Project Update: Back to the Matilija Dam

Discussion surrounding the removal of the 76 year old Matilija Dam started in the mid-1990’s, yet here we are today in 2023, and the Dam is still here. Initially constructed in 1947 for water supply and flood control, the dam is now considered non-functional due to structural deterioration and sediment accumulation. Classified in poor condition, the dam poses a significant impediment to species movement in Matilija Creek, notably impacting the federally-endangered Southern California Steelhead Trout. Although a costly and lengthy process, the Matilija Dam removal will “be completed in phases.” 

For several years, the team at the Center for Community and Citizen Science has been visiting the Matilija Dam and Ventura River watershed, exploring and supporting the role of community-based monitoring in the broader removal efforts. One of these efforts, led by the MERITO Foundation, is the NOAA-funded Ventura River Action Network (VRAN). One important part of VRAN is field trips for students within the Ventura River Watershed, providing opportunities for them to collect and analyze data related to the Matilija Dam Removal.

On November 14th, 2023 our Center joined Ventura’s Lemon Grove Middle School on an immersive field experience at the Matilija Dam in Ojai, California alongside MERITO Foundation and an interpreter. This field experience started with an overview of the dam site prompting students to start with the fundamental question: “What is the purpose of a Dam?” A few responses being: 

“Dams are built to block water flow.”

“Dams are built to help floods.”

With a clear view of the Dam, students expressed awe at its considerable size. Before a comprehensive explanation, students were prompted to consider “Why do you think there are such strong efforts to remove this dam?” 

Divided into two groups, students engaged in conversations about river habitats (Riparian Zone) with the MERITO Foundation and joined the interpreter at a lookout point offering a top down view of the dam and the sediment accumulation behind it. 

When discussing the removal plan, a few students posed crucial questions:

“Why don’t they just move the dam farther down the channel?” 

“What if the removal doesn’t work?” 

Following insightful discussion about the importance of protecting river ecosystems and preserving local species, students were asked again “Why do you think there are such strong efforts to remove this dam?” This time several students volunteered responses: 

“The Matilija Dam removal is necessary to help improve the beaches”

“The removal is necessary to help protect the endangered trout”

Some students also drew important conclusions from the experience: 

“Building things without considering our impact is something we should learn from.” 

“As humans, we make mistakes”

“We can learn from history.”   

After a pleasant lunch break, MERITO foundation guided the group to Oso Trail Head along the Ventura River for two data collection opportunities. Students embraced their role as scientists, sampling water to test temperature, turbidity, pH, salinity and oxygen, gaining insight into the overall water quality of the Ventura River. 

When asked about the significance of water quality to the ecosystem, students offered responses: 

“The water quality tells us how healthy the river is.”

“The water quality shows us if we can drink the water or what species live in this water”

Additionally, students sifted for macroinvertebrates, documenting any observations and findings. 

The day proved to be a science-rich and enjoyable experience for Lemon Grove Middle School students and us at The Center for Community and Citizen Science!