Ventura River Watershed Reception, Feb. 28 2008    ( for more photos....)

Ventura Surfrider hosted a reception celebrating the Ventura River Watershed.  The guests of honor were the members of the California Ocean Protection Council (COPC), which was in Ventura for their February meeting and a tour of local watershed projects.  The reception was a huge success bringing together more than 60 people representing roughly 10 government agencies and the same number on non-profit groups, all unified in their objective of healing the watershed and repairing decades of damage done to the ocean.  We would like to thank each and every attendee.   In order to effectively solve the problems we face in reaching our environmental objectives, we need to work together and share ideas and solutions.  Thanks also to J’s Tapas for the outstanding food, drink and hospitality.

Our environmental director Paul Jenkin gave a presentation explaining the eco-systems based management approach we are pursuing to heal the Ventura watershed and ultimately our coastal waters.  Although seemingly separate projects, the removal of Matilija Dam, restoration of Surfer's Point, rehabilitation of the lower Sanjon watershed and reduction of urban runoff (Ocean Friendly Gardens) are together integral to our watershed restoration goals.

Groups who were represented include California Coastal Conservancy, California Ocean Science Trust, Ocean Conservancy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Santa Barbara Channel Keeper, Matilija Coalition, CalTrout and the Wetlands Recovery Project .  Also in attendance was Surfrider’s very own Jim Moriarty, the Ventura Chapter executive committee, Ventura City Mayor Christy Weir, and council members Brian Brennan and Bill Fulton.   Other local government groups who were represented include Casitas Municipal Water District, California State Parks and Ventura County Flood Control.