Upper Watershed Management and Sedimentation in Mugu Lagoon, Ventura County, California

by Lyle J. Steffen, Midwest Natl Technical Cent, Lincoln, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '93

Abstract:

Mugu Lagoon is one of the last remaining, natural salt marsh systems in southern California. In the last 90 years, sedimentation in the lagoon has increased from a geologic rate of 0.17 foot per century to an accelerated rate of 1.5 to 3.3 feet per century. If the present rate remains the same, by the year 2030, sedimentation will increase upland habitat from 125 acres while decreasing salt marsh habitat from 1,130 acres to 685 acres. Based on a 1983 study by the Soil Conservation Service, treatment of citrus and avocado orchards could reduce sediment to Mugu Lagoon by about 16 percent. However, as orchards are purchased and developed as subdivisions, the return of indigenous plants to the orchards roads could result in a decline in sediment to Mugu Lagoon of 23 percent.

Subject Headings: Sediment | Lagoons | Watersheds | Agriculture | Soil treatment | Salt water | Highway and road management | California | United States

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