PED Phase Kicks Off with Exciting First Year

After nearly two decades of studies, research, and stakeholder collaboration, the Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project (MCERP) advanced into the pre-construction, engineering and design (PED) phase early this year. On the heels of mourning the death of mountain lion P-22, who became the mascot for connecting habitats for wildlife protection in urban Los Angeles, the news was greeted with enthusiasm. The media and the public were eager to learn more about the removal of Rindge Dam in Malibu Creek State Park (and remediation of additional upstream barriers) and reconnecting the Malibu Creek aquatic corridor to help bring back the endangered Southern California steelhead. Phase completion of 90% design, engineering plans, and permitting is slated for 2026 with dam deconstruction to begin in the following years.

“Public involvement is essential to project success,” said R.J. Van Sant, State Parks Senior Environmental Scientist and project manager for the MCERP. “This is a public project, it’s on State land, and as a public agency we want to hear from our public stakeholders.”

Outreach and education this year brought awareness to landscape-scale ecosystem restoration efforts and the needed collaboration to achieve them. The project team participated in over two dozen community events presenting the PED phase, and below are some highlights for the year:

UCLA Design Blitz
 Under consideration during the PED phase is developing a public interpretive site at the historic Sheriff's Overlook to view the dam deconstruction process. UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Program students were invited to a design workshop to blueprint concepts for creating an educational viewpoint. Their designs featured the Malibu Creek Watershed’s ecological, cultural and historical points of interests and will be considered in the site planning.  You can see them here.

Public Workshop
The MCERP team led by California State Parks held its first public workshop for the PED phase in June 2023.  The panel of experts discussed the current project phase, covering project management, geomorphic/ sediment analysis, geotechnical overview, aquatic ecology, and public outreach. The public was given an opportunity to ask questions of the team or comment about the restoration.  All public comments were reviewed and responded to which can be found here.  

First Annual Watershed Fair
All ages had the opportunity to discover the diverse and interconnected world of watersheds at the Malibu Farmers Market Greenwave Fair. Over 12 organizations shared their work in the watershed and how the public can help protect our local beaches, creeks, creatures, and cultural history. The fair will return in 2024 with even more educational and recreational booths, displays, family activities, bird walks, nature journaling, volunteer sign ups and more. Watch the Greenwave Fair video below for a sneak preview!

Dignitary Tour
Stake holding representatives from government agencies and tribal nations were invited to attend a presentation and tour the MCERP with California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. The project team presented the scope of work, funding needs, and timeline to cultivate ongoing support, funding and collaboration for the landmark restoration project.

Public outreach will continue to expand in 2024; look for project updates and our event schedule on www.restoremalibucreek.org. Thank you for helping us make the launch of the PED phase an exciting and successful year, and we look forward to your continued support in restoring Southern California's diminishing wildlands.