Central Arroyo Stream Restoration Program Honored With California Environmental Award
November 25, 2008
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA—The California Public Officials for Water and Environment Reform (POWER) Council has presented the 2008 POWER Award to the Arroyo Seco Foundation, the city of Pasadena, and CDM for the Central Arroyo Stream Restoration Program (CASRP). The $2.5 million design-build project was implemented by CDM and is part of an overall city plan to completely naturalize the Arroyo Seco stream. The project, completed in August 2008, included improvements to the area's aquatic habitat, vegetation, trails, and nearby Rose Bowl parking lot.
Integral to the project was the reintroduction of the Arroyo chub—a native fish that once thrived in the Arroyo Seco stream—to the waterway. Improved stream conditions and water quality, including scouring holes, resting areas, and spawning areas constructed from natural materials made it possible for 300 Arroyo chub to be translocated to the stream.
Permeable parking spaces and 10 native plant islands were placed in the Rose Bowl parking lot to treat urban runoff before it enters the Arroyo Seco stream. In addition, the city of Pasadena provided in-kind contributions of 500 full-capture trash inserts in storm drains throughout the city to prevent trash from entering the storm drain system and discharging to the stream. The program improved recreational opportunities by leveling and stabilizing trails surrounding the Arroyo Seco, creating stream crossings for pedestrians and equestrians, and adding education kiosks and signage.
CASRP was supported by community members excited to get involved with the restoration efforts. Hundreds of volunteers attended clean-up events and educational workshops to learn about the area's habitat, invasive plant species, and water quality.