Chapter 3: Goals and Objectives

The goal of life is living in agreement with nature.

—Zeno, Greek philosopher

The following goals and objectives were generated through a collaborative stakeholder process. Each goal includes subgoals and related objectives. Collectively, they reflect a single over-arching goal:

To revitalize the Tujunga/Pacoima Watershed, balancing water supply, water quality, community open space needs, environmental protection and restoration, and public safety.

Optimize Local Water Resources to Reduce Dependence on Imported Water

Improve groundwater infiltration:

• Develop groundwater management strategy for optimum use of local water resources.
• Improve quality and quantity of on-site water recharge to the SFV Groundwater Basin.
• Restore natural streams, washes, and floodplains in areas of high soils permeability.

Reduce dependence on imported water:

• Facilitate on-site collection systems for stormwater and graywater.
• Expand water conservation programs.
• Extend the distribution and range of uses for reclaimed water.

Integrate groundwater infiltration with other public and/or beneficial uses:

• Provide for compatible public activities and uses in infiltration areas.
• Restore natural streams, washes, and floodplains and associated habitats.

Improve Surface Water & Groundwater Quality

Reduce pollutant loads:

• Expand source reduction programs.
• Implement Best Management Practices.
• Implement institutional controls such as water quality zones, urban forestry, product substitution/source control, and public outreach and education.

Maximize “nature’s services” before utilizing manufactured solutions:

• Reinstate sediment transport to support assimilative capacity.
• Increase permeable surfaces throughout the watershed area.

Implement a citizen-based water quality monitoring program.

Restore Hydrologic Function to the Watershed while Maintaining Public Safety

Reestablish functional streams:

• Restore/acquire functional floodplains.
• Restore natural, bioengineered streambanks.
• Daylight/reestablish tributary streams where feasible.
• Develop sediment management strategy.
• Establish meanders as needed to facilitate dynamic equilibrium of sediment transport.

Design restoration projects to maintain flood protection:

• Capture and infiltrate stormwater where it falls to reduce runoff volume in streams.
• Acquire gravel pits for stormwater detention.
• Remove or elevate structures in floodways.
• Implement a flood hazard warning system.

Enhance Quality, Quantity and Connectivity of Native Terrestrial and Riparian Habitats

Restore, protect, and augment terrestrial and aquatic species habitat:

• Create habitat corridors along Tujunga and Pacoima washes.
• Restore riparian habitat along historic tributaries where feasible.
• Identify, enhance, and restore natural habitat and wildlife corridor between Verdugo and San Gabriel mountains.
• Acquire land or conservation easements in ecologically sensitive areas, including along streams.

Integrate fire and vector management strategies into native vegetation zones.

Reduce extent of invasive, non-native species.

Expand use of native plants in landscaping through mandate on publicly-owned lands and through incentives on private lands.

Improve and Increase a Network of Public Open Space

Augment overall open space network to meet the national standard for park space per capita ratio:

• Protect existing open spaces.
• Implement a targeted, prioritized program to utilize surplus properties and acquire land from willing sellers.

Improve connectivity and access to Tujunga and Pacoima washes and the Angeles National Forest using tools such as easements and greenway linkages.

Develop a design standard for open space that integrates natural resources management with various recreational needs.

Provide for maintenance and security of parks, open space, and trails.

Create Green Transit Linkages and Recreational Access

Improve multi-modal transit:

• Create a watershed–wide network of pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle routes utilizing BMPs in design.
• Connect multi-modal transportation routes to communities, public facilities, transit focal points, greenways, and other open spaces.
• Design multi-modal routes for user safety.

Enhance and expand recreational opportunities to meet needs of local communities:

• Determine appropriate recreational uses with local community guidance.
• Group activities according to use compatibility.
• Provide a diversity of recreational opportunities and experiences within each community.

Promote Watershed Awareness & Increase Stewardship through Public Outreach and Education

Conduct education and outreach programs to expand appreciation of the natural character of Tujunga & Pacoima Washes and the importance of watershed restoration:

• Identify and understand target audiences to develop and deliver most effective outreach and educational programs.
• Focus on local eco-system, groundwater/water supply issues, flood safety, sustainable living, and environmental justice.
• Develop and deliver an educational curriculum for grades K-12.
• Partner with community colleges to gather data, monitor conditions, and implement plan development and also encourage continued participation of local universities.
• Use the internet as an informative outreach tool.

Engage community interest through participation in restoration activities:

• Include youth and community groups in watershed restoration activities.
• Involve the business community.
• Provide opportunities and resources for individuals to participate on their property.

Protect and interpret natural, cultural, and historic resources.

Implement Watershed-based Planning and Projects

Implement ordinances and incentives to protect watersheds and streams:

• Require “no net gain” of stormwater runoff on developed sites, based on natural conditions.
• Create a River Overlay Zone to acquire floodplains opportunistically or through long term programs.
• Incentivize multiple-objective developments and BMP integration in private-sector projects.
• Develop alternative approaches to land use designations in order to integrate, preserve, and protect natural systems within urban environments.

Require integrated open space in mixed use, live/work developments:

• Recycle underused sites along Tujunga & Pacoima Washes.
• Leverage Quimby and other park funds to acquire parkland in developed areas.
• Increase park acreage required by General Plan.

Preserve agricultural zones.

Improve Collaboration among all Agencies, Organizations & Communities in the Watershed

Institute a comprehensive program to facilitate communication and collaboration:

• Involve elected officials and their staff, governmental, regulatory and infrastructure agencies, NGOs, CBOs, professional and business organizations and individuals in a cooperative watershed stewardship program.
• Assign a liaison with decision-level capability from each agency to communicate with each other and the stakeholders.
• Develop a system that fosters early notification and cooperation amongst all stakeholders prior to all project planning.

Encourage mutual understanding of the goals, objectives, and roles of each individual agency and organization involved.

Partner with existing local programs and projects where appropriate.

Develop a collaborative strategy to finance implementation of the Plan.