|
Known as the upside-down river the Salinas River is the dominant riparian corridor along California’s Central Coast. The Salinas originates in the Los Padres National Forest in central San Luis Obispo County and flows north (rather than south) 152 miles through the Salinas Valley and the central California coast range, earning its title as the Upside-Down River.
Until recently, the Salinas River had a continuous flow throughout the year. In 1769, when the river was first discovered by non-Native peoples it was reported as being a "river watering a luxuriant plain" filled with fish. However, the river had been transformed into little more than a dry bedded run-off feature for the majority of its length most probably due to recent increases in agricultural water demand and the resultant lowering of water tables.
These changes along with urban and agricultural runoff have impacted native fish and wildlife species as well as water quality. Habitat and water availability are also both compromised and threatened by the invasion of Arundo donax. Arundo is a non-native bamboo-like plant that forms dense stands that can grow over 30 ft tall. It crowds out native vegetation, degrades wildlife habitat, consumes large amounts of water, increases the risk of flooding to adjacent farm fields and cities, and poses a fire hazard. The Recreation Conservation District of Monterey County is working with landowners, farmers, the Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner’s office and other stakeholders to implement the Salinas River Invasive Non-Native Plant Control and Restoration Program, with a goal of eradicating Arundo donax along 90 infested river miles.
| 
