Laguna Lakes

GENERAL

Source

Site Laguna Lakes

Map Laguna Beach, USGS 7.5' quadrangle

Location Laguna Lakes are located inland along Laguna Canyon Road, approximately 6 miles north of Laguna Beach. The lakes are numbered 1 through 3 from upstream to downstream. Lakes 1 and 2 are on the west side of the road and Lake 3 is on the east side.

Contacts Laguna Greenbelt, (714)497-2102.

Orange County, Harbors, Beaches and Parks, (714)834-4620.

Approximate Wetland Habitat Acreage 27+ (open water in three lakes, plus unquantified riparian habitat)
1

Approximate Historic Acreage Wetlands associated with the lakes appeared more extensive in a 1927 aerial photograph when compared with a 1953 photograph or 1994 conditions.
1

Ownership Owner Acres Source

City of Laguna Beach (area leased to Orange County for 55 years) Not specified 1

LAND USE
Source

Land Use Designation The City of Laguna Beach's General Plan designates the area as Open Space. It is designated Regional Open Space/Planned Community Orange in County's General Plan.
2

Onsite Use The Lakes are part of Orange County's Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Access to the lakes is restricted to docent lead tours.
1

Historic Use In the early 1900's the lakes supplied municipal water to the town of Laguna Beach and were later used for livestock watering. The Laguna Beach Hunt Club used the area for hunting and fishing in the 1940's and 1950's.
1

Lakes 2 and 3 were once one lake but are now separated by Laguna Canyon Road.

Adjacent Use A retirement community is located east of Lake 3. Lands to the north, south and west, including the lakes, are a part of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park established in 1991.
2

Adjacent Historic Use Livestock grazing. 1

HYDROLOGY
Source

Tidal Influence Non-tidal freshwater system. Lake 1 is ephemeral and Lakes 2 and 3 were once one lake, but are now separated by Laguna Canyon Road and connected by a box culvert.
1

Watershed Area 5,600 acres
1

Tributaries and Flow Tributary Flow Source

Lake 1 flows to Lake 2. Drainage from Little Sycamore Canyon enters Lake 2. Lake 3 is fed by Lake 2 and adjacent run-off. Intermittent 1

Dams None.

Other Sources The lakes are filled by seasonal rains and natural and urban runoff. Lake 1 is seasonal, Lake 2 is semi-perennial and Lake 3 contains water throughout most years.
1

WATER QUALITY

Source

General Water quality is described in a1994 report as eutrophic with seasonally high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen. The Lakes are not listed for either water quality or Beneficial Uses by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
1

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) 1991, 1992 - water quality sampling was conducted in Dec. 1991 and Feb., May and Aug. 1992 at five stations covering all three lakes, time of day not specified. DO levels at the bottom ranged from 0 to 11 mg/l and in
1

surface waters from 5 to 11 mg/l. During late summer periods of very low oxygen are reported, resulting in fish kills. Temperatures ranged from 12 to 28 degrees C.

Water Salinity Not applicable (freshwater). 1

Sediment In 1989, it was estimated that the average annual inflow to lakes 1, 2 and 3 was 83.2, 13.8 and 33.5 cubic yards per year, respectively.
1

Soil
Source

Soil The soils in the watershed have been categorized as alluvium deposits of sandy loam lacking a well developed clay horizon. Lake bottoms have a clay layer.
1

Habitat Acres Vegetation

Open water 20 (depending on season) 1992 - blue-green algae in Lakes 2 & 3. 1

Freshwater marsh Not specified. 1992 - Dominated by tule, broad-leaved cattail, and bulrush. 1

Seasonal wetlands Not specified. 1992 - Dominated by toad rush, rush, spike rush, brass buttons*, rabbit-foot grass and curly dock+. 1

Riparian scrub/shrub Not specified. 1992 - Dominated by Gooding's willow, red willow, and mulefat. 1

Upland Not specified. 1992 - grasslands and coastal sage scrub. 1

ANIMAL USE
Source

Birds 1983, 1989, 1992/93 - separate surveys identified a total of 42 species of birds at the lakes, including 5 special status species. The species list combines data from all years.
1

Fish No date specified - Exotic species found at Lake 3 included mosquitofish*, bluegill*, largemouth bass*, black bullhead*, brown bullhead* and gold fish*; no native fish have been found in the lake. Date, duration of survey and methods are not specified.
1

Benthic Invertebrates Not specified.

Insect Not specified.

Other Wildlife 1991 - Mammals: predators of small rodents included coyotes and bobcats. Reptiles and amphibians included: bullfrog*, African clawed frog*, and Pacific pond turtle+.
1

Special Status Species 1992/93 - Tricolored blackbird, California gnatcatcher, Cooper's hawk, yellow warbler and double-crested cormorant; surveys were conducted in June and July 1992 and Aug., Sept. and Nov. 1993. 1991 - Pacific pond turtle.
2

OUTLOOK
Source

Enhancement Status An enhancement and management plan was finalized in 1994 and calls for the removal of 3,000 cubic yards of sediment from Lake No. 2, creation of sediment basins at Lakes 2 and 3 to enhance water quality, and enhancement of
1

riparian habitat by removal of non-native plants and planting of native species. Implementation of the project was begun in the summer of 1996. Improvement of Laguna Canyon Highway in the area of Laguna Lakes was pending construction funding in 1996.

Watershed Management Not specified.

Pressure Long-term grazing and residential development in the watershed has resulted in increased eutrophication, destruction of natural vegetation and buffers, and decline in wildlife value within the lakes.
1

Comments Laguna Lakes are the only known natural fresh water lakes in Orange County.
1

SOURCES

1 Wetlands Research Associates, Inc., Philip Williams and Associates, Ltd., and Vail Speck Associates for Laguna Greenbelt. 1994. Laguna Lakes enhancement and management plan. 94 pp. plus appendices.

The Laguna Greenbelt initiated this study to develop a restoration and management plan for Laguna Lakes, the only known natural lakes in Orange County. It describes the opportunities and constraints at the lake and considers various enhancement options.

The Plan includes field data for vegetation and water quality. Data on wildlife is based on existing information.

2 Orange County Environment Agency in cooperation with California Department of Transportation. 1994. Draft environmental impact report No. 556 Laguna Canyon Road improvement project I-405 to El Toro Road. 200 pp., plus appendices.

This document assesses the potential environmental impacts from a roadway improvement project along Laguna Canyon Road in the vicinity of Laguna Lakes. Biological resources, water resources, land use, traffic, and geology/soils

are addressed. The information on water resources, land use and soils is based on existing data. The information on vegetation is based on original surveys and mapping from 1993.

3 Regional Water Quality Control Board. 1995. Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin. 200 pp.

The plan includes information on the quality of inland surface waters, coastal waters, reservoirs and lakes and ground water in Orange County. It identifies beneficial uses supported by these waters and provides a plan for their protection.

4 Regional Water Quality Control Board Santa Ana Region. 1995. Water quality assessment.

This information comes from the state's water quality assessment data base and includes the water quality assessment data for estuaries in Orange County. For each estuary, information is presented for water quality

(impaired or threatened), including a brief summary of the problem.

Webmaster: wetlands@resources.ca.gov

GENERAL			Source
Site	Laguna Lakes
Map	Laguna Beach, USGS 7.5' quadrangle
Location	Laguna Lakes are located inland along Laguna Canyon Road, approximately 6 miles north of Laguna Beach. The lakes are numbered 1 through 3 from upstream to downstream. Lakes 1 and 2 are on the west side of the road and Lake 3 is on the east side.
Contacts	Laguna Greenbelt, (714)497-2102.
	Orange County, Harbors, Beaches and Parks, (714)834-4620.
Approximate Wetland Habitat Acreage	27+ (open water in three lakes, plus unquantified riparian habitat)		1
Approximate Historic Acreage	Wetlands associated with the lakes appeared more extensive in a 1927 aerial photograph when compared with a 1953 photograph or 1994 conditions.		1
Ownership	Owner	Acres	Source
	City of Laguna Beach (area leased to Orange County for 55 years)	Not specified	1
LAND USE			Source
Land Use Designation	The City of Laguna Beach's General Plan designates the area as Open Space. It is designated Regional Open Space/Planned Community Orange in County's General Plan.		2
Onsite Use	The Lakes are part of Orange County's Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Access to the lakes is restricted to docent lead tours.		1
Historic Use	In the early 1900's the lakes supplied municipal water to the town of Laguna Beach and were later used for livestock watering. The Laguna Beach Hunt Club used the area for hunting and fishing in the 1940's and 1950's.		1
	Lakes 2 and 3 were once one lake but are now separated by Laguna Canyon Road.
Adjacent Use	A retirement community is located east of Lake 3. Lands to the north, south and west, including the lakes, are a part of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park established in 1991.		2
Adjacent Historic Use	Livestock grazing.		1
HYDROLOGY			Source
Tidal Influence	Non-tidal freshwater system. Lake 1 is ephemeral and Lakes 2 and 3 were once one lake, but are now separated by Laguna Canyon Road and connected by a box culvert.		1
Watershed Area	5,600 acres		1
Tributaries and Flow	Tributary	Flow	Source
	Lake 1 flows to Lake 2. Drainage from Little Sycamore Canyon enters Lake 2. Lake 3 is fed by Lake 2 and adjacent run-off.	Intermittent	1
Dams	None.
Other Sources	The lakes are filled by seasonal rains and natural and urban runoff. Lake 1 is seasonal, Lake 2 is semi-perennial and Lake 3 contains water throughout most years.		1
WATER QUALITY			Source
General	Water quality is described in a1994 report as eutrophic with seasonally high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen. The Lakes are not listed for either water quality or Beneficial Uses by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.		1
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)	1991, 1992 - water quality sampling was conducted in Dec. 1991 and Feb., May and Aug. 1992 at five stations covering all three lakes, time of day not specified. DO levels at the bottom ranged from 0 to 11 mg/l and in		1
	surface waters from 5 to 11 mg/l. During late summer periods of very low oxygen are reported, resulting in fish kills. Temperatures ranged from 12 to 28 degrees C.
Water Salinity	Not applicable (freshwater).		1
Sediment	In 1989, it was estimated that the average annual inflow to lakes 1, 2 and 3 was 83.2, 13.8 and 33.5 cubic yards per year, respectively.		1
Soil			Source
Soil	The soils in the watershed have been categorized as alluvium deposits of sandy loam lacking a well developed clay horizon. Lake bottoms have a clay layer.		1
Habitat	Acres	Vegetation
Open water	20 (depending on season)	1992 - blue-green algae in Lakes 2 & 3.	1
Freshwater marsh	Not specified.	1992 - Dominated by tule, broad-leaved cattail, and bulrush.	1
Seasonal wetlands	Not specified.	1992 - Dominated by toad rush, rush, spike rush, brass buttons*, rabbit-foot grass and curly dock+.	1
Riparian scrub/shrub	Not specified.	1992 - Dominated by Gooding's willow, red willow, and mulefat.	1
Upland	Not specified.	1992 - grasslands and coastal sage scrub.	1
ANIMAL USE			Source
Birds	1983, 1989, 1992/93 - separate surveys identified a total of 42 species of birds at the lakes, including 5 special status species. The species list combines data from all years.		1
Fish	No date specified - Exotic species found at Lake 3 included mosquitofish, bluegill, largemouth bass, black bullhead, brown bullhead* and gold fish*; no native fish have been found in the lake. Date, duration of survey and methods are not specified.		1
Benthic Invertebrates	Not specified.
Insect	Not specified.
Other Wildlife	1991 - Mammals: predators of small rodents included coyotes and bobcats. Reptiles and amphibians included: bullfrog, African clawed frog, and Pacific pond turtle+.		1
Special Status Species	1992/93 - Tricolored blackbird, California gnatcatcher, Cooper's hawk, yellow warbler and double-crested cormorant; surveys were conducted in June and July 1992 and Aug., Sept. and Nov. 1993. 1991 - Pacific pond turtle.		2
OUTLOOK			Source
Enhancement Status	An enhancement and management plan was finalized in 1994 and calls for the removal of 3,000 cubic yards of sediment from Lake No. 2, creation of sediment basins at Lakes 2 and 3 to enhance water quality, and enhancement of		1
	riparian habitat by removal of non-native plants and planting of native species. Implementation of the project was begun in the summer of 1996. Improvement of Laguna Canyon Highway in the area of Laguna Lakes was pending construction funding in 1996.
Watershed Management	Not specified.
Pressure	Long-term grazing and residential development in the watershed has resulted in increased eutrophication, destruction of natural vegetation and buffers, and decline in wildlife value within the lakes.		1
Comments	Laguna Lakes are the only known natural fresh water lakes in Orange County.		1
SOURCES
1	Wetlands Research Associates, Inc., Philip Williams and Associates, Ltd., and Vail Speck Associates for Laguna Greenbelt. 1994. Laguna Lakes enhancement and management plan. 94 pp. plus appendices.
	The Laguna Greenbelt initiated this study to develop a restoration and management plan for Laguna Lakes, the only known natural lakes in Orange County. It describes the opportunities and constraints at the lake and considers various enhancement options.
	The Plan includes field data for vegetation and water quality. Data on wildlife is based on existing information.
2	Orange County Environment Agency in cooperation with California Department of Transportation. 1994. Draft environmental impact report No. 556 Laguna Canyon Road improvement project I-405 to El Toro Road. 200 pp., plus appendices.
	This document assesses the potential environmental impacts from a roadway improvement project along Laguna Canyon Road in the vicinity of Laguna Lakes. Biological resources, water resources, land use, traffic, and geology/soils
	are addressed. The information on water resources, land use and soils is based on existing data. The information on vegetation is based on original surveys and mapping from 1993.
3	Regional Water Quality Control Board. 1995. Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin. 200 pp.
	The plan includes information on the quality of inland surface waters, coastal waters, reservoirs and lakes and ground water in Orange County. It identifies beneficial uses supported by these waters and provides a plan for their protection.
4	Regional Water Quality Control Board Santa Ana Region. 1995. Water quality assessment.
	This information comes from the state's water quality assessment data base and includes the water quality assessment data for estuaries in Orange County. For each estuary, information is presented for water quality
	(impaired or threatened), including a brief summary of the problem.