Vista Creek Channel Maintenance Project is a specialized environmental maintenance initiative executed through a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (EPIMS Notification No. EPIMS-SDO-60087-R5) between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the City of Carlsbad. Pursuant to Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code, the project focuses on an 11.2-acre work area within Buena Vista Creek in San Diego County, specifically spanning the northern half of the channel between the Jefferson Street Bridge and the South Vista Bridge. The scope of work is strictly limited to the hand removal of vegetation to minimize environmental impact. This maintenance is structured around a 10-year cycle, during which one-fifth of the northern stream segments will be maintained annually. In addition to the phased vegetation removal, the project mandates annual maintenance activities near three storm drain outfall structures and the yearly removal of non-native exotic vegetation and human-generated waste throughout the 11.2-acre site. The maintenance area encompasses diverse habitats, including freshwater marsh, southern willow scrub, mule fat scrub, and open water. As the responsible agency, the CDFW has determined that the project will not have significant environmental effects, provided that all activities comply with the adopted mitigation measures and the Mitigation Reporting or Monitoring Plan. The project is managed by the City of Carlsbad as the lead agency, with coordination provided by the CDFW South Coast Region 5.