Neary Lagoon Tule & Sediment Removal Project 2025

The purpose of the Neary Lagoon Tule and Sediment Removal Project is to conduct marsh vegetation removal (primarily tules) and sediment removal dredging in Neary Lagoon. Including trucking of vegetation and sediment to the off-site final disposal site.

The Neary Lagoon Preserve is approximately 44 acres and supports a diverse assemblage of wetland and riparian wildlife, including special status species such as the Tricolored Blackbird and the Western Pond Turtle, which are California State Species of Special Concern. The lagoon has approximately 15 acres of open-water and freshwater marsh habitat. Marsh vegetation is primarily tule, cattail, and yellow iris. Neary Lagoon is fed by both Bay and Laurel Creeks, which outlet in the lagoon’s upper area.

From the upper lagoon area, the lagoon is drained by two main vegetation-lined channels, which converge to a single channel at the concrete footbridge crossing. Downstream of the concrete bridge, Neary Lagoon is confined to a single channel that flows over a concrete weir and then passes through two 72” culverts under the Southern Pacific Rail Road grade, which is now owned by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC).

Sediment removal at Neary Lagoon is conducted in areas of open water habitat to reduce sedimentation and increase lagoon depths in order to: 1) improve water circulation and flow rates; 2) improve water quality; 3) reduce the proliferation of vegetative (tule) growth; 4) improve habitat; 5) provide access for the tule removal equipment; and 6) to prevent the lagoon from “filling” up.