STEWARDSHIP: BALANCING CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Stewarding the Ventura River is a delicate balancing act: we must protect the natural environment while also ensuring that people can enjoy it. The OVLC’s mission is to protect and restore the natural landscapes of the Ojai Valley forever. A crucial part of achieving that mission is connecting people with the land, including the Ventura River. 

Without question, the new swimming hole on the Ventura River Preserve is the number one connection point during these sweltering summer months. Over just a few hours on Memorial Day afternoon, we had over 450 people head out to the river, and that was an overcast May afternoon. In the months since, the number of daily users hitting the river to cool down as temperatures heat up has only gone up. 

Having so many people use the swimming hole is beneficial in raising awareness about our conservation efforts and, ideally, motivating them to support our ongoing work. However, this surge of visitors is also taking a toll on the preserve and the river. While the OVLC is pleased to see people gathering around the swimming hole on the riverbanks, there’s a growing trend of visitors expanding outward in search of space and privacy. This expansion is detrimental to the environment as it compacts the soil and hinders vegetation from regrowth. 

In the river itself, dams are popping up. It’s from a desire to make the swimming hole deeper and wider, but the dam present at the swimming hole now is starting to rival Matilija Dam in size! To stop the water requires a lot of rock, which means more meandering around the banks of the river, trampling more ground. While one individual rock dam of that size may not have appreciable effect on the river or its habitat, dozens of rock dams of that size do start to have a cumulative effect. They can alter where the river flows, slowing the water down so much that it starts to get heated by the sun altering this fragile and vital ecosystem. Unfortunately, as people observe this behavior, more dams are likely to emerge. 

Above and left: In July, students from Ojai Valley School dedicated their time to volunteer with OVLC, helping to clean up trash and remove rock dams at the swimming hole. Above and right: Matilija Dam also slows and warms water, but definitely do not go swimming here.

Rock dams are not the only thing we see popping up at the swimming hole. Seemingly every time we take down a rope swing over the swimming hole, a new one returns within a day. If you spot a rope swing over the swimming hole, take a moment to observe the oak tree it is dangling from. Notice how shallow the roots of that oak tree are, clinging precariously to the rock outcrop. Look at how weathered the branch of the oak tree is where the rope is attached. Consider the inevitable fate of either that branch or perhaps the entire oak tree due to repeated swinging. Nothing ruins a swimming hole like a massive tree plunged into it. So, not only should you protect the surrounding natural resources, but also ensure your own ongoing enjoyment of the swimming hole by refraining from using any rope swings.

Balance—that’s the goal. Being a good steward of the land means balancing all of the various wants and needs of the land and the people who use it. You can act as a good steward yourself if you balance your desire to recreate at a fun and beautiful spot, plus the desire of others to do the same, together with the needs of the surrounding natural ecosystem.

Protect the Ventura River Preserve by concentrating your use of the river at the swimming hole only. Keep in mind that this may lead to overcrowding at the swimming hole, so please be considerate of others and refrain from bringing elaborate picnic setups, such as grills, tents, and chairs. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the water with rafts and floaties, allowing everyone to enjoy the space comfortably. Also, remember that you are only a visitor to the river, while wildlife calls it home. Minimize your impact by not building rock dams—instead, help us remove them. Enjoy the swimming hole as it is a precious gift from the river, but remember to share that gift with others today and tomorrow.

Brendan Taylor
Director of Field Programs