Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) Riparian Vegetation Planting Reimbursement Program
THE ESHA RIPARIAN VEGETATION PLANTING REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM WILL CLOSE ON JULY 1, 2024.
Location
Parcels in or immediately adjacent to Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA) along Noble Gulch or Soquel Creek.
Description
The City of Capitola is offering a reimbursement of up to $300 per eligible parcel to plant and maintain native riparian vegetation on areas immediately adjacent to Noble Gulch and Soquel Creek.
Riparian areas are the vegetated areas found between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. By planting native trees and shrubs in the riparian zone on your property, you are helping provide a variety of benefits to water quality, terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, and humans.
Riparian zones provide many benefits including:
- Stabilize streambanks with plant roots
- Provide corridors for migrating wildlife
- Help maintain water tables
- Play a role in terrestrial and aquatic food webs
- Provide shade to maintain water temperatures for aquatic organisms
- Improve water quality by trapping sediment which can be harmful to aquatic animals
- Slow flood waters, thereby protecting waterfront properties
Eligibility Criteria:
- Project must be located on parcels in or immediately adjacent to ESHA along Noble Gulch and Soquel Creek
- Applicant owns the land or has authorization to implement the project
- Project plants must be listed in Appendix A of the attached application
Please view the attached document to read the project requirements, terms and conditions, planting recommendations and approved riparian native plant list, and to complete the application form.
Questions regarding the ESHA program can be directed towards City of Capitola Public Works Department 831-475-7300.
