Keys Creek Channel Access and Maintenance Project

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has authorized the County of San Diego, Department of Public Works, to conduct routine maintenance activities along Keys Creek under Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement EPIMS-SDO-65536-R5, in compliance with Fish and Game Code section 1602. The project, known as the Keys Creek Channel Access and Maintenance Project, focuses on a 4.44-acre area and includes tiered maintenance actions ranging from minimal sediment removal and vegetation trimming near a concrete low-flow channel to more extensive habitat disturbance in higher tiers. Tier 1 activities permit up to 0.51 acre of impact through sediment removal and vegetation cutting to a height of 18 inches adjacent to the channel, while Tiers 2 through 5 may collectively affect up to 2.23 acres of southern willow scrub and freshwater marsh habitat. All temporarily disturbed areas must be restored to their original elevations and contours following completion of work. Should Tier 2 or higher activities be required, the permittee is obligated to offset ecological impacts by creating, restoring, or enhancing equivalent habitat elsewhere, ensuring net conservation benefit. The project is managed by Masha Landau of the County of San Diego, with oversight from Katrina Rehrer of CDFW, and is forecasted for implementation beginning in 2026.