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September 2015
September - Draft Report presented to Design Oversight Group -
2014
February – Board of Supervisors approves contract -
2013
December – Final Statement of Work negotiated
June – Consultant team selected -
2012
December – TAC Scope of Work finalized -
2011
October – Technical Advisory Committee formed
August – Fine Sediment Study completed -
2010
September – Fine Sediment Study Group convened
January – USA presentation to DOG -
2008
September – MODA vs BRDA analysis -
2007
WRDA 2007 – congressional authorization
Fine Sediment controversy emerges -
2004
US Army Corps of Engineers Completed Feasibility Study -
2000
BuRec Appraisal Study completed
Bruce Babbitt Dam Busters Tour
Matilija Coalition formed
County Resolution -
1998
Study begins on dam removal
BEACON Resolution -
1978
Dam notched second time -
1973
Study on littoral processes highlights impact to beaches -
1965
Bechtel safety study condemns dam safety - dam is notched to 65% capacity -
1959
Casitas Municipal Water District assumes responsibility -
1952
Reservoir filled - county sued -
1949
Fish kill behind dam due to stagnant/hot water -
1948
March 14 - dam completed - study estimated 39 years before siltation would eliminate capacity
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1947
Mr Harold E Burket, architect - warns County Supervisors of alkali-reactive aggregate -
1946
June 18 - construction begins -
1945
County Bond issue passed - cost for Matilija to be $682,000 -
1941
Corps of Engineers Study - concludes that Matilija would not provide adequate benefits to be cost effective (flood control & water supply) -
Prior to 1940
Steelhead/salmon population and other wildlife/natural resources

Buried Treasure - Hanging Rock
As Matilija reservoir slowly filled with water in 1948-1952, a Ventura County landmark was submerged. The Hanging Rock of Matilija Canyon, also referred to as Overhanging or Leaning Rock, was enjoyed for decades by residents and visitors to the resort at Matilija Hot Springs, located closely downstream. Historical photos reveal that Hanging Rock survived the blasting necessary for construction of the dam, and it now lies deeply buried beneath a half-century of fine silt deposits near the dam. Hanging Rock will one day be resurrected as sediment is removed for the deconstruction of Matilija Dam, and future generations will again be able to enjoy this historical landmark.
Postcard of Hanging Rock, ca. 1900