The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is planning a “collaborative initiative” to restore and maintain Freedom Lake in Watsonville that will remove invasive and overgrown non-native vegetation that has limited access to the lake’s shore.
According to a release from the county, Freedom Lake “has faced challenges from non-native plant species that disrupt native habitats and diminish water quality.”
Dedicated teams from Watsonville Wetlands Watch and the California Conservation Corps will work side by side this fall to identify and remove these invasive species, “promoting a healthier and more sustainable environment around the lake prior to working on the longer-term objective of lake water restoration.”
“This work begins the process on reopening a treasured community asset for South County. Freedom Lake is one of the most bucolic settings in our area and restoration is an important for gift for our community,” said Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend.
“With support from Supervisor Friend and his staff, and our partnership with Watsonville Wetlands Watch, the renewal of Freedom Lake is becoming a reality,” said Rebecca Hurley, deputy director of Santa Cruz County Parks. “Through this collaborative effort, we are not only improving the lake’s habitat but also providing the community with a great example of impactful restoration work.”
The county is planning to commission habitat and biotic studies next year to assess the lake’s biodiversity and guide future work.
“By understanding the existing ecological conditions, the team will be better equipped to implement restoration techniques that support the growth of native species and enhance the overall health of the lake water,” the county said in a release.
More information about the restoration of Freedom Lake and how to participate is available at the Santa Cruz County Parks website at scparks.com.
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