Our priority is the safety of our customers, team members and the communities we serve. Our commitment to safety and the environment is at the core of the Stream Restoration Project. We are committed to completing all remediation work and restoring impacted areas of Mission Canyon to pre-2019 habitat and stream conditions.  

Upon its completion, the Stream Restoration Project will result in:

• Removal of rocks and debris
• Restoration of stream hydrology, habitats and ecosystems
• Stabilization of creek banks and slopes
• Remediation of impacted trees and woodland areas
• Rehabilitation of sensitive species populations

The Stream Restoration Project received regulatory authorizations and permits in summer 2024 and construction work is complete as of October 7, 2025.  

Construction activities required the closure of lower Tunnel Trail in 2024 and 2025. We thank trail users and the broader community for their patience and understanding during these phases. Ongoing restoration activities will not require further trail closures.

Completed to date:

• Emergency site stabilization, including erosion control and clearing rocks and debris to allow safe passage on the road and trail.
• Road repairs, including repairing the road surface, berms and drains, removing loose rock and remediating 96 native trees.
• Removal of rocks and debris from roadside, canyon walls, stream bed and banks.
• Stabilization of disturbed areas to prevent erosion.
• Reconstruction and revegetation of stream habitats.
• Monitoring of restoration efforts.

Ongoing Restoration Activities:

• Installation of plants, irrigation systems and hydroseeding.
• Monitoring and maintenance of revegetation.

During the Stream Restoration Project, please note the following safety guidelines:

• Adhere to all instructions from safety personnel near the construction site.
• Pay attention to posted signage.
• All warning signs and channelizers have reflective properties to warn motorists and pedestrians.
• Construction will not impede safe access to nearby streets and driveways.
• Pedestrian access to nearby residential properties will not be affected due to construction.

Santa Barbara County is home to a wide range of public trails and open recreational amenities. Public information about recreational trails and opportunities may be found here:

• North County Recreational Resources
• South County Recreational Resources
• City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department
• Santa Barbara County Community Services Department Parks Division
• Los Padres National Forest Alerts and Notices
• Los Padres ForestWatch’s Open Trails
• SB County Hikers Meetup 

We remain committed to working with the Santa Barbara community, as well as our county and agency partners. Questions about the Stream Restoration Project may be directed to our Mission Canyon SCE information line at 805-654-7223.