The complex balance of humans and nature on the San Lorenzo River is prominently seen in the ongoing conversation about how to manage the river lagoon. Protection of endangered and threatened species of fish is required by the Endangered Species Act, and that effort matches the environmental ethic of the Santa Cruz community.

Conventional wisdom is that we should let nature take its course, and not manually breach the lagoon with shovels or machinery. Done poorly, artificially breaching the lagoon sweeps fish out to sea, instead of allowing them to thrive in the lagoon. During the recent drought, however, the lagoon remained closed so long that water quality suffered (higher water temperature, low oxygen in the water), which also isn’t good for fish. Separately, rising water levels through the lower river caused problems for city streets, stormwater drains, and along the basements and foundations of homes and businesses near the river.

In 2014, an emergency breach of the lagoon was permitted when water levels threatened properties near the river, including the historic Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Fish biologists, hydrologists and other experts were on hand to ensure minimal impact to the critical fish species who call the lagoon home for part of their life cycle.

Balancing Act

As always along the river, it’s a constant balancing act between the needs for public safety and flood control, other human needs and wants like recreation, and protection of habitat for species we all value. The City of Santa Cruz is working on both an interim and a long term plan for lagoon management with agencies like the Coastal Commission, Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board and state and federal fisheries regulators.

Take the Self-Guided Mobile Tour

This piece is part of the San Lorenzo River Tour by the Coastal Watershed Council. Download the free app with many tours of the Santa Cruz area and beyond.