Think Temescal! Project. November 12, 2009

Transcription

1 Think Temescal! Project November 12, 2009

2 Who are we? Our mission is to protect and enhance the water quality of the Upper Santa Ana River Watershed through programs of advocacy, education, research, restoration, and enforcement. One of 189 Keepers worldwide

3 Established in 2005 as chapter of Orange County Coastkeeper Work together to protect entire Santa Ana River Watershed from San Bernardino Mountains to Pacific Ocean Home to almost 5 million people!

4 Baldwin Lake, Big Bear Lake, Mill Creek, San Timoteo, Wash, San Jacinto River, Mystic Lake, Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Temescal Wash, Lake Perris, Lake Hemet, Lake Mathews, Diamond Valley Lake, Santa Ana River, Day Creek, Lytle Creek, Cucamonga Wash, Prado Lakes and Wetlands, San Antonio Creek

5 hands-on stream habitat restoration projects What do we do? collaborate with cities and regulatory agencies conduct water sampling litigate to ensure compliance with the federal Clean Water Act and other California laws. outreach and education for local students and public

6 Why are we here today? Southland Open Space & Forest Preservation Initiative #1 Document Temescal Creek #2 Increase community knowledge #3 Establish local partnerships #4 Raise awareness on proposed transportation projects

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8 Temescal Creek Walked, mapped, photographed

9 A call to volunteers Over $8,000 donated in volunteer time!

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11 We documented diverse plant life

12 And more plant life

13 and wildlife.

14 WILDLIFE CORRIDOR 18 miles Next to Cleveland National Forest & open space to east Water year-round Bedford Canyon and Indian Canyon

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22 Why Temescal Needs YOU! Widespread pollution and illegal dumping Pressure for destructive transportation proposals Need strong LEADERS & COMMUNITY support!!

23 Temescal Creek choked with debris

24 Illegal dumping

25 Mismanagement of creek

26 Everything is connected. Pollution in Temescal Creek will flow downstream to Santa Ana River and eventually to ocean. Affects our groundwater

27 Irvine-Corona Expressway Tunnel Through Santa Ana Mountains of Cleveland National Forest to Orange County Built from I-15 at Cajalco Rd Exit in Irvine at SR-133 and SR- 241

28 3 separate tunnels: eastbound, westbound, and truck/trains Approximately 12 miles, 50 ft in diameter Ultimately carry about 70,000cars per day Feasibility studies done by end of 2009

29 Environmental Impacts Irreversible damage to Temescal Creek & Cleveland National Forest as it cuts through Bedford Canyon Wildlife corridor destroyed Plant & wildlife habitat affected Watershed & groundwater health Air and noise pollution

30 Safety concerns 4 Fault lines 7.5 magnitude earthquakes Ground soil & bedrock instability

31 Cost $10 billion!!!! Could triple by end Big Dig as example $15.8 million spent for studies

32 A long-term solution?... Accommodate pace of growth?? NO!! Projections for ,000 cars per day Timeline for completion??

33 Alternatives Bring more jobs to Inland Empire Mass, rapid transit(bart as example) Other options: double-decked freeways & I-15 expansion with rail

34 Survey 1) preserving the national forest and development 2) the Irvine-Corona Expressway Tunnel 3) Temescal Creek clean-up project 4) interest in volunteering 100 residents along Temescal Valley

35 Your community members think 70% agree with continuing to preserve national forests without exceptions 82% said the outcome of most interest is a clean creek, free of junk, trash and pollutants 58% want the creek as a place to visit and enjoy

36 Irvine-Corona Expressway results 64% concerned about $10 billion in cost!!! Followed by concern with the potential for project to drag and on for years with increasing costs Followed by concern that the tunnel would significantly al the National Forest during the construction period

37 Your community wants Better planning, including mass transit Natural, green open space to be preserved A clean, un-polluted creek Let s keep Temescal Creek a healthy & positive community resource!!!

38 Majority Latino/Hispanic population decisions will impact community the most Raise awareness about the many challenges that face our region Encourage more participation in the decision-making process

39 In conclusion Think Temescal project provides an ideal opportunity to maintain a clean waterway in our local community & inspire environmental stewardship through hands-on involvement 63% of surveyed residents did not know Temescal Creek exists We need your help to raise awareness!!!!

40 It is the goal of Inland Empire Waterkeeper to: spur stewardship on behalf of all Inland Empire residents create balance between development interests and environmental concerns result will be enhanced water quality for everyone that calls the Santa Ana River watershed home

41 Our very existence is intimately connected with the quality of water available to us. How will you protect our waterways?? Next Think Temescal! forum: information on how you can get involved: Political/Advocacy Restoration awareness Hands-on activities Funding

42 Inland Empire Waterkeeper 3741 Merced Drive, Unit F2 Riverside, CA (951) Rachael Hamilton, Project Manager Autumn DeWoody, Programs Director

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