Rare Plant Found Near Dam Site
A rare plant has been discovered near the site where the federal government wants to build a 67-foot-tall flood-control dam in Thousand Oaks. Opponents hope the discovery will force changes to the project.
Thousand Oaks Councilwoman Linda Parks says she confirmed the existence of six Braunton’s milkvetch plants at the Lang Ranch dam site Sunday. The plant was first noted at that site last summer by a biologist working for the Ventura County Flood Control District.
Parks and environmentalists say the dam and a retention basin threaten the plants, ancient oak groves and Chumash Indian sites. They say a more thorough environmental review of the project should lead to the dam being scaled back and relocated.
The dam remains in limbo because key permits and signed agreements have not yet been issued by the Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Fish and Game.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
