Lower LA River Channel RESTORATION AND ACCESS

LOcation

Paramount, CA, adjacent to the LA River Bike Path (by Ralph C. Dills Park). The project will border both Paramount and Compton, parallel to the 710 freeway.

Channel Restoration

The goal of the project is to design a naturalized river channel while maintaining flood capacity and improving existing open space

Project lead

Trout Unlimited's mission is to protect, reconnect and restore the places people love to fish. The South Coast Chapter of Trout Unlimited works in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties.

Project FUNDERS

The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), in collaboration with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC),  Los Angeles River Fish Passage Program

Project Description

What is Happening Now?
We have just launched the conceptual design process. Throughout this process, various project team members will be collecting information along the LA River and from community members.

The conceptual design phase is the first step in the process of a naturalized LA River Channel. These first conceptual designs will provide information on hydrology, biology, engineering, and community needs.

We Want to Hear from You
We would like to hear from you about special events, school activities, and community services in your neighborhood you think might be interested in this project. If you have an upcoming event, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at SouthCoastTU@gmail.com.

Your input helps us incorporate local community needs and ideas into the future LA River Channel designs!

Project Background
The Lower LA River Channel Restoration and Access project is located in and along the LA River from Rosecrans Ave to Somerset Blvd. Our grant project for the lower LA River includes redesigning the river channel flow in this half-mile section of the river. The site is adjacent to the LA River Bike Path and Ralph C. Dills Park, includes overlooks along the levee and improved channel access. This grant project is the first step in realizing a naturalized bottom in the Lower LA River.

In 1938 the US Army Corp began channelizing the LA River to control flood issues and allow for economic development in Los Angeles County. The LA River has not been a free-flowing channel since then. While channelization has provided protection from historic flood issues, we have lost our natural habitats and ecosystems that come with a wild river.

The Lower LA River Channel Restoration and Access Project is part of a broad Los Angeles County effort to improve habitat conditions, open space, and access along the LA River. It builds upon restoration efforts along the 51 miles of the LA River. These efforts seek to create a functioning “urban river” by restoring habits and improving access.

The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) funded our conceptual design project in collaboration with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC). The RMC and SMMC recently established the Los Angeles River Fish Passage Program and seeded that effort for design and implementation work along the LA River. (information can be found here)

A central feature of the design project will be the reconfiguration of the straight low flow channel. Meandering channel designs with rock features, pools, shade, and resting spots will provide the habitats found in wild rivers. These features will provide habitat needed for fish, birds, and other wildlife to flourish while minimizing flood risk.

What are the project Goals?
The project has the following goals: 

• Reimagining existing infrastructure into usable open space, park and recreation areas.
• Increase access to the LA River Channel along the bike path from Rosecrans Ave to Somerset Blvd.
• Provide ADA access to the LA River Channel.
• Create LA River overlooks.
• Improve habitat for fish and waterfowl by changing the channel flow.
• Create a diverse river habitat that will eventually provide Steelhead the opportunity to migrate up and down the river.
• Design a naturalized river channel while maintaining flood capacity.

Project area photos

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Get inVOLVED!

While we have general ideas for elements of improving the lower LA, we need the help of local communities along the river. Passion and creativity for revitalizing the river abounds in Paramount, South Gate, Compton, Lynwood, and beyond. We are actively seeking input from local individuals and organizations who want to guide and influence this effort. For more information on how to be involved please click below.

contact SCTU here