Yellow Billed Cuckoo Habitat, Baker Creek
Yellow Billed Cuckoo Habitat Baker Creek
The project area has burned multiple times, which had limited the effectiveness of habitat enhancement efforts.
This habitat project is designed to enhance vegetation, including tree planting, to enlarge and augment existing YBC habitat.
Enlarges and enhances YBC habitat at Baker Creek.

Yellow Billed Cuckoo Habitat, Hogback Creek
Yellow Billed Cuckoo Habitat Hogback Creek
The project area has maintained a good cover of mature tree canopy. Avian surveys have not been conducted. The presence or absence of the Yellow Billed Cuckoo in this area has not been assessed.
This habitat project, guided by a land management plan, includes tree planting to enlarge and enhance existing YBC habitat.
Enlarges and enhances YBC habitat at Hogback Creek.

Well 368
The aquatic habitat sustained by this flow has diminished in recent years, likely due to changes in the watercourse caused by the growth of emergent vegetation. Despite this, the population of the Threatened and Endangered Pupfish appears stable. Ongoing studies by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will assess the species' continued success and identify any necessary management actions.
This Additional Mitigation habitat project will create and maintain riparian, aquatic and spring habitats. It also provides augmentation and redundancy in the water source at well F368 that supports the Owens Valley pupfish.
Provides riparian, aquatic, and spring habitat.

Homestead
Fully implemented, but not meeting goals
Beneficial riparian habitat has developed; however, a key component of the project is the establishment of a one-acre pond. While open water initially formed early in the project, it has since been filled in with emergent vegetation. The area has an infestation of Tamarisk that is actively being treated. This project is under discussion with LADWP.
This Additional Mitigation habitat project will create riparian, wetland, spring, and pond habitats and improve the existing alkali meadow.
Provides riparian, wetland, and spring habitats.

Freeman Creek
Fully implemented, but not meeting goals
Freeman Creek has proven to be an unreliable water source. Although the project is credited with 215 acre-feet (AF) of water annually based on a long-term average, the creek has produced little to no water between 2014 and 2023. Consequently, much of the riparian habitat, including cottonwood groves and willows that had begun to establish themselves after the project's initiation, has died off. Pastureland expansion has been minimal, and a shallow marsh that was expected to form has not materialized. However, in the wet year of 2024, flow returned, resulting in the regreening of some of the bank vegetation. LADWP cleared debris from a channel to encourage water to flow to its intended end point.
This Additional Mitigation habitat project will encompass diverting the creek flow back into ancestral washes to redevelop diverse riparian habitat and provide irrigation to trees, pasture, and a shallow marsh.
Re-introduces riparian habitat and provides irrigation.

Hines Springs, Well 355
The original concept of providing water at the Hines Spring vent proved impractical. As a result, the MOU parties entered into an ad hoc process and agreed to build two alternative projects at the spring site: 1) water from Well 355 now supplies a small pond used by livestock, and 2) water from the Aberdeen Ditch is conveyed through a 2,700-foot pipeline to a ditch just southeast of the former spring site. The area's highly permeable ground has made it challenging to convey water along natural contours. However, rising groundwater levels from high-water years in 2017 and 2023 have encouraged the growth of riparian vegetation.
This Additional Mitigation habitat project will create and enhance aquatic, riparian, and spring habitat. One to two acres of ponded water or riparian vegetation is to be established, supplemented by the planting of riparian trees and riparian herbaceous vegetation along the banks.
Provides aquatic, riparian, and spring habitat.

Hines Springs, Aberdeen Ditch
The original concept of providing water at the Hines Spring vent proved impractical. As a result, the MOU parties entered into an ad hoc process and agreed to build two alternative projects at the spring site: 1) water from Well 355 now supplies a small pond used by livestock, and 2) water from the Aberdeen Ditch is conveyed through a 2,700-foot pipeline to a ditch just southeast of the former spring site. The area's highly permeable ground has made it challenging to convey water along natural contours. However, rising groundwater levels from high-water years in 2017 and 2023 have encouraged the growth of riparian vegetation.
This Additional Mitigation habitat project will create and enhance aquatic, riparian, and spring habitat. One to two acres of ponded water or riparian vegetation was to be established, supplemented by the planting of riparian trees and riparian herbaceous vegetation along the banks.
Provides aquatic, riparian, and spring habitat.

Warren Lake
Warren Lake water deliveries vary from year-to-year and are tied to the amount of water supplied to the other Additional Mitigation projects. 1,600 acre-feet of water is to be applied to all of the other Addition Mitigation projects. If 1,600 acre-feet cannot be supplied, the balance is spilled into Warren Lake.
This Additional Mitigation habitat project will create readily utilized shallow-water habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl.

North of Mazourka Canyon Rd
The project is largely meeting goals. The riparian habitat is subject to grazing.
This Additional Mitigation habitat project will develop artesian well site V008 and another nearby new artesian well to create physical conditions and habitat types consistent with Owens Valley springs.

Diaz Lake
Under the Additional Mitigation project description, Diaz Lake is supplied a secure source of water. This reduces Inyo County's dependence on pumped water. LADWP’s lease with Inyo County was updated to reflect the new water supply commitments.
This recreation project, implemented under Additional Mitigation, provides a guaranteed water supply to Diaz Lake recreational area to assure a constant lake level and reduce pumping required by Inyo County.
Provides lake for recreation and habitat for waterbird

640 Acres Near Laws Revegetation
The Standing Committee has not evaluated the need for mitigation of these dispersed areas. The total area available for revegetation has been reduced by about 275 acres due to an expanded gravel mining operation, and the transfer of Type E lands along Jean Blanc Road. Center pivot irrigation in this area covered about 130 acres of denuded soil with crops.
Six sites in the Laws wellfield were identified in the EIR as candidates for “selective mitigation.” Past, and in some cases, present impacts to these sites include a combination of groundwater pumping, abandoned agriculture, water spreading, fires, and “other factors.”
Implementation would mitigate damages caused to vegetation by lowering of the water table and by wildfires.

Lone Pine East Side Regreening
Water is provided to maintain pasture and sustain trees.
This land was not successfully revegetated following the abandonment of agriculture. This was a significant adverse impact because these lands had a loss of vegetation and were the source of blowing dust.
Revegetation of abandoned agricultural lands in areas near town. Enhances landscape aesthetics near town.

Lone Pine Woodlot
The Lone Pine Wood Lot was initially planted in 1987. The woodlot was planted at a high density with the intent of thinning to a 12‐foot spacing after planting success was determined. Over time, this high density of trees resulted in reduced growth and increased competition. While the hybrid poplar portions of the wood lots have been harvested several times since project implementation, the locust portions of the wood lots had never been harvested until 2015‐2016 when approximately 130 cords of wood were harvested and distributed by the Lone Pine Future Farmers of America (FFA). The FFA holds the woodlot lease and manages the distribution of wood. Recurring drought stress has resulted in dieback of cottonwood. Many of the larger trees show dieback.
This formerly irrigated land had not successfully revegetated following the abandonment of agriculture. This was a significant adverse impact because these lands had a loss of vegetation and were the source of blowing dust.
Revegetation of abandoned agricultural lands in areas near town. Enhances landscape aesthetics in the town of Lone Pine. Provides sustainable fuelwood.

Lone Pine Sports Complex
The complex includes 3 irrigated ball fields and two multipurpose fields, with an irrigated area totaling 12.5 acres. Asphalt replaced the former dirt parking area in 2013 and 139 parking spaces were outlined.
This recreation project converted portions of the Lo-Inyo Elementary School and vacant LADWP property to an outdoor sports complex consisting of baseball fields, soccer fields, parking, and picnic and park areas.

Richards Field
Irrigation is consistently provided to develop and sustain pasture grasslands. LADWP, in their annual Owens Valley Report, lists water use for this project and Richards Field together. Water use records for these projects include conveyance losses.
This formerly irrigated land had not successfully revegetated following the abandonment of agriculture. This was a significant adverse impact because these lands had lost vegetation and were the source of blowing dust.
Revegetation of abandoned agricultural lands in areas near town.

Van Norman Field
In 2013, as part of an E/M evaluation, Inyo County and LADWP agreed to expand the project to include irrigating an adjacent 10-acre parcel operated as a school farm by Lone Pine High School. On April 29, 2014, the Standing Committee agreed to modify the Van Norman Field Enhancement/Mitigation (E/M) Project by adding approximately ten acres of the Lone Pine High School Farm on to the Van Norman Field E/M Project. The total acreage of the modified Van Norman Field E/M Project is now 170 acres. The additional acres provide for irrigated pasture. The total annual water supply for the project will remain 480 acre-feet, which will result in an annual water distribution within the project boundaries of approximately 2.8 acre-feet per acre.
This agricultural project provides surface and pumped water to establish pastureland and increase livestock grazing capabilities on abandoned agricultural land.
Enhances the aesthetics of abandoned agricultural or pasture lands in areas around the town.

Lone Pine West Side Regreening
The field is managed to grow pasture and is actively maintained under private lease. It is meeting project objectives.
This formerly irrigated land had not successfully revegetated following the abandonment of agriculture. This was a significant adverse impact because these lands had lost vegetation and were the source of blowing dust.
Enhances the aesthetics of abandoned agricultural or pasture lands in areas around the town. Prevents blowing dust.

Lone Pine Riparian Park
LADWP, in their annual Owens Valley Report, lists water use for this project and Richards Field together. Water use records for these projects include conveyance losses.
This civic project provides a continuous water supply to a ditch running through Russell Spainhower Park then east under the highway to supply water to Lone Pine Woodlot and Richards and Van Norman Fields projects.
Provides aesthetic improvement to the town park.

Eastern California Museum
Flooding in 2017 resulted in natural stream alteration. LADWP is maintaining water infrastructure. The project is meeting objectives.
This civic project encompasses the creation of a small pond, trees, expanded lawn areas, and installation of an irrigation system.
Irrigation enhances the appearance of the Eastern California Museum.

Independence Roadside Rest Area
The project is well-maintained and meeting objectives.
This civic project consisted of planting and maintaining shade and windbreak trees and grass, installation of an irrigation system, and placement of picnic table and restroom facilities on a 1/2-acre site at the south entrance of the town of Independence along Highway 395.
Aesthetic improvement of a previously blighted area.

Independence Woodlot
The Lone Pine High School, Future Farmers of America, is managing the woodlot project, with some wood going to area residents and excess wood being sold in Lone Pine to support FFA activities. An operations plan is needed based on management guidelines agreed to by Inyo Co. and LADWP. Recurring drought stress has resulted in dieback of cottonwood. Many of the larger trees show dieback. LADWP had thinned the trees in 2016-17.
This agricultural project provides a greenbelt which is harvested as sustainable source of firewood for those in need.
Enhances the aesthetics of abandoned agricultural or pasture lands due to groundwater pumping.

Independence Eastside Regreening
The project has resulted in a mix of desirable native pasture species and invasive species. The weeds have been decreasing year-to-year.
This formerly irrigated land had not successfully revegetated following the abandonment of agriculture. The fallow field was a source of blowing dust in town.
Enhances the aesthetics of abandoned agricultural or pasture lands in areas around the town.

Independence Springfield
This enhancement mitigation project is implemented to mitigate vegetation lost through water drawdown associated with groundwater pumping adjacent to independence. The project, operated under lease, is achieving goals.
This agricultural project, east of Independence, was implemented to revegetate barren or near-barren ground with native pasture.
Reduces the negative impacts on air quality resulting from groundwater pumping and surface water diversion during the period 1970 to 1990.

Independence Pasturelands
Site topography prevents flood irrigation from reaching some portions of the project; however, overall the project has achieved objectives.
This formerly irrigated land had not successfully revegetated following the abandonment of agriculture. This was a significant adverse impact because these lands had lost vegetation and were the source of blowing dust.
The revegetation mitigates the impacts of dust in town caused by groundwater pumping and surface water diversions. It also provides irrigation for pasture or alfalfa.

Big Pine Northeast Regreening
The project has developed a good cover of vegetation, which has reduced dust emissions affecting town.
This agricultural project was designed to enhance the aesthetics of abandoned agricultural or pasture lands in areas around Big Pine.
Enhances the aesthetics of abandoned agricultural or pasture lands in areas near town.

McNally Ponds and Native Pasture
The ponds portion of the project has been supplied water approximately one in three year time since its inception. More often than not, 60 acres of open water is not achieved. The ponds portion of the project is under active review and alternatives are being considered. Water for the pasture that lies east and adjacent to the ponds is provided irrigation water when the Lower McNally Canal is run or when Well 247 is in On Status. Inconsistent water, uneven topography, and constructed berms have produced areas of patchy forage in the field. The pastureland associated with this project and located 2 miles to the southeast has developed and maintained healthy native grass.
This recreation (ponds) and agricultural project (north and south pastures) provides a water supply to existing ephemeral ponds in the Laws area to create waterfowl habitat, and also provides water in the spring and summer to irrigate a total of 300 acres of native grass pastureland.
Sustains native pasture vegetation and provides water to 60 acres of ponds during the fall months for waterfowl habitat.

Bishop Area Revegetation
Fully implemented, but not meeting goals
Areas supplied with underground irrigation have developed a largely monocultural cover of native shrubs. Recruitment of new vegetation, a key measure of sustainability and a commitment in the 1999 Revegetation Plan, has not occurred. A large portion of the southern end of the project area remains barren. In response to above-normal precipitation and runoff in 2017 and 2023, vegetation—primarily rabbitbrush —has established on the western portion of the parcel.
This 120 acre revegetation project is intended to revegetate formerly irrigated lands with native Owens Valley vegetation. The completed project will not require sustained irrigation.
Mitigates the adverse impact of vegetation loss and blowing dust.

Shepherd Creek Alfalfa Field
Alfalfa is planted and well maintained on approx. 185 acres.
This agricultural project is intended to revegetate 198 acres of abandoned cropland adjacent to U.S. Highway 395. The alfalfa field is provided sprinkler irrigation. Portions of the project are protected by tree windbreaks. Historically, the property, which is located between Lone Pine and Independence, had only sparse annual vegetation and was a source of blowing dust causing a traffic hazard.
Mitigates the adverse impact of vegetation loss and blowing dust.

Billy Lake
The project requires occasional emergent vegetation control to maintain open water and access. Billy Lake is managed under the LORP Monitoring, Adaptive Management, and Reporting Plan as an Off River Lake.
This habitat project, part of the Off-River Lakes and Ponds component of the Lower Owens River Project (LORP), will maintain and/or establish open water to sustain diverse habitat for fisheries, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other animals.
Creates diverse natural habitats and provides recreational opportunities.

Twin Lakes
MOU Section III.C.3 LORP EIR 2.6, 8.1 - 4, & Table 2-23
Twin Lakes are managed under the LORP Monitoring, Adaptive Management, and Reporting Plan as Off River Lakes.The upper and lower Twin Lakes, are, like many other open water habitats in the Valley, frequently encroached and occluded by Bulrush and Cattail.
This habitat project, part of the Off-River Lakes and Ponds component of the Lower Owens River Project (LORP), will maintain and/or establish open water to sustain diverse habitat for fisheries, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other animals.
The goal of the LORP is the establishment of a healthy, functioning Lower Owens River riverine-riparian ecosystem, and the establishment of healthy functioning ecosystems in the other elements of the LORP, for the benefit of biodiversity and threatened and endangered species, while providing for the continuation of sustainable uses including recreation, livestock grazing, agriculture, and other activity

Goose Lake
MOU Section III.C.3 LORP EIR 2.6, 8.1 - 4, & Table 2-25
It was hoped that the establishment of permanent watered fish corridors between Goose Lake and the river could increase fish production in the lakes by allowing recruitment of fish from the river, as well as providing opportunities for lake and pond fish to feed and reproduce in the ditches between the lakes and the Aqueduct, and between the lakes and the river. However, this water body and associated conveyances, like many other open water habitats in the Valley, is frequently encroached upon and occluded by Bulrush and Cattail to the extent that fish migration is likely not possible with a tule management program. The area surrounding the lake and associated canals have been affected by extensive infestations of Tamarisk. This invasive weed and others are being treated as required.
This habitat project, part of the Lower Owens River Project (LORP) Off-River Lakes and Ponds component, will maintain and/or establish open water to sustain diverse habitat for fisheries, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other animals.
Creates and sustains aquatic and marsh habitat.

Laws Historical Museum Irrigated Pastures
Both fields are maintaining native vegetation suitable for grazing.
This agricultural project provides a regular water supply to two pastures on either side of the museum. The east field is provided water to irrigate 15 acres of pasture grass. The west field is a 21-acre irrigated pasture serving horses and mules.
Provides irrigation to pastures used by livestock.

Laws/Poleta Native Pasture
One pasture, 2.5 miles north of Laws and just east of Hwy. 6 (160 acres, parcel 44) has achieved good pasture cover on 65-70% of the eastern half of the parcel. The other 60-acre pasture two miles southeast of Laws (parcel 138) adjoins the McNally Ponds and Pasture project. Due to the configuration of release points and topography, not all of this pasture can be effectively irrigated. LADWP has reported that they couldn't separate this project’s water accounting from adjacent irrigated parcels.
Provides water for irrigation of 220 acres of sparsely vegetated land, in two seperate locations, to reestablish native vegetation on abandoned pasture lands and increase livestock grazing capabilities.
Mitigates the adverse impact of vegetation loss and blowing dust and increases grazing capacity.

Farmers Pond
East of the main Farmers Pond are a series of four cascading spreading basins that drain overflow from the main Farmers Pond. These additional basins, which are typically dry, might be used as replacement or substitute mitigation for the McNally ponds. It is expected these additional ponds could be supplied annually, as opposed to the existing McNally Pond, which now receives water only when providing water would satisfy LADWP’s operational needs, and/or when nearby supply wells are in On Status. A formal mitigation substitute proposal will be developed and presented to the Technical Group. A substitute or replacement project would need to provide equal or greater mitigation value.
Water is provided in fall of each year to offer increased habitat for migrating waterfowl.
Supports seasonal habitat for migratory waterfowl.

Five Bridges Revegetation
Since 1989, LADWP has undertaken various efforts to restore native riparian vegetation lost when nearby pumping significantly lowered the water table. A conversion from Type D to Type C vegetation has taken place. Attempts to recover the site have been extensive. Plant cover and species richness goals have been met only when the site is irrigated; however, irrigation has the unintended effect of encouraging the pernicious weed perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium). Extensive efforts, incorporating a combination of herbicides, mowing, varying water deliveries, and overplanting a cover crop, have failed, as have methods to reestablish riparian vegetation. The area remains weed-infested, which presents a significant barrier to future vegetation restoration. Frequent wildfires have further exacerbated the weed problem, which has resisted burning. The future of the project is currently under review as part of the MOU process, which was called for on June 30, 2023.
This revegetation project is intended to restore the area to resemble complex vegetation communities with similar species composition and cover at similar local sites.
Mitigates damages caused by groundwater pumping.

Buckley Ponds
This main pond and string of other ponds were created in the 1950’s. In 1976 LADWP and CDFW created a Habitat Management Plan. The string of ponds were treated and excavated in 2012-14 to remove emergent vegetation.
This recreation project east of Bishop provides water to a warm-water fishery and waterfowl area.
Environmental project that sustains wildlife habitat and provides recreational opportunities.

140 Acres Near Laws Revegetation
The project has had fits and starts of success, but the results have been uneven. LADWP has begun planting greenhouse grown native plants to the east of Laws Poleta Road. They have drilled seeded lands west of the Laws Poleta Road.
This project will revegetate 140 acres in the Laws area, which has lost all or part of its vegetation cover due to increased groundwater pumping or abandonment of irrigation operations to supply the second aqueduct.
Mitigates damages from increased groundwater pumping or abandonment of irrigation operations to supply the second aqueduct.

Klondike Lake
Motorized recreation on the lake has been limited to prevent the introduction of the freshwater Quagga Mussel. In 2004 the water supply allocated the lake was reduced from 2,500 to 1,700 acre-feet, while still requiring that LADWP maintain a described lake level, and also assure that native pasture and wetland habitats adjacent to Lyman ditch, which feeds the lake, were preserved. The 800 acre-feet difference was made up by providing water to seasonally fill the Big Pine Ditch, and by providing 200 acre-feet of water for flood irrigation immediately south of the Lake to attract shore birds and waterfowl.
This habitat project sustains a year-round water supply in this 160-acre formerly seasonal lakebed.
Provides waterfowl habitat and recreational opportunities.

Independence Ditch
The location of the ditch is poorly defined. It is most evident through the Independence Cemetery and near its drain into the Independence Pastureland and Springfield. Water flows seasonally, although irregularly.
This project will provide water to a ditch through Independence. After passing through town, the unused water may supply irrigation water to the Independence Pasturelands and/or Independence Springfield enhancement/mitigation projects.
Provides water for aesthetic improvement in town and for irrigation of pastures east of town.

Big Pine Area Revegetation, 160 Acres
The area has been drill seeded a number of times and portions of the parcel have developed germinal cover. Still, the majority of the field appears barren and blowing dust comes off the field. Because the perimeter shrubs are sparse and mixed with annual weeds, there will be a constant source of weed seeds from the bordering communities.
This 160 acre revegetation project is intended to develop a cover of plant species found in the surrounding areas. Because it is unknown what species existed on the site prior to agricultural use, it assumed the surrounding parcels represent the best estimate of those species that were present or could be used successfully to revegetate this area.
Mitigates the damages caused by a decrease in plant cover caused by the abandonment of agriculture.

Steward Ranch
This agricultural project will fully compensate ranch owners on an annual basis for all reduced alfalfa production caused by a loss of well water, and for future costs of re-establishing any lost alfalfa.
Mitigates damages from lowered groundwater levels resulting in inoperable wells.

Fish Springs Hatchery
The hatchery, operated since 1941 by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife provides stock trout to water bodies in Inyo and Mono Counties. Efforts are underway to assess water needs at the hatcheries to determine if water supply reductions can be made to conserve groundwater and still effectively run the fisheries operation.
This recreation and fish production project provides compensatory mitigation by cultivating trout that are stocked throughout the region.
Mitigates damages caused by groundwater pumping which has reduced or eliminated spring flows from Fish Springs. Provides fish stock for area lakes, rivers, and streams. Rears fish stock for area lakes, rivers, and streams.

Blackrock 16E Revegetation
LADWP has achieved native vegetation cover and composition only during wet years, but has not determined whether the vegetation is sustainable, as defined in the 1999 Revegetation Plan. Additionally, following years of drought, the water table in the area has declined. The expected return of grass cover has not occurred, and shrubs have become dominant. High flows during the 2023–2024 runoff year inundated the site and killed most of the shrubs. The future of the project is currently under review as part of the MOU process, which commenced in 2023.
This project is to revegetate land which lost a significant amount of its live native vegetation cover as a result of increased groundwater pumping.
Mitigates damages resulting from increased groundwater pumping.

Hines Spring South Revegetation
This project is described in the 1999 revegetation plan, but put on hold until the Additional Mitigation projects at Hines Spring were implemented. A plan for this site was developed by LADWP in 2015 after the effects of water releases at the Hines Springs riparian projects were known. LADWP designated a 9 acre parcel within the 80 acre affected area as the focus of their effort. As of 2022, the northern portion of the site has achieved composition goals, but not cover criteria (LADWP 2021 Annual Report). LADWP disputes the area extent of their obligation to revegetate the site. LADWP claims their responsibility is to only manage a portion of the northern section of the project area that is mapped in the 91 EIR. However, under the subsequent 1999 revegetation plan and map, the agency is potentially responsible to assure revegetation in a substantially larger area.
This revegetation project will restore approximately 80 acres of native vegetation that was lost when Hines Spring stopped flowing due to groundwater pumping. The native vegetation that is established is intended to be similar in density and species composition as that in unaffected nearby sites.
Mitigates damages from groundwater pumping, which has lowered water depth to a level where springs and seeps no longer flow. It will serve as a research project on how to reestablish a damaged aquatic habitat.

Little Blackrock Springs
The Technical Group does not have a plan for monitoring flows or vegetation at springs and seeps. Ecosystem Sciences had developed an inventory of springs and seeps. According to the MOU, the inventory should provide baseline data adequate for monitoring change.
This habitat project diverts water from the ditch to maintain the wetland area at the original spring site, west of the aqueduct intake.
Mitigates damages from groundwater pumping, which has lowered water depth to a level where springs and seeps no longer flow.

Blackrock Hatchery (Big Blackrock Springs)
The hatchery, operated since 1952 by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife provides stock trout to water bodies in Inyo and Mono Counties. Efforts are underway to assess water needs at the hatcheries to determine if water supply reductions can be made to conserve groundwater and still effectively run the fisheries operation.
This recreation project provides compensatory mitigation by producing fish that are stocked throughout the region.
Mitigates damages from groundwater pumping, which has lowered water depth to a level where springs and seeps no longer flow.

Independence 105 Revegetation
LADWP has achieved native vegetation cover and composition, when measured in wet years, but has not determined that the vegetation cover is sustainable--a requirement in the 1999 Revegetation Plan. This project is under review through the MOU party process.
This project implements a revegetation program utilizing native vegetation of the type that has died off. Water may be spread as necessary in these areas to accomplish the revegetation.
Mitigates damages caused by groundwater pumping.

Independence 131 South Revegetation
Ongoing disturbances inhibiting natural revegetation include groundwater pumping, wind erosion, grazing, and invasion by weedy plants. The project has not yet met cover and composition goals.
This project implements a revegetation program utilizing native vegetation of the type that has died off. Water may be spread as necessary in these areas to accomplish the revegetation.
Mitigates damages caused by groundwater pumping.

Independence 131 North Revegetation
Ongoing disturbances inhibiting natural revegetation include groundwater pumping, wind erosion, grazing, and invasion by weedy plants. The project has not yet met cover and composition goals.
This project implements a revegetation program utilizing native vegetation of the type that has died off. Water may be spread as necessary in these areas to accomplish the revegetation.

Independence 123 Revegetation
LADWP has achieved native vegetation cover and composition, when measured in wet years, but has not determined that the vegetation cover is sustainable--a requirement in the 1999 Revegetation Plan. This project is under review through the MOU party process.

Reinhackle Spring
This spring supports a large pasture and many large tree willows. When it was determined in the late 1980s that groundwater pumping in the Bairs Georges wellfield was affecting the flow from Reinhackle Spring (north of the Alabama Hills), pumping from certain wells in the area was discontinued and the spring flow increased. In the future, either groundwater pumping in the area will be managed to avoid causing a reduction in flow from this spring to protect riparian habitat. Alternatively, LADWP will supply surface water to the native riparian vegetation now supplied by the spring to avoid any such decreases or changes due to reduced flow caused by groundwater pumping. A 2004 groundwater geochemical study found that Reinhackle Spring discharge is more chemically similar to aqueduct water than it is to local well water.
This habitat project manages groundwater pumping to prevent a reduction in spring flow, which would result in the decline of native riparian vegetation and loss of irrigation tailwater.
Preserves spring flow and protects native vegetation.

Big and Little Seely Springs
Riparian vegetation has established around a flow-through well-pond at Little Seely Spring and irrigates marsh vegetation. Big Seely Spring just to the north flows when runoff is above normal and pumping is low.
This habitat project discharges pumped water from Well 349 into a pond approximately one acre in size.
Provides a temporary resting place for waterfowl and shorebirds when the pumps are operating or Big Seely Spring is flowing.

Big Pine Area Revegetation, 20 Acres
The area has been drill seeded and a small portion of the parcel have developed germinal cover. Still the majority of the field appears barren. Dust blowing off the field affects residents of the Big Pine Paiute Reservation and the Big Pine High School.
This 20 acre project is intended to rehabilitate the barren site with cover and composition of native vegetation that are similar to local intact plant communities. If native vegetation cannot be established, then an irrigated crop will be established.
Mitigates damages caused by increased groundwater pumping and abandoned agriculture.

Millpond
The park is well-maintained and water deliveries are meeting expectations.
Water is supplied to irrigate this recreation area, the largest park and recreation area in the Owens Valley.
Provides water to 18 acres of the community park including two softball fields.

Klondike Lake South Shore Habitat Area
The County has requested that LADWP prepare a habitat management plan for this project. The elevation between the Lake and the Project is minimal and sediment in the water conveyance limited flow to the project. A new water gate was installed and from the 2011-12 runoff year to present, a full 200 af allocation was supplied. With the use of the new water gate new habitat has been created and is being used by desired species; however the original project area receives little water and is at times almost completely filled with Cattail and Bulrush. It has been the practice of LADWP to release water to the project area during waterfowl migration season, usually beginning releases in late winter. In 2015 the area was disked to cut down emergent vegetation.
This habitat project provides shallow-flooded open-water habitat for nesting and visiting waterfowl.
Compensates for the inability to supply a full allocation of water to the Klondike Lake Project.

Tule Elk Field
The water supply to this project has been reduced since 2002. ICWD does not believe the project water provided is sufficient in all years to meet project goals, especially in the area east of highway 395. In 2016-17 high runoff allowed flooding of the fields east of cultivated fields east of Highway 395.
This habitat project along Highway 395 provides water to irrigate a field during the summer. The cover crop produced provides forage for Tule Elk.

Haiwee Reservoir
This recreation project is a legal commitment. A recreation plan to be developed by LADWP and Inyo County was put on hold after LADWP conducted a security audit. The audit was not shared with Inyo County, but according to LADWP the report concluded that the reservoir should be closed to the public. LADWP prepared a Negative Declaration to close the water body to the public on December 16, 2004. According to LADWP, the reservoir was officially closed in 2005. There is strong interest, and push by the public to return access to the site. Inyo County has proposed reassessing the closure, and if these waters cannot be open to the public then an alternative project needs to be developed.
LADWP and Inyo County are to develop a recreation plan for South Haiwee Reservoir, and LADWP is to open this facility to public recreation pursuant to the Agreement. The recreation plan is to be implemented and operated by Inyo County or by a concessionaire. In the event that the continued operation of South Haiwee is not allowed, a recreation plan to operate North Haiwee Reservoir is to be developed and implemented if it is feasible to do so. The Reservoir lakes (north and south) have long been a popular recreational resource and prized fishery until 2005, when LADWP closed public access over security concerns.

Calvert Slough
LADWP has regularly reported that low flows in the creek do not allow supplying the project because of high ditch losses and the off status of the two wells upstream of the project. No water was supplied to this project for seven years (1998- 2004). The enhancement of the Calvert Slough wetland considered when identifying Additional Mitigation measures It was not selected as one of the final projects. The area was burned in 2021 to improve vegetation.
This habitat project provides water to maintain a small marsh and pond.
Maintains wildlife habitat and provides for enhanced grazing.

Saunders Pond
The project has developed a healthy hemi-marsh (emergent vegetation and open-water mix).
This habitat project provides water to a warm-water fishery and waterfowl area.
Provides wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.

Delta Habitat Area
Tule overgrowth has been linked to a continuous supply of water and seasonal water pulses. Since 2020, as part of the LORP Adaptive Management Action, alternative water management strategies have been implemented through an interim plan to restrict water deliveries during the growing season. These efforts aim to reduce tule growth and restore open water pond habitats and edge meadows. The effectiveness of these altered water management practices will be evaluated in 2025.
This habitat project is a principal component of the Lower Owens River Project (LORP). Water entering the Delta enhances and maintains existing wetland habitat within the Delta. An average 6-9 cfs is supplied the Delta year-round, augmented with seasonal irrigation pulses.
The goal of the LORP is the establishment of a healthy, functioning Lower Owens River riverine-riparian ecosystem, and the establishment of healthy functioning ecosystems in the other elements of the LORP, for the benefit of biodiversity and threatened and endangered species, while providing for the continuation of sustainable uses including recreation, livestock grazing, agriculture, and other activity

River Pumpback Facility
Limits on the volume of water that can be pumped (50 cfs) have hampered efforts to experiment with river flows that might improve river and floodplain conditions.
The pumpback facility provides infrastructure in the Lower Owens River Project (LORP) needed to pump a portion of water from the river back onto the LA Aqueduct and onto Owens Lake for dust control.
The goal of the LORP is the establishment of a healthy, functioning Lower Owens River riverine-riparian ecosystem, and the establishment of healthy functioning ecosystems in the other elements of the LORP, for the benefit of biodiversity and threatened and endangered species, while providing for the continuation of sustainable uses including recreation, livestock grazing, agriculture, and other activity

Islands Area
not in status table
Prior to the introduction of a continuous 40 cfs flow in the Lower Owens River, this low lying area had been rich habitat. The formally diverse mosaic of upland vegetation, marsh, and wet and dry meadow, has been replaced by an extensive tule and cattail monoculture. Habitat values in the area have degraded from pre LORP conditions. The tree willow have been extirpated. Fire sweeping through the area has only increased the density of emergent vegetation. Inyo County has proposed an adaptive management experiment to open this are and restore lost habitat. LADWP, at this time, has shown little interest in engaging in a study or experiment.
This is a section of river/floodplan along the river corridor of the Lower Owens River Project (LORP).

River Intake Structure
Is this just a location place holder for reference?
The intake gates are raised and lowered as needed to provide a continuous flow of 40 cfs all the way, 52 miles, to the Pumpback Station. The MOU specifies that a baseflow of 40 cubic feet per second (cfs) will be established from the River Intake to the pump station near the Owens River Delta. This reach is approximately 62 river miles long. The MOU also specifies an annual seasonal habitat flow of up to 200 cfs. The annual amount of the seasonal habitat flow will depend on the runoff amount in Owens Valley each year.
The intake structure provides infrastructure in the Lower Owens River Project (LORP) needed to regulate the flow into the Lower Owens River.

Drew Unit
LORP EIR
With the implementation of a new 5-year Interim Management Plan, the Drew Unit will not be flooded. This unit is the deepest of the BWMA basins and holds water. This prevents the draining of water in the growing season, resulting in an overgrowth of tules. It had been proposed that this unit be engineered and managed to hold water year-round to the benefit of resident wildlife.
This habitat area is a sub-component of the Blackrock Waterfowl Management Area (BWMA) within the Lower Owens River Project (LORP). These units are cycled through to provide seasonally flooded acreage. The goal is to produce and maintain waterfowl habitat for resident and migratory waterfowl and other native species.

Winterton Unit
LORP EIR
This unit is actively managed under a new 5-year Interim Management Plan (2021). Shallow basins will be seasonally filled in the fall and drained in the spring to discourage emergent vegetation and enhance waterfowl and shorebird habitat. The original LORP plan, which called for a year-round water supply, had unintentially promoted the growth of emergent vegetation such as cattails and bulrush, leading to the filling in of open-water habitats. Monitoring efforts include avian surveys, tracking flooded areas, and assessing forage production.
This habitat area is a sub-component of the Blackrock Waterfowl Management Area (BWMA) within the Lower Owens River Project (LORP). These units are cycled through to provide seasonally flooded acreage. The goal is to produce and maintain waterfowl habitat for resident and migratory waterfowl and other native species.

Waggoner Unit
LORP EIR
This unit is actively managed under a new 5-year Interim Management Plan (2021). Shallow basins will be seasonally filled in the fall and drained in the spring to discourage emergent vegetation and enhance waterfowl and shorebird habitat. The original LORP plan, which called for a year-round water supply, had unintentially promoted the growth of emergent vegetation such as cattails and bulrush, leading to the filling in of open-water habitats. Monitoring efforts include avian surveys, tracking flooded areas, and assessing forage production.
This habitat area is a sub-component of the Blackrock Waterfowl Management Area (BWMA) within the Lower Owens River Project (LORP). These units are cycled through to provide seasonally flooded acreage. The goal is to produce and maintain waterfowl habitat for resident and migratory waterfowl and other native species.

Thibaut Unit
This unit is actively managed under a new 5-year Interim Management Plan (2021). Shallow basins will be seasonally filled in the fall and drained in the spring to discourage emergent vegetation and enhance waterfowl and shorebird habitat. The original LORP plan, which called for a year-round water supply, had unintentially promoted the growth of emergent vegetation such as cattails and bulrush, leading to the filling in of open-water habitats. Monitoring efforts include avian surveys, tracking flooded areas, and assessing forage production.

Laws 27 Irrigated Revegetation
Laws 27 (seed farm) Irrigation Revegetation
Buried drip irrigation is used to provide water to greenhouse grown native vegetation transplants. The project will be completed when cover and composition goals are met and vegetation is sustained once irrigation is discontinued. The project has accelerated and, other than service roads and staging areas, has been completly planted. The project has not yet met plant cover, species richness, and plant recruitment criteria.
Three parcels in the Laws Ranch lease were irrigated agricultural fields, then abandoned, and had become a source of blowing dust. These lands will be revegetated with native plants that are similar in cover and species composition to nearby sites. Drip irrigation is used to maintain transplanted stock. Once established and demonstrated sustainable, irrigation will cease.
Mitigates damages resulting from the abandonment of agriculture.

Laws 90 Irrigated Revegetation
Buried drip irrigation was used onsite to establish greenhouse-grown native vegetation transplants. Planting is nearly finished, with LADWP having planted all areas except for the service roads and staging areas. The project will be considered complete when cover and composition goals are met and the vegetation is sustained after irrigation is discontinued. In July 2022, DWP determined that the parcel had met cover and composition goals and permanently ceased irrigation. The project is under review as part of the MOU process, which began in 2023. A revised plan, including new monitoring goals and a longer time horizon for monitoring, is being developed in 2025. The project has not yet met criteria for plant cover, species richness, or sustainability.
Three parcels in the Laws Ranch lease were irrigated agricultural fields, then abandoned, and had become a source of blowing dust. These lands will be revegetated with native plants that are similar in cover and species composition to nearby sites. Drip irrigation is used to maintain transplanted stock. Once established and demonstrated sustainable, irrigation will cease.
Mitigates damages resulting from the abandonment of agriculture.

Laws 95 Irrigated Revegetation
Buried drip irrigation was used onsite to establish greenhouse-grown native vegetation transplants. Planting is nearly finished, with LADWP having planted all areas except for the service roads and staging areas. The project will be considered complete when cover and composition goals are met and the vegetation is sustained after irrigation is discontinued. In July 2022, DWP determined that the parcel had met cover and composition goals and permanently ceased irrigation. The project is under review as part of the MOU process, which began in 2023. A revised plan, including new monitoring goals and a longer time horizon for monitoring, is being developed in 2025. The project has not yet met criteria for plant cover, species richness, or sustainability.
Three parcels in the Laws Ranch lease were irrigated agricultural fields, then abandoned, and had become a source of blowing dust. These lands will be revegetated with native plants that are similar in cover and species composition to nearby sites. Drip irrigation is used to maintain transplanted stock. Once established and demonstrated sustainable, irrigation will cease.
Mitigates damages resulting from the abandonment of agriculture.

Buried drip irrigation was used onsite to establish greenhouse-grown native vegetation transplants. Planting is nearly finished, with LADWP having planted all areas except for the service roads and staging areas. The project will be considered complete when cover and composition goals are met and the vegetation is sustained after irrigation is discontinued. In July 2022, DWP determined that the parcel had met cover and composition goals and permanently ceased irrigation. The project is under review as part of the MOU process, which began in 2023. A revised plan, including new monitoring goals and a longer time horizon for monitoring, is being developed in 2025. The project has not yet met criteria for plant cover, species richness, or sustainability.

Laws 129/118 Irrigated Revegetation
Mitigates damages resulting from the abandonment of agriculture, including blowing dust.

Lower Owens River
While the river has played a central role in the success of the LORP and has been key to the recovery of lost habitat, the controlled flows have limited its function, making it resemble more of a canal than a natural river. With flows constrained to 40 cfs, and occasional excursions up to 200 cfs, the river lacks the energy to move sediments onto its banks to create germination beds for trees. Additionally, these flows do not provide sufficient power to clear the river of accumulated muck and emergent vegetation. As a result, many areas of the river are partially or fully occluded by cattail and bulrush, and water quality has become a concern. When the river is tasked with handling storm flows much greater than 200 cfs, anaerobic muck is released from the riverbed, triggering a chain of events that can kill fish. The buildup of emergent vegetation also obstructs access for anglers and other recreationists. While new hydrograph proposals have been made, limitations such as the capacity of pumpback stations, infrastructure constraints at road crossings, and other challenges have prevented experimentation with higher flows and variable pulses. High flows, up to 1,200 cfs, and flooding in 2023-2024 scoured the riverbed and floodplain in place. These unplanned flows reached pre-LAA levels, and the water dynamics may have mobilized muck and created conditions favorable for tree recruitment and improved water quality. Unfortunately, the flooding also appeared to mobilize weed populations, which had already been expanding in the project area.
In 2006 water was returned to the entirety of the lower section of the Owens River. Sixty two miles of river channel that had largely dried up since 1913, when the flow of the Owens River was diverted into the Los Angeles Aqueduct, was rewatered with a year-round 40 cubic feet per second (cfs) flow. A spring pulse is relased annually with a flow that is indexed to mountain runoff. The river irrigates the adjoining floodplain and enhances riparian vegetation that provides cover and food for wildlife.

Tinemaha 54 Revegetation
LADWP has achieved native vegetation cover and composition, when measured in wet years, but has not documented that the vegetation cover is sustainable--a requirement in the 1999 Revegetation Plan.
Approximately 80 acres of land that lost a significant amount of its native vegetation cover as a result of increased groundwater pumping and loss of spring discharge is subject to revegetation. The goal is to restore as full a native vegetation cover as is feasible, but at a minimum, vegetation cover sufficient to avoid blowing dust.
Restores vegetation conditions to that which existed prior to impact.

Big Pine Ditch
An Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Big Pine Ditch System and Modification to the Klondike Lake Project in the Big Pine Area of Inyo County was circulated in 2003 and was approved by the Board of Water and Power Commissioners on November 12, 2003. The Water Agreement was also amended at this time, changing the project as originally described. Well 415, west of town, may provide make-up water. Testing of this well was conducted in 2021. Impacts to vegetation in the vicinity of the well will be monitored.
This civic project was provided with up to $100,000 to reconstruct and upgrade existing residential ditches in the community of Big Pine. A seasonal flow of up to 6 cfs is to be maintained in the head ditch.

Laws/Poleta Native Pasture
duplicate for popup display
One pasture, 2.5 miles north of Laws and just east of Hwy. 6 (160 acres, parcel 44) has achieved good pasture cover on 65-70% of the eastern half of the parcel. The other 60-acre pasture two miles southeast of Laws (parcel 138) adjoins the McNally Ponds and Pasture project. Due to the configuration of release points and topography, not all of this pasture can be effectively irrigated. LADWP has reported that they couldn't separate this project’s water accounting from adjacent irrigated parcels.
Provides water for irrigation of 220 acres of sparsely vegetated land, in two seperate locations, to reestablish native vegetation on abandoned pasture lands and increase livestock grazing capabilities.
Mitigates the adverse impact of vegetation loss and blowing dust and increases grazing capacity.