Removing Matilija Dam:
- Why Remove Matilija Dam?
- Objectives
- Benefits from Removal
- Impacts: Habitat
- Impacts: Sediment
- Matilija Dam spilling
Final Design:
- Project Description
- Sediment Management
- Slurry Disposal
- Levees
- Bridges
- Robles Diversion modifications
- Arundo (giant reed) management
- Our Comments
Feasibility Study:
Early Progress:
Background Information:
About the Matilija Coalition:
Benefits from Dam Removal
- Ecological benefits
- Removing the dam and returning the river to its natural, free-flowing
state will reopen the historic Steelhead run of the Ventura River. Habitat
will be improved for the numerous species that thrived before the building
of the dam. Downstream sediment transport, along with other natural
processes, will occur unimpeded.
- Economic benefits
-
- The return of a viable
population of Steelhead will rejuvenate a recreational fishery valued
at $25 million.
- Renewed sediment will
supply sustainable beaches in Ventura worth $50 million to the local
economy for property protection and the tourism and recreation industry.
- The return of a viable
population of Steelhead will rejuvenate a recreational fishery valued
at $25 million.
- Aesthetic & Recreational benefits - dam removal will provide increased opportunities for outdoor recreation within the restored canyon and Matilija Creek, the Ventura River, and beaches downstream.