About the Program
In 2004 the Bradbury Dam radial gates that hold back Lake Cachuma water were raised by four feet to provide additional water for the downstream fisheries. When there is enough rainfall and runoff to fill and spill Lake Cachuma, the extra stored water is used to provide additional river flows that help steelhead migrate to and from the ocean. Surcharging Lake Cachuma helps balance benefits for people and the environment.
However, the periodic rise in lake levels caused by surcharging will affect oak woodlands that occur along the margins of Lake Cachuma. An Oak Tree Restoration Program was developed to mitigate for projected oak tree losses, which will be incremental and occur over a long period of time. Hundreds of oak trees and other native plants have already been planted. More will be planted in coming years, and the trees will be monitored to ensure that ultimately there are two new trees to replace each tree that was lost due to the higher lake water levels.