D1: Management of Riparian Planting and Invasive Plant Removal*

Status

Active; Adjusted

Location

Countywide

Schedule

Start FY 2022 / Finish FY 2036

Funding

Safe, Clean Water Fund ($52.7 million), Watershed Stream Stewardship Fund

This project supports Valley Water management of at least 300 acres of existing riparian planting projects and 200 acres of invasive plant removal projects throughout the five (5) watersheds. The project also funds maintenance of future riparian planting and invasive plant removal sites, which are anticipated as part of upcoming environmental mitigation requirements. Funding for this project ensures that all required riparian planting and invasive plant removal projects are maintained as functional habitat that can support wildlife. In addition, this project includes targeted control of especially damaging non-native, invasive plant species, such as Arundo donax, throughout the county.

Climate change has increased temperatures and lengthened growing seasons, which facilitates the spread of non-native invasive vegetation by allowing it to establish early in spring before native species, thus transforming ecosystems.

Riparian planting aims to reestablish native California plant species, combating habitat loss and fragmentation from urban development and sprawl. Carefully selected perennial plants, which can thrive for decades, aid in climate change mitigation by producing oxygen and absorbing and storing carbon in various forms. The shade provided by mature trees helps to moderate the urban heat island effect, reducing the need for additional energy sources to keep us comfortable. Invasive plant control targets non-native species, often less tolerant to climate extremes like flooding and droughts. These species can hinder the reestablishment of native plants after such disturbances and can diminish forest carbon storage capacity. Invasive plants also tend to form dense monospecific thickets, increasing the risk of more frequent and severe wildfires. Management of riparian planting and invasive plant removal helps prevent the spread of non-native species, making the natural habitat less vulnerable and more resilient to climate change. Furthermore, restoring habitats that are damaged during regular operations is an important component of sustainable stewardship to protect nearby natural areas. It helps improve native habitat.

*This project was voter approved as part of the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.

See Environmental & Community Benefits section for complete description of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

KPI #1: (Maintain riparian planting projects)

A total of 86.13 acres of riparian planting projects were maintained at 26 sites in FY26 Q1 (July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025):
- Active Sites – 25 Active planting sites were revisited and maintained during FY26 Q1. Active sites are routinely maintained, inspected bi-monthly, mowed a minimum of once a summer, weeded regularly in-between basins, and new plantings are watered twice a month.
- Legacy Sites – 1 Legacy planting site was maintained during FY26 Q1. Legacy sites are inspected annually. Maintenance is performed as needed, such as invasive plant management, removal of dead brush, and pruning.

KPI #2: (Maintain invasive plant management projects)

292 acres of invasive plant management projects were maintained at 14 sites in FY26 Q1 (July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025).

KPI #3: (Remove Arundo donax)

0.47 acre of Arundo donax was removed at 5 sites in FY26 Q1 (July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025).

October 2025

Valley Water staff remove Arundo donax from Alamitos Creek.

For more information:

Rebecca Wolff, (408) 630-2386

Valley Water crews remove Arundo donax from Guadalupe River.

Valley Water crews apply mulch to a native plant revegetation site on Guadalupe River.

Valley Water staff manage weeds at a native plant revegetation site on Regnart Creek.

See Environmental & Community Benefits section for complete description of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

KPI #1: (Maintain riparian planting projects)

A total of 86.13 acres of riparian planting projects were maintained at 26 sites in FY26 Q1 (July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025):
- Active Sites – 25 Active planting sites were revisited and maintained during FY26 Q1. Active sites are routinely maintained, inspected bi-monthly, mowed a minimum of once a summer, weeded regularly in-between basins, and new plantings are watered twice a month.
- Legacy Sites – 1 Legacy planting site was maintained during FY26 Q1. Legacy sites are inspected annually. Maintenance is performed as needed, such as invasive plant management, removal of dead brush, and pruning.

KPI #2: (Maintain invasive plant management projects)

292 acres of invasive plant management projects were maintained at 14 sites in FY26 Q1 (July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025).

KPI #3: (Remove Arundo donax)

0.47 acre of Arundo donax was removed at 5 sites in FY26 Q1 (July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025).

October 2025

For more information:

Rebecca Wolff, (408) 630-2386

Invasive Plant Management Program Weed Identification Guide (March 2021)

Map of FY22 Revegetation Maintenance sites

Project D1 Fact Sheet (April 2022)

Map of FY23 Revegetation Maintenance sites

Map of FY24 Revegetation Maintenance sites

Map of FY25 Revegetation Maintenance sites

Safe, Clean Water Program Documents

FY22-36 Key Performance Indicators for the Safe, Clean Water Program

Maintain a minimum of 300 acres of riparian planting projects annually to meet regulatory requirements and conditions.
Maintain a minimum of 200 acres of invasive plant management projects annually to meet regulatory requirements and conditions.
Remove 25 acres of Arundo donax throughout the county over a 15-year period.

Benefits

Maintains 300 acres of existing riparian planting sites
Maintains 200 acres of existing invasive plant management projects
Allows Valley Water to monitor plant survival and habitat functions
Complies with environmental laws, which require long-term habitat mitigation for routine stream maintenance, flood protection and water supply projects
Provides for the maintenance of future riparian planting and invasive plant management sites
Addresses climate change impacts by making the natural habitat less vulnerable and more resilient

Geographic Area of Benefit

Countywide

About the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program

In November 2020, voters in Santa Clara County overwhelmingly approved Measure S, a renewal of Valley Water’s Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.

The program was first passed by voters in 2000 as the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Plan, then again in 2012 as the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program. The renewal of the Safe, Clean Water Program will continue to provide approximately $47 million annually for local projects that deliver safe, clean water, natural flood protection, and environmental stewardship to all the communities we serve in Santa Clara County.

While evaluating ways to improve the 2012 program, Valley Water gathered feedback from more than 21,000 community members. That helped Valley Water create the six priorities for the renewed Safe, Clean Water Program, which are:

Priority A: Ensure a Safe, Reliable Water Supply
Priority B: Reduce Toxins, Hazards and Contaminants in our Waterways
Priority C: Protect our Water Supply and Dams from Earthquakes and Other Natural Disasters
Priority D: Restore Wildlife Habitat and Provide Open Space
Priority E: Provide Flood Protection to Homes, Businesses, Schools, Streets and Highways
Priority F: Support Public Health and Public Safety for Our Community

Each year, Valley Water prepares a report providing a progress update for each of these program priorities, along with fiscal year accomplishments.

To ensure transparency and accountability to the voters, the ballot measure also created an Independent Monitoring Committee, appointed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors. The Independent Monitoring Committee annually reviews the program’s progress to ensure the outcomes are achieved in a cost-efficient manner and reports its findings to the Board. Additionally, the IMC also reviews each proposed 5-year implementation plan prior to its submittal for Board approval.

In addition, the program requires three independent audits.

View the Safe, Clean Water Program’s annual reports, annual IMC audit reports, and independent audits, including a staff response, on the Valley Water website.