Arroyo Conejo Trash Removal, Phase II

The Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) is seeking interested contractors to implement a vital environmental improvement project on Arroyo Conejo Creek in Thousand Oaks, CA. This project addresses trash accumulation through physical removal of accumulated trash from a 4,300 foot long section of the creek in an area measuring up to 75 feet from each stream bank. The project area includes the wetted channel of the creek where accessible with tools but without entering the water. The project will create immediate improvements in water and habitat quality and meet important community goals.

The Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) is a joint-powers agency formed in 1977 representing a partnership between the City of Thousand Oaks and the Conejo Recreation and Parks District for the protection and stewardship of public open space land and trails. COSCA’s mission is to “acquire, conserve, and manage open space within and surrounding the Conejo Valley for future generations, sustainably balancing public use with ecosystem protection.” COSCA currently owns or manages 12,700 acres of open space and maintains a trail system of over 150 miles. COSCA open space has high public visitation and hosts hundreds of thousands of visits each year. Integral parts of COSCA’s mission include efficiently managing land to reduce risks to visitors while protecting natural resources.

The Arroyo Conejo open space area is among COSCA’s most valuable environmental assets as it includes some of the last remaining natural stream habitats in the Conejo Valley. The section of Arroyo Conejo Creek owned by COSCA begins along Hillcrest Dr. between Lynn Rd. and Kalinda Pl and flows north into the Santa Rosa Valley. Much of the urban area of Thousand Oaks drains into Arroyo Conejo Creek, and trash and pollutants that enter storm drainage systems are carried to the natural portion of the creek. In addition, encampments along upstream water courses contribute to trash accumulation in the creek. As stream flows carry trash downstream, it gets distributed throughout the stream corridor and becomes entrained in vegetation. Removing accumulated trash is a vital part of COSCA’s environmental stewardship program and the benefits extend well beyond the project area.