Conversion of Carr Lake to a Multi-Use Park

Watershed Issue Template From EcoViz Wiki Jump to: navigation, search

(New to Wiki? See How To Wiki.)

A watershed-related issue examined by the ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems class at CSUMB. Contents [hide]

   * 1 Summary
   * 2 Location
   * 3 Resource/s at stake
   * 4 Stakeholders
   * 5 Laws, policies, & regulations
   * 6 Systems
   * 7 Science
   * 8 Tools
   * 9 Future research
   * 10 References
   * 11 Disclaimer

Summary

Carr Lake, the largest of ten lake and wetland areas in the lower Salinas Valley, is located in the heart of the City of Salinas (Cameron et al 2003). It was drained for agricultural use in 1910 when the Reclamation Ditch project was undertaken to drain lakes to create more agricultural land and to create suitable areas for urban development. Currently there is a movement underway to purchase the agricultural land and convert it to a regional park with recreational areas for the people of Salinas, a wetland area to improve water quality and mitigate flooding during high storm years, and a place where people can explore and study nature (Cameron et al 2003).

Location Carr Lake is located at the confluence of three tributaries, Gabilan Creek, Alisal Creek and Natividad Creek, and drains into the Reclamation Ditch which empties into the Pacific Ocean. It is also located in the heart of the City of Salinas bounded by Laurel Drive, Sherwood Drive, Natividad Road and Highway 101 and located adjacent to (Watershed 2008). It is within walking distance of eight schools, which makes it ideal for education and hands on learning. To read about its history and see a sketch of its location in the watershed you can use this link: [1]

Resources at stake Cultural and ecological resources will be greatly enriched if Carr Lake Park becomes a reality. Because of its proximity to gang related activity in Salinas, there is hope that the recreational facilities, community gardens, bird habitat areas and other features of the park could provide a healthier outlet for youthful energy (Anderson 2008). Salinas has a low density of park space per capita, less than a quarter of the amount recommended for healthy communities by the Trust for Public Lands, and adding Carr Lake would nearly double its park space (Anderson 2008). Restoring Carr Lake's wetlands would provide animal habitat, especially for bird species. All three tributaries entering Carr Lake have pollution problems associated with runoff from agricultural and urban areas. The proposed wetlands would clean up pollutants and diminish the nutrient, sediment and pesticide water quality problems, truly a benefit as this water is destined for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, home to otters and extensive marine life.

Reduced flooding during high rainfall years could also help protect the trailer park area adjacent to Carr Lake from flooding. Photos of flooding in 1998 can be viewed at the link (Watershed 2008): [2]

Stakeholders

...Who are the stakeholders in the watershed? e.g. agencies, non-profits, associations... Laws, policies, & regulations

...What laws, policies, and/or regulations are involved?... Systems

... What elements of the biophysical system are/were involved?... Science

...What scientific studies are or would be relevant / already completed?... Tools

...What analytical (e.g. modeling) tools were or could be used?... Future research

...What knowledge gaps remain?...

...Suggest a CWSP MS thesis topic that could contribute to the issue...

...Suggest a topic for a hypothetical study that had unlimited resources... References Anderson M. 2008. Monterey County Weekly. [Internet]. [cited 2009 January 21]. http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/archives/2008/2008-Dec-18/big-sur-land-trust-gives-the-carr-lake-project-in-salinas-a-renewed-lease-on-life/1/@@index

Cameron W, Hoffman A, Langer J. 2003. A vision plan for Carr Lake regional park. 606 Studio, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Watershed Institute at CSUMB, 2008. Carr lake park. [Internet]. [cited 2009 January 21]. http://watershed.csumb.edu/carrlake/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1

[MCWRA] Monterey County Water Resources Agency. 2005. Carr lake watershed / reclamation ditch subwatershed assessment and management plan. [Internet]. [cited 2008 November 27]. Available from: http://www.mcwra.co.monterey.ca.us/Agency_data/RecDitchFinal/RecDitchFinal.htm

Disclaimer

This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.