Watershed Appreciation – Get to Know the Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed

No matter where you live in Orange County, you live in a watershed. Whether you’re exploring the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area, playing sports at Marina Hills Park, or hiking the Salt Creek Trail, you’re using the Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed’s resources.

Since the water that flows through the storm drain system goes untreated into our waterways, actions we take can impact surrounding creeks, rivers, and the ocean. For example, water from rain or outdoor water use that runs off your property can accumulate pollutants as it flows into storm drains and harm marine life and degrade water quality. It’s up to all of us to keep pollutants out of our waterways by protecting our watersheds.

The Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed is the third in a series of blogs that will showcase the wonders of each of the 11 watersheds in Orange County. If you’re new to the concept of watershed appreciation, our What is A Watershed? page is a great place to get started! To find out which watershed you live in, visit our interactive map.

From unique features and recreational opportunities to pollution prevention and stormwater resources, it’s time to take a deep dive and get to know the Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed!

WONDERS OF THE DANA POINT COASTAL STREAMS WATERSHED

Unique Features

The Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed covers over ten square miles and encompasses parts of the cities of Dana Point,  Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel. Among its treasures are Baby Beach, a paddle boarder’s and boater’s paradise, and the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area, home to the endangered Pacific pocket mouse and coastal California gnatcatcher. Protecting endangered species, our prized public spaces, and beautiful waterways remain top priorities within Orange County.

Wildlife & Plants

The Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed hosts numerous terrestrial and marine species. Over 150 plant and animal species call the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area home, like the coastal bluff scrub, bush sunflower, bobcat, and western fence lizard. Rare species like the federally protected coastal California gnatcatcher and Pacific pocket mouse, along with the seaside calandrinia and prostrate spineflower, also live in the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area’s 60 acres. Gray, humpback, and blue whales, among other marine species, migrate to the Dana Point Harbor each year to enjoy its warm waters. By preventing runoff into the storm drain system, you can protect the habitat of the Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed’s numerous animal and plant species.

Recreation

Hiking, surfing, boating, golfing, whale watching, sunbathing, paddle boarding, volleyball, and camping are all staples of the Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed. Below are just a few of the many recreational areas you can enjoy:

• Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area– With over 60 acres split between four parks (Harbor Point Conservation Park, Dana Point Preserve, Hilltop Conservation Park, and South Strands Conservation Park), the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area provides ample hiking and flora and fauna exploration opportunities. A three-mile-long public trail system connects all the public open space areas of the Headlands, which includes walkable trails, beach access, breathtaking overlooks, and the Nature Interpretive Center.  Enjoy stunning scenic views of Dana Point, and unique flora and fauna on your hiking adventures!

• World Cetacean Association Whale Heritage Site – Recently recognized as the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas, Dana Point is a place that provides unforgettable ocean experiences seeing these majestic animals. There are also ample opportunities to catch some sun rays at Baby Beach, explore the harbor shops, and go boating or paddle boarding.
• Thousand Steps Beach – If you’re ready to break a sweat, getting to this popular spot in South Laguna Beach can replace your stair-climber workout at the gym. Once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with the ocean breeze, tide pools, and caves to explore during low tide, all while being surrounded by charming bluffs in the background. Thousand Steps Beach is also part of the Laguna Beach Marine Protected Area. Enjoy observing all the amazing marine life. But remember, don’t touch! Also, don’t forget your volleyball!
• Salt Creek Trail – This 8-mile trail flows begins in Laguna Niguel and traverses along Salt Creek through San Juan Canyon, Salt Corridor Regional Park, and Monarch Beach Golf Links to the ocean at Salt Creek Beach. Take advantage of this scenic trail on your bike or feet!
• Marina Hills Park – With grass soccer and baseball fields, basketball courts, bocce ball courts, swings, a playground, and picnic tables, the entire family can enjoy this 7.5-acre park in Laguna Niguel!

Water Quality

Water Quality is monitored in the Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed to be in compliance with a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (or MS4) Permit issued by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. The watershed cities and County are committed to achieving several water quality objectives in their Water Quality Improvement Plan, and monitoring data informed priorities for the Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed (click here to learn more). For example, indicator bacteria, a water quality metric for potential presence of human and animal waste, has been identified as a priority pollutant in the Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed.

Over the past decade, significant reductions in the levels of indicator bacteria have occurred as a result of actions taken by local municipalities and the public. Most notably, water quality at Baby Beach has significantly improved through implementation of many best management practices (BMPs) including irrigation system upgrades for efficient water application and reduction of runoff, using special equipment to collect and clean washwater for proper disposal, sweeping bird waste away from the beach, covering trash cans, diverting dry weather urban runoff to the sanitary sewer, prohibiting dogs on the beach, and providing pet waste pick-up bags in designated areas.

To learn more about water quality monitoring in South Orange County, read our story map here or annual report here.

Protecting the Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed

Here are more things you can do to help the Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed thrive:

Reduce Runoff & Help Reduce Potential Sources of Bacteria

• Reduce runoff by regularly checking for leaks and aligning sprinkler heads.
• Wash your car at a commercial car wash instead of in your driveway.
• Promptly pick up pet waste from your yard and ensure all of it is picked up before a predicted rain event or your sprinklers turn on.
• On walks with your pet, always pick up waste with bags and dispose of it in a covered bin.
• Properly maintain your home’s sewer connection (also called a lateral) to prevent clogs and backup overflows. Fats, oils, and grease should be put in the appropriate bin and only flush toilet paper down the toilet.
• Report sewage spills immediately to your sewer agency. Alternatively, you can contact the 24-Hour Pollution Prevention & Reporting Hotline by calling (877) 89-SPILL (77455) or visiting myOCeServices.ocgov.com. A quick way to find the reporting options is to click the “Report Pollution button” at the top and bottom of every page on h2oc.org.

Properly Dispose of Toxic Materials (like Household Hazardous Waste)

• Motor oil, batteries, and paint should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center (HHWCC) for proper disposal. For a complete list of items that must be disposed of at a HHWCC, click here.
• To find a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center near you, click here.

Minimize the Use of Pesticides

• Avoid using pesticides if possible.
• Do not apply pesticides within 48 hours of predicted rain.
• If you must apply pesticides, only do so during dry conditions with little wind, use the least amount of product possible, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use non-pesticide techniques to combat pests whenever possible, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM includes the use of beneficial insects, trapping (such as bait stations), weeding, and other techniques to control pests.

More Ways to Appreciate Orange County’s Watersheds

There are many ways to get involved in your local community and appreciate your local watershed:

• Explore your watershed and report water pollution. Explore Orange County’s creeks, trails, and coastline and make observations about water quality conditions. If you see anything abnormal (such as high numbers of dead fish or fowl, oil spills, leaking barrels, or other signs of pollution), visit our Report Pollution page to report the problem.
• Connect with area watershed organizations through local events. Join H₂OC, other organizations, and your neighbors who are working to protect and restore our creeks, rivers, bays, and ocean. Find events in your area.
• Spread the word. To protect our waterways, share your knowledge about preventing water pollution and encourage others to do the same. You can even involve your kids in learning about watersheds and pollution prevention through our kids’ Watershed Activity Workbook. 
• Learn more. For more information on watersheds, view our What is a Watershed? page and our Tips for Protecting Your Watershed brochure.

To learn more about the Dana Point Coastal Streams Watershed, click here.