Date: 10/20/26 1:36 pm From: Kiandra Mitchell via groups.io <Kiandrasm...> Subject: Re: [OrangeCountyBirding] Irvine lake to be drained for dam maintenance - starting October 26
For those interested in learning more about the project and its impacts on the wildlife, there is a public meeting this Friday in Cypress at 9:30am<https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/santaana/public_notices/docs/2026/r8-2026-0042_public_notice.pdf>. Please see the public hearing notice<https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/santaana/public_notices/docs/2026/r8-2026-0042_public_notice.pdf> and methods of participation linked. The planned draining, if this is approved on Friday, is scheduled to start Monday, with public access closed for the multi-year duration of the project. I've read pieces of the Environmental Impact Report, specifically as it relates to nesting Bald Eagles, California Gnatcatchers, and Bell's Vireos. On September 18, 2026, I saw the pair of eagles already working on the nest. In 2026, they were already incubating on January 18th. For this project, the first biologist visit to the nest is not scheduled until early March, per the EIR. This will likely be a rather contentious hearing Friday, as there are rumors that poison will be used to kill off the fish. I don't have more information, but the fishing community will have strong representation. This public meeting has not been very "public"; I just found out Sunday despite asking for more information for months, and the meeting is not listed anywhere on the official project page<https://www.irwd.com/what-we-do/construction-projects/santiago-creek-dam-improvement-project/> for the Irvine Ranch Water District.
Kiandra Mitchell
Buena Park
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From: <OrangeCountyBirding...> <OrangeCountyBirding...> on behalf of Jeff Bray via groups.io <jbray3928...>
Sent: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 10:03 AM
To: <OrangeCountyBirding...> <OrangeCountyBirding...>
Subject: [OrangeCountyBirding] Irvine lake to be drained for dam maintenance - starting October 26
Hello fellow birders, came across this post on social media and thought it might be of interest to some of you.
TLDR, Irvine Lake will be completely drained to do maintenance on the dam. Work slated to be completed by 2030.
