Corps clears path on San Luis Rey River By Greg Fuderer ![An engineer grinds up trees with a Fecon masticator in the San Luis Rey River. (USACE SPL photo archive) An engineer grinds up trees with a Fecon masticator in the San Luis Rey River. (USACE SPL photo archive)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090109200528im_/http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/cms/images/stories/newscastle/nov2008/masticator_sm.jpg) An engineer grinds up trees with a Fecon masticator in the San Luis Rey River. (USACE SPL photo archive) OCEANSIDE, Calif. — The first phase of vegetation management along the San Luis Rey River was completed in late October, as a masticator trimmed away the few remaining patches of trees and other vegetation that impeded the river’s flow. These finishing touches left a seven-mile swath along the river from College Avenue Bridge to its outlet at the Pacific Ocean in Oceanside.
“This is a significant accomplishment for the Corps and our partners,” said Col. Thomas H. Magness IV, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District commander. “It reduces the probability of damage from flooding along the river, and it provides essential habitat for protected species. It also demonstrates that partner agencies can address very difficult environmental, social and engineering issues, and develop a plan that satisfies those responsibilities.” Beginning in mid-September, heavy equipment cut and mulched about 130 acres of vegetation, including invasive plants like giant reed and tamarisk. The resultant 170-foot wide clearing will allow an increased flow of water through the river and significantly reduce the chance of flood damage for adjacent homes, businesses and infrastructure, according to Thomas Keeney, Los Angeles District senior biologist. The work is the result of an agreement among the Corps, the City of Oceanside and state and federal resource agencies that addressed environmental concerns and allowed the work to proceed. The City of Oceanside will assume responsibility for annual maintenance of the recently mowed area, Keeney added. “There is a need to reduce the potential for flood damage and still preserve protected habitat,” Keeney said. “We met the challenge of finding a balance. There’s no greater joy than doing that.” Keeney was working on the project when the least Bell’s vireo, a small native bird, was added to the federally-protected species list. Vegetation destined for removal became protected habitat, severely complicating the river’s operations and maintenance plan, according to Keeney. ![The Bell’s vireo, a small native bird to the San Luis Rey River, is a federally protected species. (USGS photo by Greg Lasley) The Bell’s vireo, a small native bird to the San Luis Rey River, is a federally protected species. (USGS photo by Greg Lasley)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090109200528im_/http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/cms/images/stories/newscastle/nov2008/bells%20vireo_sm.jpg) The Bell’s vireo, a small native bird to the San Luis Rey River, is a federally protected species. (USGS photo by Greg Lasley) Negotiations over the ensuing several years resulted in an agreement that permitted removal of the trees, heavy brush and other plants that reduced the San Luis Rey’s ability to move water during winter flood months, Keeney added.
The extent to which the vegetation removal will increase water flow, and possibly remove the need for homeowners to purchase flood insurance, will be determined by a planned hydraulic analysis, according to David Van Dorpe, project manager. “Now that we’ve removed the vegetation, we can conduct the hydraulic analysis and aerial mapping to determine the results,” Van Dorpe said. The $375,000 analysis is not yet in the budget, but Van Dorpe is hopeful they will receive the funds soon. The new clearing includes a fire break along an area subject to natural fires and arson, increased access for vector control to combat mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus, and more open space for both predator and prey, according to Van Dorpe. Phase Two of the project is scheduled for fall of 2009, when mowers will cut an additional 60-foot wide section along the seven mile stretch of river. The long-term plan calls for a third 60-foot wide section to be cut in 2010 as well. From there, in addition to the annual 170-foot swath, the two 60-foot swaths will be mowed at alternating five-year intervals, a method that provides the vireo with the maturity of vegetation most beneficial to its nesting habits, according to Van Dorpe. |