Old Lompico Pool Fish Passage Improvement Project

Migration barrier problems have destroyed thousands of genetically distinct populations of salmon, steelhead and other anadromous (ocean run) fish.  Dams are the number one cause for migration problems. Road crossings, culverts and other stream-bed modifications have also blocked access to spawning grounds for many fish.  In Lompico, a recreational pool was built in the 1950's at Carol Ave. and Lompico Road.  This pool was abandoned for various reasons in the 1970's.  A 30 ft. wide concrete slab was left instead of a creek bed. Steelhead could only swim across this concrete slab during very high water storms. The Lompico Watershed Conservancy raised the Fish and Game funds, designed the project, and got the six permits necessary to fix this migration barrier.  We were the first private non-profit organization in Santa Cruz County to successfully carry out a migration barrier correction project.  This was completed in September of 2004.  There are still human caused migration problems in Lompico Creek that we are working on, but none as significant as this. Steelhead swim from the Gulf of Alaska and back to our streams to spawn.  We need to give them a break.