“Creeks connect people to people. A new watershed consciousness is needed, a new respect of the animals and plants, which requires a restored sense of community.” (Michael McGinnis, public comments, 12 February 2001)

Although floods that follow fires generate the greatest contributions to sedimentation in Goleta Slough, many land use practices displace soils and accelerate erosion. An annual average of 39,400 cubic yards of sediment pass towards Goleta Slough from the Atascadero Creek watershed. Approximately 55% of this sediment comes from stream bank and channel erosion within the zone between residential areas and the Los Padres National Forest. Erosion from the West Mesa on San Marcos Foothills feeds Hospital Creek, the most damaged of all the tributaries feeding Goleta Slough. (Cachuma Resource Cons. Dist., 1996)

Action Opportunity: Create new wetlands along Cieneguitas Creek to increase groundwater recharge and decrease the scouring effects of peak water flows as the main channel is repaired. (See Map 8, Priority Actions)

Policy Water-3.1: Restore creeks, including banks, channels, and incisions.

Policy Water-3.2: Identify opportunities to create additional wetlands.

Policy Water-3.3: Create opportunities to increase groundwater recharge.

Policy Water-3.4: Minimize erosion.

Policy Water-3.5: Provide for capture of sediment and assimilate soils to repair erosion.

Policy Water-3.6: Maintain artificial wetlands if their preservation benefits communities that have come to depend upon them.

Policy Water-3.7: Manage seeps, springs, and creeks to protect them from damage by cattle, while allowing access by wildlife.