SMC initiates planning for fourth cycle of regional stream monitoring program

The Southern California Stormwater Monitoring Coalition (SMC) has begun planning for the fourth cycle of its Regional Watershed Monitoring Program – a five-year survey that is expected to continue tracking regional stream health while adapting the program to investigate emerging stormwater management issues.

The design of the program’s next five-year cycle, which SCCWRP began facilitating internal planning conversations for in July, will be shaped by the needs of the SMC’s 18 member agencies. Among the investigations being considered are collecting data on baseline conditions for contaminants that commonly pollute watersheds after urban wildfires, as well as evaluating the potential benefits of physical habitat restoration in streams.

A workplan for the 2027-2032 monitoring cycle is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, with sampling expected to kick off in spring 2027.