San Juan Creek Stream Monitoring Program
Award
Environmental Engineering Project
Description
The San Juan Creek Stream Monitoring Program is a vital aspect of Rancho Mission Viejo’s Ranch Plan, which is a comprehensive effort to maintain the indigenous character of Rancho Mission Viejo. The objective of the Monitoring Program is to monitor for adjustments within the active floodplain of San Juan Creek in order to evaluate changes in the stability of the streambed and streambanks consistent with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) commitments and conditions of approval.
The 2025 Stream Monitoring Assessment was the 15th annual monitoring. Each year, PACE collects and records stream data from cross-section surveys, erosion measurements, bank characterization, aerial and GPS mapping, and field reconnaissance, and evaluates changes to identify potential impacts that may need adaptive management.
Presentation of data collected in the monitoring program was recently moved to an innovative GIS-based dashboard with interactive StoryMaps. The dashboard has helped improve the efficiency of the data collection process and the Orange County’s review. The interactive StoryMaps provide a visual representation of the data assessment and allow users to seamlessly navigate from one site to the next. The updated system has been positively received by both Orange County and Rancho Mission Viejo.
Branch
