Matilija Dam Update
All About Ojai: Environmental Learning Series: Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project
Saturday, March 10 10 am – 12 pm
OVLC Office 370 W. Baldwin Road, Bldg. A4
Presented by Paul Jenkin, Matilija Coalition, Surfrider Foundation
Paul Jenkin from the Matilija Coalition will present an update on the Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration project on Saturday March 10 at 10 am. The talk will cover the history of the dam and the current status of the removal and restoration project.
Constructed in 1947, Matilija Dam was intended to provide a local water supply, while offering flood protection for downstream communities. Over the years the build-up of sediment behind the dam has undermined both of those original functions. It is now clear that the presence of the dam has adversely impacted the ecosystems of Matilija Creek and the Ventura River and plans are underway for its removal.
Paul Jenkin is the Environmental Director of the Ventura County Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, and founder of the Matilija Coalition. The Surfrider Foundation is an international environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the world’s waves and beaches through conservation, activism, research, and education (CARE). The Matilija Coalition is the primary community advocate for restoration of the upper Ventura River. The main focus is a public outreach campaign to gain local, state, and national support for a multi-agency dam removal effort.
This All About Ojai program is free for members, students and teachers and $10 for non-members. Space is limited so please register early. For more information contact Marti Reid at (805) 649-6852 ext 2 or marti@ovlc.org.
