South Coast
Habitat Restoration
Our Nonprofit Organization Restores Native Steelhead Trout Habitat in the Santa Barbara and Ventura Watersheds
View Our Work
Mission
The mission of South Coast Habitat Restoration is to protect, conserve, and restore habitat and native biodiversity of the Santa Barbara and Ventura areas.
Our Work
Our work is accomplished through the management and implementation of restoration projects as well as public outreach events. We strive for positive partnerships with the private property owners, local governments, wildlife agencies, and other community groups to accomplish our goals.
Restoration
At ranches and other properties throughout the South Coast, it was historically common to create creek crossings by pouring concrete or other low-flow barriers. These barriers get people across the creek but prevent steelhead trout from swimming upstream to spawn. The Southern Steelhead is endangered in our area.
We eliminate barriers that prevent the Southern Steelhead from completing its lifecycle.
Learn More
At ranches and other properties throughout the South Coast, it was historically common to create creek crossings by pouring concrete or other low-flow barriers. These barriers get people across the creek but prevent steelhead trout from swimming upstream to spawn. The Southern Steelhead is endangered in our area.
We eliminate barriers that prevent the Southern Steelhead from completing its lifecycle.
Education
Habitat for Steelhead Trout and other sensitive species has been impacted by human alterations to natural watersheds. We work to inform the public of the importance of restoring and conserving these habitats because threatened native species’ lives depend on it.
When more agencies and private property owners are aware of the need to clear the way for steelhead migration, the more opportunity we have to organize and implement projects that open up access for native fish to access the fresh water pools where they spawn.
Get Involved
Habitat for Steelhead Trout and other sensitive species has been impacted by human alterations to natural watersheds. We work to inform the public of the importance of restoring and conserving these habitats because threatened native species’ lives depend on it.
When more agencies and private property owners are aware of the need to clear the way for steelhead migration, the more opportunity we have to organize and implement projects that open up access for native fish to access the fresh water pools where they spawn.
Partnerships
Our work is based on relationships and partnerships we create with private property owners, local governments, wildlife agencies and other stakeholders. Through public outreach and education, we identify restoration projects, work with funders and stakeholders to design plans, and create new, fish-friendly crossings and native habitat from concept to completion.
View Our Projects
Staff
Mauricio Gomez
Director
Mauricio has been working on local habitat restoration projects for the past ten years in the Santa Barbara and Ventura region. He enjoys managing restoration projects which build partnerships amongst diverse groups and teaching people the value of restoring the environment. Mauricio is a Southern California native and has been living in the Santa Barbara area for the past 15 years. He moved to Santa Barbara to study at UCSB and earned a Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Biology. Prior to being the Director of South Coast Habitat Restoration, Mauricio managed the Watershed Restoration Program of the Community Environmental Council, worked at UCSB as a staff researcher with the restoration ecology group, and the Marine Science Institute. In his free time, Mauricio enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, running and playing with his wife, son and dog.
Jason White
Project Manager
Jason joined South Coast habitat Restoration in 2018 as a Project Manager. Prior to joining SCHR, Jason worked as a Stream Survey Technician for the U.S. Forest Service, conducting investigations related to wildfire impacts on Southern Steelhead Trout populations within the Los Padres National Forest. Using physical and biogeochemical data collected in the field, Jason utilized different geospatial and statistical methodologies to understand the population distribution in burned and unburned watersheds. Jason has also worked as an Environmental Consultant performing environmental impact analysis for proposed actions subject to CEQA and NEPA. Jason received his master’s in Environmental Science and Management from the Bren School at UCSB, and holds a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection from Cal Poly—San Luis Obispo. In his free time, Jason enjoys surfing, fly fishing and all things outdoors.
