SAWA manages riparian habitat restoration projects at more than 50 locations in the Santa Ana River Watershed, including at conservation easements and development sites. SAWA has removed 6,100 acres of invasive non-native plants from the watershed while providing restoration and biological monitoring services that benefit regulatory agencies, developers, cities, counties, and other entities.

SAWA conducts environmental management projects with a veteran staff of habitat restoration specialists and biologists working collaboratively with governmental agencies, organizations and private citizens. Our partners include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the state Department of Water Resources, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

While providing restoration services, SAWA implements facets of the Santa Ana River Watershed Program, continuously restoring the natural functions and resources of the river and its tributaries.

Work accomplished on the ground is performed by SAWA staff and its partnering agencies. The SAWA Restoration Department spends thousands of hours in the field every year, monitoring and treating its large project areas and monitoring subcontractors’ work and progress. The crew also assists biologists with annual video assessments and documents the progress of removal and restoration projects.

In addition to its highly trained habitat restoration crews, SAWA has on staff at least 15 biologists, many of whom have master’s degrees in biology and who hold permits to monitor and handle various wildlife species. Additionally, SAWA hires seasonal biologist assistants to help trap Brown-headed Cowbirds in the watershed.

In recognition of SAWA’s expertise, CDFW issued a 10-year 1600 permit to perform invasive plant removal projects anywhere in the Santa Ana River Watershed. SAWA’s manager was recognized by the California Invasive Plant Council for his leadership in developing environmentally preferred means of invasive plant removal and habitat registration. He also sits on a state advisory board dealing with integrated pest management plans.

James is a qualified licensed applicator (License # 117305) with certifications in Landscape Maintenance, Right of Way, Forestry, and Aquatics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Ecology from the University of California, Irvine and has managed riparian restoration projects since 2006. James was named “Land Manager of the Year” in 2013 by the California Invasive Plant Council. He was appointed to the Council’s advisory board in XXXX to assist with Integrated Pest Management plans (IPMs).

jlaw@sawatershed.org

Max oversees several plant removal projects at SAWA, where he has worked since 2016. He monitors compliance with the Habitat Management and Monitoring Plans and SAWA staff performing the vegetation maintenance and silt removal. Martin also serves as SAWA’s safety officer on the project and is responsible for compliance with SAWA’s injury illness prevention program. Martin holds a qualified applicator license (#144101) and is certified in Aquatics and Landscape Maintenance.

email@sawatershed.org

Jennette is responsible for ensuring SAWA’s compliance with the terms of the public works contractor’s regulations and performing prevailing wage payroll and recordkeeping requirements. She maintains all safety and training records, verifying all employees are familiar with SAWA and Cal OSHA safety requirements. Jennette oversees hiring, including the Homeland Security E Verify Program and criminal and DMV auto background checks. She has been with SAWA since 2008.

jennette@sawatershed.org

The Santa Ana Watershed Association holds a variety of permits and certifications related to its Habitat Restoration Services and Wildlife Habitat Management Services, in addition to individual herbicide certifications. The following are some of SAWA’s major permits: