Conservation Security Program (CSP) California Watershed

Description of the Salinas Watershed

Total estimated area in the Salinas River watershed is 2,121,800 acres.

This watershed is located in Monterey, San Luis Obispo and San Benito counties of California’s Central Coast.

The primary land uses in this watershed are grassland, irrigated cropland, forestland, vineyard/orchards and urban development along the Highway 101 corridor.

The topography consists of gently sloping, highly fertile valleys, bordered by sloping terraces, alluvial fans and steep uplands.

The soils are generally very deep and loamy or clayey. Soils range from somewhat excessively drained to somewhat poorly drained.

Rangeland accounts for approximately 855,700 acres; much of it is oak woodland and/or annual grassland. Pastureland acres are approximately 2,300. Orchard/vineyards cover approximately 23,000 acres. Total acreage of cropland, pasture, orchard, and vineyard that is irrigated is approximately 126,700. Resource concerns in the watershed include over-pumping of groundwater, urban development and runoff, seawater intrusion, nitrates and minerals in groundwater.