Sepulveda Basin Restoration Feasibility Study

The River Project and its partners explored the technical feasibility of restoring ecosystem function to the Los Angeles River and five tributaries in the Sepulveda Basin —a 2,000-acre federally owned flood management facility in the heart of urban Los Angeles .

River restoration at the Sepulveda Basin creates a unique opportunity to radically re-envision parkland and water resource management to address biodiversity, water supply, flood safety, climate resiliency, and community needs through Nature-Based solutions.

As detailed in the study, leading with geomorphic processes yields:

• ~8 miles of restored river and tributaries

• ~5 times increase in groundwater recharge during frequent storms

• ~20% increase in flood storage capacity

• ~22 minutes of additional flood attenuation time in the 100-yr event

• 669 acres aquatic & riparian habitat; 391 acres upland habitat

• Improved water quality via floodplain reclamation

• Expanded accessibility through a network of ADA compliant trails and paths

• Significant increase in recreational facilities

• Opportunities to include cultural facilities

• A park unified around the river corridor as the heart of the Sepulveda Basin