McGrath Lake

GENERAL

Source

Site McGrath Lake

Map Oxnard USGS 7.5' quadrangle

Location In McGrath State Beach, Ventura County, between the cities of Ventura and Oxnard.

Contacts Department of Parks and Recreation, 805-899-1400.

Approximate Wetland Acreage >10
1

Approximate Historic Acreage The lake was part of the historic Santa Clara River Estuary and Delta system, approximately 870 acres.
1

Ownership Owner Acres Source

California Department of Parks and Recreation (Within 295 acre McGrath State Beach) >10 1

LAND USE

Source

Land Use Designation The lake is within McGrath State Beach; it is designated conservation and resource protection in the City of Oxnard 2020 General Plan.
2, 7, 1

Onsite Use State Park's management of the lake area allows low intensity uses such as hiking and nature observation.
2, 8

Historic Use Little information on historic use of the lake has been assembled, however Park staff report that prior to establishment of the State Beach in 1962, powerboat races were held on the lake.
2, 8

Adjacent Use Beyond Park boundaries but near the lake, are oil-related facilities to the north and a power plant to the south. To the east is park land, a go-cart track, and on the other side of Harbor Blvd. are agricultural fields. Immediately adjacent to the west is the public beach and ocean.
2, 9

Historic Adjacent Use Probably part of the Rancho Rio de Santa Clara, which was used for raising cattle and later sheep in the mid-1800's. Crop and oil production on land surrounding the Santa Clara River followed during the late 1800's and early 1900's.
10

HYDROLOGY

Source

Tidal Influence There is no ocean outlet, although waves occasionally overwash the beach berm. An easement allows the previous, and adjacent, landowner to control the water level of the lake to prevent flooding.
2, 8

Watershed Area Not available

Tributaries and Flow Tributary Flow Source

Not applicable Not applicable

Dams Not applicable

Other Sources Groundwater, irrigation runoff.
1, 2, 8

WATER QUALITY

Source

General Included in 1996 list of impaired water bodies; selected criteria exceeded for sediment contaminants. Designated Beneficial Uses: Rec1, Rec2, Comm, Est, Wild, Rare, Wet. Amphipod survival poor in sediment toxicity tests and bivalve survival poor in porewater and fair in subsurface water tests.
5, 6, 13

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Not available

Water Salinity No quantitative data located. State Park staff indicate that the lake is primarily fresh, however occasional wave overwashing and seepage of ocean water through the sand berm can raise salinity levels.
8

Sediment Highly contaminated with pesticides, DDT, chlordane, and other chemicals.
15

Soil

Source

Soil Mapped in the Park General Plan as coastal beach.
2

Habitat Acres Vegetation

Open water 10.3 Not available

Brackish marsh Not available 1979 - Pickleweed, jaumea, and tules dominant. 1994 plant list for the lake features the above-mentioned species and 95 others, including yerba mansa, salt marsh baccharis, southwestern spiny rush, salt grass, Ca bulrush, curly dock* and castor bean*. 3, 2

Riparian shrub Not available 1994 - plant list totalling 98 species for the lake shore includes arroyo willow, narrow-leaved willow, mulefat, tree tobacco*, giant reed* and tamarisk*. 3

Upland Not available Dunes, sand flat, coastal sage scrub, cultivated fields, and grassland surround the lake. 2

ANIMAL USE

Source

Birds 1994 - 2-day fall survey; 20 species sighted, 4 water-associated and 1 special status terrestrial species. A Ca least tern# nesting site on the adjacent beach, which has had variable success, was used in 1996.
3, 4, 11, 12,

Fish 1994 - Mosquitofish* observed during fall survey of the lake. No information on methods.
3

Benthic Invertebrates Not available

Insect 1994 - 14 taxa observed during 2-day fall survey of the lake.
3

Other Wildlife 1994 - 2-day fall survey of the lake; 7 species of mammals (or evidence of them) were observed, including San Diego black-tailed hare+, coyote, fox and raccoon. 2 lizard and 1 frog species were also observed.
3

Special Status Species 1994 - loggerhead shrike, San Diego black-tailed hare; 1996 - Ca least tern#
3, 4, 11, 12,

OUTLOOK

Source

Enhancement Status A settlement reached in early 1997 resulting from an oil spill in late 1993 will enable restoration work at the lake. No other enhancement has been carried out.
8

Watershed Management Included in the Regional Board's "miscellaneous Ventura Coastal Waterbodies" Watershed Management Area which, along with the Santa Clara River Watershed will get focused attention in FY 2000-2001 watershed cycle.
13

Pressure Habitat values are reduced by the proximity to oil facilities and the electrical generating station, the potential for disturbance of Ca least tern nesting sites by humans and dogs, and the establishment of non-native vegetation.
8, 4, 3

SOURCES

1 Saint, P. K., T. L. Hanes, and W. J. Lloyd. 1993. Waterbodies, wetlands and their Beneficial Uses in the Los Angeles Region (4). Volume 2: wetlands and their Beneficial Uses. 220 pp. Provides brief narrative descriptions of 78 wetland areas associated with estuaries, lakes and riparian corridors in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Coastal wetlands described are: Ventura River Estuary, Santa Clara River Estuary, McGrath Lake, Ormond Beach, Mugu Lagoon, Dume Creek Lagoon, Malibu Lagoon, Topanga Lagoon, Ballona and Del Ray Lagoons, Ballona Wetlands, and Los Cerritos Wetlands. Each summary describes basic hydrological conditions, identifies vegetative communities, and includes a map and color photograph; many also include information on historical conditions, bird and fish use and evaluations of ecological disturbance. Sites were also ranked based on seven wetland functions. The study was conducted to provide the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board with a basis for determining which waterbodies should have Wetland as a Beneficial Use.

2 California Department of Parks and Recreation. 1979. Preliminary general plan: McGrath State Beach. 42 pp. and appendix. This document outlines the scenic, natural and recreational resources of McGrath State Beach and provides recommendations for recreational facilities given opportunities and constraints posed by both physical factors and user needs. The description of resources contains general unreferenced information on geology, soils, hydrology, plant species and animal use. The appendix includes maps of soils, vegetation, and the area proposed for inclusion in the Natural Preserve.

3 Bowland and Associates. 1994. List of flora and fauna observed during September 18 &19, 1994 site visits. Eight page excerpt of letter submitted to the State Department of Parks and Recreation and the California Department of Fish and Game. Survey conducted for the State Department of Parks and Recreation and the California Department of Fish and Game to document resources after a ruptured pipe sent nearly 80,000 gallons of oil into an agricultural ditch that drains into the lake. Vegetation, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and insects were surveyed.

4 Ventura Audubon Society. 1995. Final report, California least tern breeding survey 1995. 9 pp. Brief report on the results of monitoring California Least tern breeding May 1 - September 1 at McGrath State Beach. Number of nests, eggs per nest, dates of first egg, chick, and fledgling are documented. Breeding failures and disturbances that occurred during the season are also described.

5 California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region. 1994. Water quality control plan Los Angeles Region (4). 187 pp., plus appendices. The Los Angeles Regional Board's Basin Plan is designed to preserve and enhance the water quality and protect the beneficial uses of all regional waters. The plan designates beneficial uses and associated water quality objectives for inland surface waters, ground waters, coastal waters, and wetlands for the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. It includes a discussion of applicable policies and statutory requirements and identifies measures for achieving water quality objectives. It also describes ongoing monitoring and assessment programs.

6 Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. 1996. Water quality assessment and documentation. 106 pp. A list of waterbodies in the Los Angeles and Ventura County coastal watersheds that do not or are not expected to attain water quality standards after application of required technology-based controls. It includes a description of the methods and criteria used in the assessment. 303(d) lists are prepared as part of the Water Quality Assessment of the State's major waterbodies, and meet a requirement of Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.

7 City of Oxnard. 1990. 2020 General Plan. Approx. 300 pp. The comprehensive long-term general plan for physical development of the area within the City's jurisdiction, or areas outside the City's jurisdiction which have bearing on its land use planning activities. It describes the current setting and presents findings, policies, and implementation strategies for growth management, land use, circulation, public facilities, open space /conservation, safety and noise issues. Biological information is based on existing information and provides few references.

8 Gardener-Johnson, V.; State Department of Parks and Recreation. January 27, 1997. Personal communication.

9 Department of Water Resources. 1993. Aerial Photograph. Section 2, Flight Line 66-8. 1:12,000 scale aerial photograph of the coast showing McGrath Lake and the mouth of the Santa Clara River, taken April 14, 1993.

10 Schwartzberg, B. J. and P. A. Moore. 1995. A history of the Santa Clara River, Santa Clara River enhancement and management plan. 78 pp. A natural and human history of the Santa Clara River and environs during 1782 - 1990. The period is divided into three eras, with the physical setting, significant natural events, and changes in perspectives, governance, and land uses discussed for each. The study was prepared to help inform contemporary plans for management and enhancement of the River and floodplain.

11 Ventura Audubon Society. 1992. Final report, California least tern breeding survey 1992. 6 pp. Brief report on the results of monitoring California Least tern breeding April 20 - August 23 at McGrath State Beach. Number of nests, eggs per nest, dates of first egg, chick, and fledgling are documented. Breeding failures and disturbances that occurred during the season are also described.

12 Ventura Audubon Society. 1996. Final report, California least tern breeding survey 1996. 6 pp. This is a brief monitoring report prepared in the form of responses to a questionnaire. Dates are provided for the progression through critical breeding stages, and numbers of nests, eggs, and fledglings are noted. The condition of nesting sites with respect to the degree of protection, preparation, and potential predators in the area is described. Disturbances to the nests and evidence of mortality are also identified.

13 Biroski, S., California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Los Angeles. March 11, 1997. Personal communication.

Webmaster: wetlands@resources.ca.gov

GENERAL			Source
Site	McGrath Lake
Map	Oxnard USGS 7.5' quadrangle
Location	In McGrath State Beach, Ventura County, between the cities of Ventura and Oxnard.
Contacts	Department of Parks and Recreation, 805-899-1400.
Approximate Wetland Acreage	>10		1
Approximate Historic Acreage	The lake was part of the historic Santa Clara River Estuary and Delta system, approximately 870 acres.		1
Ownership	Owner	Acres	Source
	California Department of Parks and Recreation (Within 295 acre McGrath State Beach)	>10	1


LAND USE			Source
Land Use Designation	The lake is within McGrath State Beach; it is designated conservation and resource protection in the City of Oxnard 2020 General Plan.		2, 7, 1
Onsite Use	State Park's management of the lake area allows low intensity uses such as hiking and nature observation.		2, 8
Historic Use	Little information on historic use of the lake has been assembled, however Park staff report that prior to establishment of the State Beach in 1962, powerboat races were held on the lake.		2, 8
Adjacent Use	Beyond Park boundaries but near the lake, are oil-related facilities to the north and a power plant to the south. To the east is park land, a go-cart track, and on the other side of Harbor Blvd. are agricultural fields. Immediately adjacent to the west is the public beach and ocean.		2, 9
Historic Adjacent Use	Probably part of the Rancho Rio de Santa Clara, which was used for raising cattle and later sheep in the mid-1800's. Crop and oil production on land surrounding the Santa Clara River followed during the late 1800's and early 1900's.		10


HYDROLOGY			Source
Tidal Influence	There is no ocean outlet, although waves occasionally overwash the beach berm. An easement allows the previous, and adjacent, landowner to control the water level of the lake to prevent flooding.		2, 8
Watershed Area	Not available
Tributaries and Flow	Tributary	Flow	Source
	Not applicable	Not applicable
Dams	Not applicable
Other Sources	Groundwater, irrigation runoff.		1, 2, 8


WATER QUALITY			Source
General	Included in 1996 list of impaired water bodies; selected criteria exceeded for sediment contaminants. Designated Beneficial Uses: Rec1, Rec2, Comm, Est, Wild, Rare, Wet. Amphipod survival poor in sediment toxicity tests and bivalve survival poor in porewater and fair in subsurface water tests.		5, 6, 13
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)	Not available
Water Salinity	No quantitative data located. State Park staff indicate that the lake is primarily fresh, however occasional wave overwashing and seepage of ocean water through the sand berm can raise salinity levels.		8
Sediment	Highly contaminated with pesticides, DDT, chlordane, and other chemicals.		15
Soil			Source
Soil	Mapped in the Park General Plan as coastal beach.		2
Habitat	Acres	Vegetation
Open water	10.3	Not available
Brackish marsh	Not available	1979 - Pickleweed, jaumea, and tules dominant. 1994 plant list for the lake features the above-mentioned species and 95 others, including yerba mansa, salt marsh baccharis, southwestern spiny rush, salt grass, Ca bulrush, curly dock* and castor bean*.	3, 2
Riparian shrub	Not available	1994 - plant list totalling 98 species for the lake shore includes arroyo willow, narrow-leaved willow, mulefat, tree tobacco, giant reed and tamarisk*.	3
Upland	Not available	Dunes, sand flat, coastal sage scrub, cultivated fields, and grassland surround the lake.	2


ANIMAL USE			Source
Birds	1994 - 2-day fall survey; 20 species sighted, 4 water-associated and 1 special status terrestrial species. A Ca least tern# nesting site on the adjacent beach, which has had variable success, was used in 1996.		3, 4, 11, 12,
Fish	1994 - Mosquitofish* observed during fall survey of the lake. No information on methods.		3
Benthic Invertebrates	Not available
Insect	1994 - 14 taxa observed during 2-day fall survey of the lake.		3
Other Wildlife	1994 - 2-day fall survey of the lake; 7 species of mammals (or evidence of them) were observed, including San Diego black-tailed hare+, coyote, fox and raccoon. 2 lizard and 1 frog species were also observed.		3
Special Status Species	1994 - loggerhead shrike, San Diego black-tailed hare; 1996 - Ca least tern#		3, 4, 11, 12,
OUTLOOK			Source
Enhancement Status	A settlement reached in early 1997 resulting from an oil spill in late 1993 will enable restoration work at the lake. No other enhancement has been carried out.		8
Watershed Management	Included in the Regional Board's "miscellaneous Ventura Coastal Waterbodies" Watershed Management Area which, along with the Santa Clara River Watershed will get focused attention in FY 2000-2001 watershed cycle.		13
Pressure	Habitat values are reduced by the proximity to oil facilities and the electrical generating station, the potential for disturbance of Ca least tern nesting sites by humans and dogs, and the establishment of non-native vegetation.		8, 4, 3


SOURCES
1	Saint, P. K., T. L. Hanes, and W. J. Lloyd. 1993. Waterbodies, wetlands and their Beneficial Uses in the Los Angeles Region (4). Volume 2: wetlands and their Beneficial Uses. 220 pp. Provides brief narrative descriptions of 78 wetland areas associated with estuaries, lakes and riparian corridors in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Coastal wetlands described are: Ventura River Estuary, Santa Clara River Estuary, McGrath Lake, Ormond Beach, Mugu Lagoon, Dume Creek Lagoon, Malibu Lagoon, Topanga Lagoon, Ballona and Del Ray Lagoons, Ballona Wetlands, and Los Cerritos Wetlands. Each summary describes basic hydrological conditions, identifies vegetative communities, and includes a map and color photograph; many also include information on historical conditions, bird and fish use and evaluations of ecological disturbance. Sites were also ranked based on seven wetland functions. The study was conducted to provide the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board with a basis for determining which waterbodies should have Wetland as a Beneficial Use.
2	California Department of Parks and Recreation. 1979. Preliminary general plan: McGrath State Beach. 42 pp. and appendix. This document outlines the scenic, natural and recreational resources of McGrath State Beach and provides recommendations for recreational facilities given opportunities and constraints posed by both physical factors and user needs. The description of resources contains general unreferenced information on geology, soils, hydrology, plant species and animal use. The appendix includes maps of soils, vegetation, and the area proposed for inclusion in the Natural Preserve.
3	Bowland and Associates. 1994. List of flora and fauna observed during September 18 &19, 1994 site visits. Eight page excerpt of letter submitted to the State Department of Parks and Recreation and the California Department of Fish and Game. Survey conducted for the State Department of Parks and Recreation and the California Department of Fish and Game to document resources after a ruptured pipe sent nearly 80,000 gallons of oil into an agricultural ditch that drains into the lake. Vegetation, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and insects were surveyed.
4	Ventura Audubon Society. 1995. Final report, California least tern breeding survey 1995. 9 pp. Brief report on the results of monitoring California Least tern breeding May 1 - September 1 at McGrath State Beach. Number of nests, eggs per nest, dates of first egg, chick, and fledgling are documented. Breeding failures and disturbances that occurred during the season are also described.
5	California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region. 1994. Water quality control plan Los Angeles Region (4). 187 pp., plus appendices. The Los Angeles Regional Board's Basin Plan is designed to preserve and enhance the water quality and protect the beneficial uses of all regional waters. The plan designates beneficial uses and associated water quality objectives for inland surface waters, ground waters, coastal waters, and wetlands for the Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. It includes a discussion of applicable policies and statutory requirements and identifies measures for achieving water quality objectives. It also describes ongoing monitoring and assessment programs.
6	Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board. 1996. Water quality assessment and documentation. 106 pp. A list of waterbodies in the Los Angeles and Ventura County coastal watersheds that do not or are not expected to attain water quality standards after application of required technology-based controls. It includes a description of the methods and criteria used in the assessment. 303(d) lists are prepared as part of the Water Quality Assessment of the State's major waterbodies, and meet a requirement of Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.
7	City of Oxnard. 1990. 2020 General Plan. Approx. 300 pp. The comprehensive long-term general plan for physical development of the area within the City's jurisdiction, or areas outside the City's jurisdiction which have bearing on its land use planning activities. It describes the current setting and presents findings, policies, and implementation strategies for growth management, land use, circulation, public facilities, open space /conservation, safety and noise issues. Biological information is based on existing information and provides few references.
8	Gardener-Johnson, V.; State Department of Parks and Recreation. January 27, 1997. Personal communication.
9	Department of Water Resources. 1993. Aerial Photograph. Section 2, Flight Line 66-8. 1:12,000 scale aerial photograph of the coast showing McGrath Lake and the mouth of the Santa Clara River, taken April 14, 1993.
10	Schwartzberg, B. J. and P. A. Moore. 1995. A history of the Santa Clara River, Santa Clara River enhancement and management plan. 78 pp. A natural and human history of the Santa Clara River and environs during 1782 - 1990. The period is divided into three eras, with the physical setting, significant natural events, and changes in perspectives, governance, and land uses discussed for each. The study was prepared to help inform contemporary plans for management and enhancement of the River and floodplain.
11	Ventura Audubon Society. 1992. Final report, California least tern breeding survey 1992. 6 pp. Brief report on the results of monitoring California Least tern breeding April 20 - August 23 at McGrath State Beach. Number of nests, eggs per nest, dates of first egg, chick, and fledgling are documented. Breeding failures and disturbances that occurred during the season are also described.
12	Ventura Audubon Society. 1996. Final report, California least tern breeding survey 1996. 6 pp. This is a brief monitoring report prepared in the form of responses to a questionnaire. Dates are provided for the progression through critical breeding stages, and numbers of nests, eggs, and fledglings are noted. The condition of nesting sites with respect to the degree of protection, preparation, and potential predators in the area is described. Disturbances to the nests and evidence of mortality are also identified.
13	Biroski, S., California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Los Angeles. March 11, 1997. Personal communication.