Moreno Valley Wetlands
The Cimarron Watershed Alliance along with KC&MC Services will be implementing the Wetland and Stream Restoration in the Moreno Valley Project on the privately owned High Life Ranch that was formerly a portion of the privately owned American Creek Ranch. This project represents an important opportunity to positively impact the health of riparian and wetland habitats on private land to benefit water quality for all downstream users. The project area includes 2 miles of Cieneguilla Creek, 0.2 miles of Saladon Creek, and a short segment of Garcia Creek which will protect degrading wetlands and fens on the High Life Ranch.
On the High Life Ranch, the confluence of Cieneguilla Creek, Saladon Creek, and Garcia Creek together should comprise expansive riverine, floodplain, slope, and fen wetlands. However, wetlands in the project area have largely desiccated over time. Stabilizing and raising the channel grade through the three creeks on the High Life Ranch will contribute to bank water storage which may over time revive the potential wetland complex within the project area. All wetlands in the project area are within an area deemed high priority by the EPA for the protection of waterway pollution. The Moreno Valley Wetland Action Plan states that protection and restoration of wetlands will help improve water quality in the Moreno Valley.
Project treatments on the High Life Ranch present a substantial opportunity for watershed stakeholders to positively impact the health of riparian and wetland habitats within their lands with benefit to water quality for downstream users. Protecting, stabilizing, and restoring these headwater wetlands will help improve water quality in the Moreno Valley.
