Over the past few months, Surfrider has been an active participant in a committee formed by Supervisor Foley with the goal of reducing the use of herbicides in county-managed land and waterways. The committee includes representatives from Supervisor Foley's Office, Orange County Public Works, California State Parks, Acjachemen Nation, Orange County Coastkeeper, OC Creek Team, Toxic Free OC, OC Native Plant Society, Laguna Canyon Foundation, Irvine Ranch Conservancy, & Rancho Mission Viejo.
Surfrider is a member of the subcommittee to guide the first-year pilot project of managing vegetation in San Juan & Lower Trabuco Creeks without herbicides, with the goal of balancing ecological protection with safe stormwater conveyance.
The creek vegetation has been untouched since herbicide applications halted this spring, and passersby are sure to notice the regrowth of vegetation in the creeks. In preparation for El Niño-fueled storms expected this fall and winter, OCPW developed an herbicide-free work plan to manage the creek vegetation.
OCPW's initial proposal included cutting down all creek vegetation with handheld power tools. While this would have eliminated herbicide use (yay!), it would have removed all plants regardless of species (boo!).
CA Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) halted the work before it began following concerns raised by community members. After extensive discussions with the pilot project committee & regulators, OCPW has improved its work plan, set to begin next week.
Fall 2026 Creek Vegetation Management Plan
Work will begin Sept 30th and last about 4 weeks.
Phase 1: Crews will trim both non-native and native woody shrubs & trees to ground level.
Phase 2: Non-native herbaceous (soft) plants will be trimmed & removed if time allows.
The Fall 2026 plan is not perfect, but we are moving in the right direction. In Spring 2027, we hope to:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why cut or remove plants in the creek at all?
OCPW is responsible for maintaining the creek as a storm drain channel, which moves water from upstream neighborhoods to the ocean during rain events.
OCPW is concerned about potential flooding during El Niño-fueled storms this fall and winter. They are prioritizing the removal of large, woody vegetation that poses the greatest threat to stormwater conveyance. There are also non-native, invasive plants that need to be removed to prevent them from spreading.
Flood protection and public safety are important, but we still lack data about how much water the creek can hold and how much vegetation can remain without impacting stormwater conveyance. The updated work plan balances the need to ensure effective stormwater conveyance while protecting native riparian habitat.
What are the benefits of native plants in the creek?
Before they became stormwater channels, these creeks were home to native plants that created riparian habitats.
Native plants support a resilient ecosystem and protect water quality by:
Native plants hold cultural significance for the native peoples of the Acjachemen Nation, and preserving them enhances access to nature for all.
What are the environmental impacts of pesticide and herbicide use?
Learn all about the impacts of pesticides and herbicides in this Beachapedia article!