Recent news has been dominated by two environmentally related events: fire and water. Northern California has been engulfed in numerous wildland fires that are burning large swaths of forestland, while consuming entire communities and towns. The State of California as a whole is in the throes of a significant drought, with future water supplies uncertain. Southern California, and the Conejo Valley, are not immune from the impacts of either wildfire or drought. This includes parks and open space.
We are blessed with not only one of the best park systems a community could ask for, but also with an open space and trail system that is the envy of many. The fortuitous location of our community within a valley surrounded by scenic hillsides, in combination with smart planning, land dedications and creative funding, have contributed to provide for our parks and open space.
Yet, the natural beauty and value of these resources and recreational facilities are not retained by sitting idly. Regular maintenance, advance planning, resource management and financial prudence are paramount, especially with the ongoing challenges of devastating wildfires and periodic droughts.
Fire
In 2018 the Woolsey Fire burned through our community, destroying homes and damaging property, including parks and open space resources. The open space surrounding the Conejo Valley is largely covered by native vegetation, which is prone to wildfire. The ring of open space, so precious to us for recreation and respite, still must be managed. The early years focused on planning and acquisition, but now more on conservation and management. With ownership comes the responsibility of stewardship, which includes balancing environmental protection and fire safety.
To ensure our community is protected, the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD), the City of Thousand Oaks and the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) jointly contract for maintaining fuel modification zones on more than 250 acres of open space every year. While newer developments are designed with “fire-wise” landscaping and fuel modification on private lots surrounding the perimeter, many of the older developments were not so strategically designed, resulting in the need for ongoing fuel modification on open space lands.
In addition, COSCA recently contracted with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council (venturafiresafe.org) to provide fire-safe outreach projects, property inspections and educational opportunities through community events and other means. The goal of this program is to help our community “become more fire resilient, safer, and better prepared to withstand the threat of wildfire.”
Water
The Calleguas Municipal Water District (CMWD) has declared a Stage 2 water shortage and called for 15 percent voluntary reductions from 2020 water usage. The CMWD serves about three-quarters of Ventura County, including the Conejo Valley. The CRPD is one of the largest users of water in the Conejo Valley and purchases water through four different water purveyors that deliver the water imported by CMWD from northern California via the State Water Project.
CRPD implemented an aggressive drought response plan in 2014 with a target of using no more than 503 units per acre (1 unit equals 748 gallons); water use had increased to 659 units per acre in fiscal year 2013-14.
With an average rainfall of 8.40 inches since 2010, the need to irrigate park landscaping increased. Many passive turf areas in developed parks were converted to drought tolerant landscaping, while the turf in active play areas was retained. Irrigation systems were converted from broadcast spray to drip systems to reduce waste. The irrigation improvement projects at Sycamore, Glenwood and Lang Ranch neighborhood parks were recently completed during fiscal year 2020-21. For the twelve months ending in June 2021, a total of 442 units per acre were used by CRPD as compared to the target of 503 units. Not only has the drought response plan saved water and money, it has also reduced the need for weekly maintenance. (For more water conservation and usage information, see the CRPD website).
The CRPD and local agencies are investing resources in parks, open space and the community as their part in the wildfire and drought preparation process. Please join CRPD and learn more about preparedness by contacting the Fire Safe Council and your local water purveyor. Being prepared for wildfires and droughts is a community-wide responsibility.
Doug Nickles is a director/board member for the Conejo Recreation and Park District, the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency and the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts. The views expressed are his and do not necessarily reflect those of the district, agency or the respective boards. He can be contacted via email at [email protected].